Gifts for Mom

Besides getting something for your own mom this Mother's Day, it's highly likely you'll be involved in selecting something for your mother-in-law and maybe a grandmother or two. One thing's for certain: Mom doesn't want you to break the bank to do something for her this year. Here are some affordable ideas that are fun and practical:

*Magnet message just for mom

The "Mom Rocks" magnet shown here is an allowance-friendly option. For six bucks, Mom gets an uplifting message for the fridge to remind her of your admiration. This cute magnet is by Birmingham artist (by way of Belgium) Veronique Vanblaere, Vero for short. She is founder of Naked Art, a gallery at 3815 Clairmont Avenue. Naked Art is fun gallery that is straightforward enough for kids and husbands. No art appreciation lecture is required here; the items are functional and just plain happy.

Note: This is indeed a recycled jar lid. Imagine if you could have refashioned all the jar lids you've disposed of just since you had kids. You'd have a monument from the spaghetti sauce alone!

*Sketch of the kids

What is more personal than an image of the ones we love most? Mom already has beautiful professional photos (who among us hasn't written a big check or even paid in installments for a fabulous portrait?). Now give her an artist's rendering of a special memory.

Sometimes the most unforgettable moments are those when we have our camera in hand and manage a casual snapshot. Those first steps, the gap-tooth smile, and sleepy time are the shots that Mom is best able to capture.

Turn a simple print or digital photo into something extraordinary with an artist's rendering.  This sketch was created by artist Ursula Stroebel from a snapshot. As you can see from the original photo, the sketch is an excellent reproduction, but the artist's touch elevates it to something much more distinctive and timeless. You can have one created for your mom or yourself for $50; the artist, who was introduced to me by a friend, has generously offered this special price for BirminghamMoms. Each additional child in the same sketch is $5; contact the artist directly at ustroebel@yahoo.com and mention BirminghamMom to receive this offer through May 2009.

Planter for Mom's patio or deck

Instead of fresh flowers, invest in a patio container she can enjoy for years to come. These containers are sturdy mexican pottery large enough for a single specimen, a collection of blooms and foliage, or herbs.

Small- to medium-sized pots start around $55 at Frontera (Old Hwy 31 in Hoover and 3rd Ave. South downtown). 

The biggest factor with a container is transporting it. If the mom you have in mind is an avid gardener or has definite ideas about her landscape, she will want to determine where it is placed. If she doesn't have time for yardwork but would appreciate a dose of seasonal color, surprise her with this planter - already filled - on the corner of her porch or deck. All she'll have to do is water it, and perhaps that won't be too much trouble since most of the work has been done.

You'll have to fill and plant it at her house since it will be too heavy to move once it's full. Grandmothers who no longer have the elbow grease for planting generally love to tend an established plant and it can be therapeutic to watch an ever-changing live plant and be reminded of an affectionate family. Since this is a project that can require heavy lifting, it's a natural to assign it to he husband (especially if it's for his mom!).

Mom can enjoy any of these gifts without worrying that you've spent your hard-earned money frivolously. Isn't saving a mom from worry a gift in itself?