Mother's Day gift guide

For a day that comes around every year, shopping for a Mother's Day gift can be a challenge. It's the busiest, most expensive day for buying flowers. And to get a reservation at your favourite restaurant means booking weeks in advance -- providing you remember to do it. Even if you're thinking about buying a gift well in advance, finding something that expresses the right sentiment or appeals to Mom's particular taste isn't always easy. And no matter how much you love her, a busy schedule can leave you scrambling at the last minute despite your best intentions. So we've done a little of the legwork for you. Here are 10 gift ideas mom is sure to love!

1 royaldoulton.com
Royal Doulton offers a wide range of china and porcelain gift ideas to match any taste or decor. You'll find everything from chintz to modern elegance. Delivery is available within Canada and to the U.S. and Britain as well. If something arrives in less than perfect condition, Royal Doulton will replace the item without question. And if for some reason the item just isn't what you're looking for, it can be returned within 21 days for a full refund, providing it's in good condition. Now that's service!
Our recommendation: Mother and Daughter Figurine ($171.50). Cast in pure white, it makes an easy addition to rooms of any style. And it's bound to make Mom nostalgic about everything from your first steps to last night's dinner.


2 birks.com
Birks.com is a great place to find something for the house -- or for the lady of the house. Renowned for its rich, elegant designs, Birks carries gifts that are sure to impress. And with 39 stores across the country, ordering online and getting your gift delivered in time for Mother's Day is easy.
Our recommendation: Ruby Red Crystal Ice Bucket ($150). If Mom has sophisticated, yet whimsical taste and loves to entertain, this ice bucket may be perfect. The mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal piece will add just the right flair to her next soirée.


3 kitchenstuffplus.com
It's the "Plus" that makes shopping at Kitchen Stuff Plus so much fun. You'll find every possible kitchen gadget -- practical or otherwise -- as well as lots of colourful yet classic gift items. The online store ships anywhere in Canada and the U.S. But if you're planning on shipping a gift to someone, they recommend you let the recipient know it's coming. If no one's home to sign for it, a notice will be left and the recipient will be responsible for arranging an appropriate delivery time.
Our recommendation: UMBRA Trapeze Frames ($40). They're a lovely way to present Mom with updated photos of the two of you, or give her a reason to display older photos that are hanging around in an old shoe box.


4 chapters.indigo.ca
For the avid reader, you're guaranteed to find something here. But the site also has a vast selection of other gift ideas for Mom, whether it's for her nightstand, dressing table, desk or garden. And if you choose something from the gift section, you can have it gift-wrapped in their signature blue box with beautiful white satin ribbon for an additional $4.95.
Our recommendation: Greetings that Grow ($12). Plants give Mom a chance to exercise her nurturing muscles without having to change diapers! The lovely metal bucket makes it perfect for a kitchen windowsill or side table in a sun room.


5 ikea.ca
Most items found in the IKEA catalogue can be ordered online. And orders can be shipped all across the country, whether big or small. But be advised if you're ordering large items that shipping and handling is determined by the weight and volume of your purchase.
Our recommendation: HEJ Tealight Holders ($0.45). Who says you have to spend a lot to brighten up Mom's day? A dozen or two of these tealight holders can add a little serenity to bathtime or a romantic ambience to dinner parties.


Page 1 of 2