By the time you leave home for college or get your first job, your mom will have a box full of pictures in silver frames, lots of handmade cards, and what not. She will definitely cherish all these things but once you're grown up and living independently you should think about getting mom something nice. Here are a few simple mothers' day gift ideas.
Flowers
Flowers are a good gift but once they wilt, there isn't anything for mom to keep as a keepsake of the gift. If you really want to give mom a gift that she still has a memory of years latter but you can't think of anything except flowers then be ready to spend big and make sure your flowers come in a nice vase that mom gets to keep once the flowers die. Everyone gives flowers but going the extra mile and making a real presentation out of it is the real thing. The downside to this gift is that a lot of money is needed to make the gift happen. A cheaper solution would be to take a picture of the flowers and have it framed for her, but that will add to her picture collection.
Cards
Making a mothers day card was tradition when you were in school and you probably just sent mom an e-card once your computer took over your life but cards aren't what mom is looking for on mothers day. As kids grow up, moms get touchy about whether or not they'll still be a part of your life and sending cards seems cold. Go and visit her or give her a call if you can't make the trip. And if you think a gift card is a good idea, you need to think again. Not only is it just something your mom might never get around to using but it also tells your mom the exact price in dollars and cents that you put on your love.
Mothers day gift baskets
Lots of moms get gift baskets and it's a good gift for mom. She gets to enjoy something she really likes; try mother's day fruit baskets or fruit bouquets that come in keepsake containers so mom will always remember the gift. Make sure you know where the gift basket is coming from. If the quality isn't good, your mom might just take it the wrong way. Try to find gift basket stores near you or where your mom lives and place an order through them. Buy from reliable brands; if you're getting a food themed basket make sure it doesn't have something your mom might be allergic to.