OK, one day you do NOT want to forget is Mother's Day.  It's a day all Moms and Grandmothers look forward to and a day to honor the lady you call Mom or Grandma. While fresh flowers and candy are always a good idea, sometimes shaking things up and thinking outside the box (stores) can get you a, "gee you are so creative with your gifts," followed by a big hug,  "thank you" and "I love you."

Here are 5 gifts that would always surprise my Mom:

  • Plants, Trees and Roses -- Take Mom to a local greenhouse to pick out a rose bush or tree.  And if you plant it for her on Mother's Day, this will make her day even more special.  I did this for my Mom years ago with a butterfly bush and even though I don't have my Mom anymore, I do have the memory of the butterfly bush she picked out on a past Mother's Day.
  • Picture Framing -- Does Mom have a favorite cross stitch, picture, painting or maybe something that would fit in a shadow box?  Getting that item professionally framed at a local custom picture framing shop will be something she will always remember when she looks at her walls.  To save money, support local picture frame shops in the Binghamton area; don't fall for those gimmick craft store coupons that have huge markups and end up costing you way more after the coupon.  Not sure what to frame?  Get a gift certificate.
  • Spa Day -- Most Moms love to be pampered.  Get her a gift certificate to her favorite hair or nail salon or an awesome massage.  Pair that with a bottle of her favorite wine or some non-alcoholic bubbly.
  • Mother's Day Tickets -- There are so many shows coming to the Binghamton including Riverdance, Hamlet and Alice In Wonderland--all offering shows on Mothers Day.  You will have to give her the tickets on Saturday or early Mother's Day morning so she has some time to plan her day.  Click HERE for more information on these local shows from my recent post.
  • Concerts -- If Mom loves her country music, there are plenty of concerts in and around Binghamton.  Two of the most popular choices are the Toyota Country Lights Festival with Montgomery Gentry (with many more to be announced soon), here in Binghamton.  Click HERE for more info on the Toyota Country Lights Festival.  The Taste of Country Music Festival features more than 23 concerts in 3 days, June 10-12th in Hunter Mountain New York, including Kenny Chesney, Jake Owen, Kid Rock, Old Dominion, Gary Allan and more.  Click HERE for tickets and more information on the Taste of Country Music Festival and for more information on camping.

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms and please have a special day of memories!

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