Mother's Day Gifts Buying Guide

Moms deserve a gift, and Mother's Day is a chance to show the mother figures in your life just how much you care. How do you select the right gift among a variety of gifts for moms? You know how to buy Mother's Day gifts that she'll thank you for and never use, but do you know how to buy Mother's Day gifts that she'll love and use every day? By getting to know your mom, you can choose the right gifts for moms this year. What type of mom do you have? Knowing her interests, hobbies, tastes and style will help you find a gift that won't just sit in a drawer. Does she like to work, travel or garden? Does she like to read and dream of taking a well-deserved vacation? Read on for the top Mother's Day ideas for every type of mom.

Buying Mother's Day Gifts:

1. The working mom: She works and she plays, but she always has time for her family. Your mom is a busy woman. With meetings and picking up the dry cleaning and the kids, her days are planned well. Gifts that help her stay organized and happy during the day will save her time and keep her stress-free. Laptops, PDAs, cell phones, designer handbags, spa gift baskets and digital picture frames are all great choices for the working mom.

2. The domestic mom: She's been there for you every step of the way, and she probably made your bed for you more than you let on. Give your stay-at-home mom something she'll use. It can make cleaning easier, give her a moment to relax or remind her of fun family time. Choose from luxury bedding, stainless steel appliances and state-of-the-art cookware.

3. The stylish mom: She stays up with fashion, and you can bet you were a well-dressed kid. Whether she stays at home or has joined the workforce, this mom looks fantastic. If you want to wow Mom with the perfect gifts, find her anything designer, designer, designer. Jewelry is always a god choice for stylish moms. Designer handbags, shoes and perfume will also delight her. Matching accessories like belts and scarves will show your mom how much you know about her style. Remember that stylish moms also have stylish homes, so if you're still unsure of what to get your cute mom, look at her home for inspiration.

4. The natural mom: She loves nature and respects the environment. She loves to relax and treasures unique gifts that are as individual as she is; give this natural mom handcrafted gifts with a card you made yourself. Organic cotton clothing, yoga clothes, meditation accessories, tea pots, handcrafted handbags and potted plants will impress your eco-friendly mom.

5. The crafty mom: Crafty moms love hands-on fun, whether they are creating handmade cards or adding to children's scrapbooks. These moms will love and use any Mother's Day gift that will help them make or organize their crafts. Consider giving her a new sewing machine, a work table, craft organizing containers, art supplies, quilting and sewing books or beading and jeweler's tools.

6. The sports mom: Mom loves a good game as much as Dad, and more often she'd rather be playing than watching. For sporty moms like this, find Mother's Day gifts that reflect her favorite teams, sports and players, even if Little League is her favorite. Sports equipment is a great choice, as are MP3 players and exercise equipment.

7. The gardening mom: Gardening moms are unique women; they love to play in the dirt and watch things grow. Help them cultivate this pastime with great Mother's Day gifts that honor them and their hobby. They'll love gardening gifts and live plants. Choose from gardening tool belts, gardening aprons, stools, flower baskets, watering cans, flower jewelry, wide-brimmed hats and patio furniture.

8. The pet-loving mom: She loves pets and she loves you; pet-loving moms have a lot of love to give. Give her some in return with pet-themed Mother's Day gifts chosen just for her. Look for pet carriers, pet-themed picture frames, pet supplies, pet-friendly plants and animal-print home accessories.

9. The traveling/adventure-seeking mom: Mom loves to see the world. Help her discover new places with adventurous Mother's Day gifts, such as high-quality luggage, camping equipment, GPS navigation, comfortable travel clothes, world maps, travel books and weekend getaways.

10. The new mom: Motherhood is just beginning for this new mother, and she doesn't want to miss a thing. Help her capture every moment with a digital camera or help her celebrate with birthstone jewelry and motherhood pendants. Surprise a new mom with a rocking chair, a Mother's Day spa gift basket, a luxurious bathrobe and photo albums. She's busy with a baby, so give her a day off. Whip up some "day-off" coupons to add to your gift.