Make the thought count

Claudia Calleja's last-minute gift guide to Mother's Day

It's Mothers' Day tomorrow and you just realised you did not get anything to celebrate the woman who brought you into the world.

It's probably too late to get her a gift which has her name etched on it but there is still time to get her something as a token, showing that you care.

Although most mums are willing to argue that "the thought counts", let's face it - she deserves more than a mental moment.

Strolling through Valletta's Republic Street, wearing mothers-day lenses, reveals that you do not need to spend a fortune to put a smile on your mum's lips tomorrow.

Leading perfumeries offer a range of scents to pick from and some very decent perfumes cost under €25. If you would rather go for the high-profile brands, opt for a body lotion which you can get for round about that price.

People often forget that their mother is, first and foremost, a woman who enjoys feeling and looking good. That's where make-up comes into the gift-list.

Long-lasting lipsticks, or those with moisturising qualities, come in attractive packaging while a light-reflecting concealer is something practical and fun to use by make-up standards.

A compact mirror might also be an idea so, each time she pulls it out of her handbag to re-touch her make-up, she will think of you.

Pampering gifts are always welcome and you can book her a spa treatment, manicure and pedicure for about €80. If you have a smaller budget, go for a home pampering kit, containing creams and oils, which you can get from body care shops and pharmacies for under €30.

If you are willing to spend more on your mum, how about a membership for yoga or other fitness classes or, perhaps, a pool-side membership at some resort for the summer - especially if you too are a parent and your child will be spending most of the summer days with nanna.

Another idea, if your mother likes summer, is opting for a beach bag and, perhaps, a matching hat and beach towel. A pair of beaded summer flip flops can make a nice gift, or take her out to shop for a comfortable pair of orthopaedic, but fashionable, shoes.

Clothes are always an option. You might want to go for a basic, such as a plain top or cardigan she can mix and match or a trendy item she would never pick for herself but you know would suit her.

Most clothes and accessory shops also have a range of costume jewellery to pick from and add colour and sparkle to your mother's wardrobe.

Of course, then there is the non-costume jewellery so, if you have extra cash to spend, why not treat her to a pendant or bracelet.

Clothes vouchers are also an option especially if she has a favourite shop. You can also get book vouchers or go for the actual book - be it a novel, a collectable or, say, a cookery book.

If your mother is house-proud she might like a nice centre piece or a plant. And, for a more animated gift, why not adopt a puppy or kitten for her - so long as you know she has space for the pet in her life.

And, speaking about time, there is nothing mums love more than precious time spent with their children.

So organise a special evening together by, for example, buying tickets to a play, dance or event and going with her.

One last thing. Before you head out to the first shop that has an empty parking spot in front of it, make sure you get her something she can and will use... If not, you might as well just limit yourself to "the thought".