Consider this: motherhood is perhaps the most difficult, exhausting, demanding job in the world. Yet for all that, it is a job that is too often taken for granted. Mother’s Day is an opportunity for all of us to show our gratitude and appreciation for the woman who brought us into the world, who bandaged our cuts, held us when we were frightened, and even gave us a smack on the rear when we got out of line. There are all kinds of Mother’s Day gifts we can present to this lady whom we can never fully repay – but whatever that gift turns out to be, it should something that both reflects the personality of the giver and the tastes of the recipient. After all, who knows your mother like you? And who knows you better than your mother?

One Mother’s Day gift that is sure to please is the gift of gourmet chocolate. This ancient gift from the Mayan civilization of southern Mexico and Guatemala is not only tasty, the consumption of it releases endorphins in the brain – pleasure-producing chemicals – and provides anti-oxidants and other health benefits as well. If she appreciates a good cup of afternoon tea, perhaps a special tea pot and a customized cup, along with a collection of exotic teas from around the world is in order. If your mother has been drinking plain pekoe-and-pekoe from a cardboard box all her life, Mother’s Day may be just the time to introduce her to the wonders of Earl Grey, Oolong, Jasmine and that spicy East Indian blend, Chai.

Theme-based gifts are another was to go. What are Mom’s interests? Is it cross-stitching or needlepoint, or something more adventurous like biking or tennis? If Mom is staying active as she gets older (and that’s a good thing to encourage), you might consider one of the mothers day gift baskets that include items relating to her favourite sport. Nothing expresses love more than presenting the mom who bicycles or simply enjoys brisk walks with safety items such as a rear-view mirror and a special reflective vest to make sure she’s visible when out and about.

Gift certificates and tickets to an event she may enjoy – a concert or a Broadway road production, for example – are also welcome on Mother’s Day. The great thing about gift certificates is that it shows that you were thoughtful enough to allow her to choose her own unique Mothers Day gifts – items you both know she’ll enjoy. These can be included in a presentation gift basket that is attractive and contains additional items such as those mentioned above. Just remember, whatever you choose to give is not nearly as important as the thought and feeling that goes into it.