As a stay at home mother, it does not take much to highlight my day. Something out the ordinary occurring, other than waking up to children fighting or spilling all the cornflakes out of the container. You could say that I do not have high expectations for my day, as long as all children are dressed, I am showered and dressed and the kids get to school on time - I am fairly happy. Then starts the daily chores of maintaining our home, the one thing I most hate about being a stay at home mother.



The other day my day was made when unexpectedly my postie knocked on my door, now normally that would be enough because we do have a particularly good looking postie, but today was extra special because he had a parcel and it was addressed to me. ALL MINE. I had not ordered anything so it was a mystery. Now because these mysteries don't occur very often I wanted to savour the moment. I went and made myself a cuppa, sat at the table with a snack and proceeded to dissect the parcel. I did not want to shake it, it may have been fragile, it was not heavy and there were no easily identifiable markings on the outside as to where it had come from. I could not wait a moment longer.

I opened the parcel to find a beautiful piece of handmade jewellery, that my husband had purchased online. Just because, no special reason. I felt wonderful, loved and treasured. I told you it does not take much to make my day. So I quickly finished my daily chores, popped on my new handmade necklace, some make up and went up to the local shops to brag about my wonderful husband. I was the envy of all the women I ran into. Even if the necklace was not to their liking they were envious of what a thoughtful husband I had.

When my husband got home from work that night I asked him how he had attacked his plan. With the greatest of ease he said he just searched "handmade jewellery" on the internet, a whole range of sites came up it was just a matter of look and find the perfect piece. I asked him why handmade - he said that he wanted something unique to send me, something a little different from what everyone else had.

He knew I loved little surprises in my day, so buying something over the internet served several purposes. One it was quick and easy for him to fit into his busy schedule. There is such great selection on the internet he was able to find a great gift for a great price and lastly, it would be delivered so I would be surprised.

It all worked, I had not suspected a thing. What a wonderful way of letting a spouse or loved one know how much you care or just that you were thinking of them.

As I had enjoyed my surprise so much the next day I got on the internet and searched for the perfect present for my sister who lives in another state. As we do not live close we do not get to share lunches and coffees with one another. So I thought I too would search for a handmade item, maybe a fashion handbag. Something she can use every day and when she does she will know that I am thinking about her. I found a great site that had a range of unique gifts, one just right for what I wanted. Best of all I didn't need to make time to go to the post office as the parcel is just delivered straight to her. You just give them the delivery details - too easy.

My sister rang me when she received her parcel; she too had enjoyed her surprise. It was just so easy to make her day and really not expensive either, but I had never thought to search the internet for inexpensive handmade gifts. The internet certainly makes shopping a much easier experience especially for people with kids.

Set up the kids before you start searching, get the Lego or play doh out, get some pencils ready for colouring or pop on a DVD. The kids will be entertained and you will be amazed how easily you find what you are after.

I might go and pop my necklace on and head down the shops again, it's my time to brag about my wonderful husband.