Birthday Gift Ideas for a Mother

• Big or small, wrap it nice for Mom. Tooga/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  Every mother-child relationship is different, just as every mother is distinctive. Whether you're celebrating a young or older mom, a new mother or experienced caregiver, celebrate her birthday with a special gift.

Special Recording

• Children grow and change quickly, so preserve a special moment in time by giving mom a recording of her young child's voice. Visit a make-your-own stuffed animal store and include a voice chip with a special recorded message to Mom from her child. This provides Mom with a one-of-a-kind buddy that never grows up.

Handprints

• Little handprints can be preserved on a variety of items. Create unique wall art or garden stones using children's handprints. Easy-to-use kits for these items are available at most craft stores and some gift shops. Use fabric paint to add children's handprints to aprons, tote bags, towels and potholders. Visit a local create-your-own pottery store and add the child's signature to a platter, pitcher or bowl.

Time

• Give Mom the gift of time with a night out or a day off. Older children can take care of household chores for the day. Dad can hire a trusted babysitter for younger children and take Mom out, or Dad stays in with the kids and arranges a night out for Mom and her friends. Treat older mothers to a day together at the spa or dinner at an upscale restaurant. If Mom lives far away, send her a plane ticket to visit.

Chocolate Lovers

• Chocolate is a favorite treat of many mothers. Gourmet chocolate gift baskets can be found at online retailers, or visit a local candy store for a familiar chocolate treat. Don't want to overload Mom with edible chocolates? Create a chocolate-themed basket that includes a fun shirt with a chocolate sentiment, a chocolate cookbook and chocolate-scented candles or bath products.

Traditional

• For a traditional mother, give a traditional gift. Proven favorites include jewelry, flowers, pajamas, perfume, bath and skin products, designer purses, a family photo and special collectibles.

Hobbies

• If Mom has a favorite hobby give her a gift she can play with. Does she love to exercise? Visit the local gym or sporting goods store for the latest in workout gear and equipment. If cooking is her passion, buy her a cookbook from her favorite cook, a fun apron, a recipe holder, the latest kitchen gadget or cooking lessons with a popular local chef.