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Mother’s Day is right around the corner

Mother’s Day is a little over a week away (Sunday, May 11) and since she raised you and probably brought you into the world, it’s a day to celebrate her. But how many knick-knacks can she possibly have (or cram onto a shelf)? Why not do something helpful and heartfelt? If you’ve got little ones (and dad’s and big siblings I’m talking to you here!) they will enjoy (and mom will treasure) making something for mom instead of buying her the standard trinkets, chocolates, flowers, etc. (though, those are nice too!)

A few ideas from personal experience and from others are below. What’s your favorite personalized gift idea for mom?

Without further ado… the ideas…

1.) As a child, my Girl Scout troop spent an entire meeting pressing our hands into pie pans filled with acrylic paint in bright colors and then placing our painted handprints into plain color carpet bath rugs (or inside door mat size). They dried and by the next day (and for us the next meeting) they were ready to go home and wrap. Fairly cheap to make and priceless for mom. My mom still has hers in our house with my 5-year-old handprints pressed in for a lifetime.

2.) From Marisa comes this idea: “It used to be the tradition in my family, when my mom still gardened, that my dad would take her to the nursery and she could pick out a new shrub/tree etc.” That type of idea can be used in many ways. If mom gardens, the above works just fine. If not, find something she’s interested in and let her pick out an related item or accessory. She’ll be happy and you won’t have to worry about what to get her as much.

3.) From Katie comes a great idea for dad’s (or children old enough to do it): “My dad one year washed every piece of laundry in the house ( a lot of loads) so my mom was all caught up, which lets face it never happens.” What mom wouldn’t love to come home to find her most daunting bit of housework already done for her? Whether it’s laundry, dishes, washing windows, whatever, it’s sure to be appreciated. Just make sure that whatever you do is done to her standards so she doesn’t secretly go back and re-do it all when you aren’t looking.

4.) It’s a fact. If it comes from your heart, there’s a really good chance that mom’s going to love it. If you’re broke, or really young, make her something. Whether it’s a card, a cheesy coupon book (for things like “1 night of doing the dishes”, “Cleaning my room without complaining”, “Hugs!”) a work of art, whatever. It will be a cherished memory for mom.

And if all else fails, spend some quality time with her. Help her cook dinner some night. Work in the garden with her. Go shopping together. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make mom happy.

What are you planning to do or have you done in the past for Mother’s Day?

Next time: Gift ideas for those shopping from afar… or with limited time.

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Luck be a… teddy bear?

In the spirit of both kids and holiday decorating… Build-a-Bear has added an shamrock teddy bear to its’ offerings this spring.

shamrock teddy bear The “Lucky Fur You” teddy is $10 and can be left plain or you can choose from several festive St. Patrick’s Day themed outfits and accessories.

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day to all you Tricks and Treats readers out there! I hope Cupid’s arrow strikes just right for you and your Valentines!

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Take a deep breath, you’ve got all weekend to be in love

Even though Valentine’s Day is officially Thursday, with it falling on a weekday, people can celebrate all weekend long. If you’re headed out Thursday for your Valentine date you’re probably a little too late to get a reservation, but you can always try something unconventional. Order a pizza, cook dinner for two, or try a restaurant that’s off the beaten path. As long as you’re both happy, it doesn’t even have to be someplace fancy.

If you’re together, even McDonald’s or White Castle can be romantic!

If you’re headed out this weekend you may still have a shot at great reservations. Check out our expert’s picks for romantic dining in the area.

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You’ve got a few hours left to order your flowers

If you’re ordering flowers for your Valentine to be delivered tomorrow and you haven’t done so yet, you better order them on your lunch break today (that’s code for right now!). Most area florists require you to order them by this afternoon (Most by around 2 p.m.) to guarantee delivery the next day. Be careful, many of them may already be overbooked for tomorrow.

So, if you’re still hunting the best deal or you need a florist to use, check out this handy guide to area flower shops and what their prices and delivery options are.

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Loving someone with all your heart takes on a whole new meaning

From Kristyn at the Pop Culture Madness blog, a whole new twist on giving someone your heart for Valentine’s Day. It’s a vase, modeled after a real heart (as in the organ).

That’s a little bit disgusting. Though I’m sure some roses would look lovely in it… not.

I guess if you’re both doctors (especially cardiologists) it could be a good gift?

Anyway, click for a picture and link to buy the vase (you know, if you are a cardiologist)

See the “heart” vase

I’ll post about real gift and celebration ideas later on.

1 day left!

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Personalized V-Day gifts

Nothing says romance like a cookie-cutter gift right? Wrong. So instead of just getting the basic necklace or a watch, why not personalize something?

While many Web sites offer personalized products, there is often a wait to receive them. However, today (Monday) is the last day to order things from Things Remembered’s site and have them delivered by Thursday.

But if that’s what you’re looking for, you can buy most of their items (except for embroidered items) in the store and have them personalized in a few hours time for your sweetie. (Find a store)

Here’s a few ideas for her: Make her eyes (and her neck!) sparkle with a personalized 2-piece heart necklace or capture your favorite moment together in a Pink “I Love You” picture frame.

And a few for him: A personalized pocket watch is a classy and classic choice for the man in your life. Eliminate the variety of items in his pocket with a versatile mutli tool. It’s a money clip, a knife, a bottle opener, scissors a file and more, and it’s all his.

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