Yikes! Mothers Day is just a few days away. This holiday is similar to Valentines Day you simply do not want to contemplate the consequences of forgetting the date or having it slip by you. Of course, many places sell Mothers Day cards and homemade cards from kids are always a sure hit. But where and what to get for mom is always a big question. And dont forget to plan something special to do with your mom, wife or grandmother on Mothers Day. A picnic, brunch or dinner out is always appreciated, or treat her to a meal you and your family plan and prepare. No matter what, show her that you have some fun ideas for Mothers Day that you actually thought of ahead of time.

Last minute or not, you dont have to spend big bucks on the big day; Moms like plenty of things that do not cost anything such as a homemade gift certificate for extra chores, or a husband-and-children-devised plan for a special family outing, or a family hike or volunteer endeavor. And every mom loves cards and artwork created by their Matisse- or Rembrandt-inspired children. Of course, photos of grandchildren and children are always a huge hit as well. Artwork and photos can even be laminated and made into placemats for a unique gift. With supervision, having children prepare a breakfast or any other meal can be a fun gift, as long as mom is not left to clean up the aftermath.
If your mom does not really want or need anything, she might like a gift certificate to a spa, tennis camp, golf lesson or cooking class. You can even make up your own certificate to volunteer at her favorite charity with her or make a donation to her favorite cause.

However, if you do have even a little to spend on a gift for mom, below is a list of some ideas from a few Alexandria stores. In these uncertain economic times, if you are thinking of purchasing a Mothers Day gift, please consider supporting local businesses and restaurants.

Ace Hardware at 809 S. Washington Street has lots of fun things for Mothers Day. For $25 or less shoppers will find funny hostess aprons (I was Never Made to Work), Danielson Design Plaques (I have flying monkeys and am not afraid to use them) and soaps of Europe in a variety of scents. For $50 or less, mom might like a Picnic Time picnic basket, a Sports Mom canopy camp chair or a Handy Mom cordless drill. They also carry many styles of Scout Bags. (703-879-0475).

Arts Afire at 1117 King Street has beautiful one-of-a-kind hand-made glass jewelry from $20, or wonderful vases, soap pumps and oil jars in a myriad of patterns starting at $40. Another idea is Peggy Karr Glass Plates and serving pieces from $25 to $98. This artist also offers glass wall clocks at $75 and $80 in many patterns, including cats and dogs; Wonderful glass hearts in many patterns are available from $25 to $80. (703-838 9785).

Bellacara located at 1000 King Street has Tocca Travel Candles in Florence ($16) or BE Fragrance Pens ($45); Sugar Blossom Fragrance ($75); Sugar Lip Balm ($22). (703-299-9652).
Bloomers at 924 King Street has Voluspa Oversize Candles ($18); Havaianas Slim Flip Flops in Rose ($24) or Mary Green Camisole and Boy Short Set ($38.75). For a bit more they have the Eberjey Chemise ($66). (571-312-0852).

Chinoiserie at 1024 King Street has lots of ideas for mom including a Jill Bliss note/sketch book ($9.95); micro ballpoint pen/mechanical pencil ($10), Eau de Yosh sweet suite ($30, found only at few selected boutique stores) and Middle Kingdom porcelain vases. There is a wide array of vases that are stunning with floral arrangements or just as an art object. (703 402-1730).
Diva at 116 S. Pitt Street suggest giving mom a $100 gift certificate, which comes with a free green tote bag. (703-683-1022).

Hooray For Books at 1555 King Street has many fun books and things for mom for under $50 including Mommy Hugs, by Karen Katz, $7.99; My Mom and Me, by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, $7.99; The I Love You Book, by Todd Parr, $9.99; Ducks in a Row: The Quacky Strategy Strategy Game, $13.00; The Family Book, by Todd Parr, $15.99; I Love You More, by Laura Duksta, $16.99; Mama Says, by Rob Walker, $16.99; Momma Loves Her Little Son, by John Carter Cash, $16.99; Cupcake Making Tool Kit for Kids, $20.00; Whats Gnu?: The 3-Letter Learning Game, $21.00; Mother Nature Gift Set, $28.90: Bug Bottle, $13.95, Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Louv, $14.95. (703 548-4092).

Hysteria at 125 S. Fairfax Street has a number of recommendations including: My Agenda from Mom Agenda $22, which goes through the first week of January 2010 (in ivory and brown); BloomBox – $25 seeds to plant in an adorable miniature hat box with the flower of the seeds on top; Orla Kiely Travel Journal $17. Or, for a bit more, the store recommends Orla Kiely Address book $33; Passport Covers $42; Grey Pebble Leather Designs Guild Card Case $32, Bright Colored Pebble Leather Trifold Wallet $94; Bright Aqua Pebble Leather Zipper Wallet $85. (703-548-1615).

Jakes of Old Town – LIFE IS GOOD at 103 King Street has Life is good T-shirts, Diner Mugs, Chill Caps, Flower Watering Can and Garden Tote Bags. (703-299-4663).

La Formagerie: A Cheese Shop at 1222 King Street, suggests custom-made cheese boards serving 4-6 people, which includes five different cheeses, fruits, nuts and crackers ($40). (703-862-7157).
Pacers at 1301 King Street has many things that athletic moms will appreciate such as running caps, Asics Kayano wool socks, Nike yoga/pilates mat, Timex watches, Superfeet Orthodics, Moving Comfort running bras, Nike Perfect Fit Pants, foam rollers as well as select running or walking shoes and a Polar F4 Heart Rate Monitor. (703-836-1463).

Random Harvest at 810 King Street has accents for the home at a wide range of prices. (703-548-8820).

Silver Parrot at 113 King Street has sterling silver earrings starting at $9.95, sterling silver lockets on a box chain for $49.95 or sterling silver blue topaz and mother of pearl earrings for $89.95. (703-549-8530).

Ten Thousand Villages at 915 King Street has gifts for your mother from around the world including the book Mama, Do You Love Me?, an award-winning tale of a mothers enduring love set among the Inuit people of Alaska. $7. Other suggestions include white-on-white paper photo frames from Bangladesh, which holds a 5×7 photo ($20); Mother and child statue carved from pink and white kisii stone from Kenya, 7 tall ($34); Black beaded silk jacquard purses from Vietnam ($38); Cascading pearl necklace/choker, pink and off-white cultured pearls from Peru ($88) and lots of different earrings and scarves. (703-684-1435).
Torpedo Factory at 100 North Union Street has gifts at various prices in the various studios, including multiple artforms. (703-838-4565).

At the end of the day Sunday, whether you gave your mother a tangible gift or just showed her you cared, she will be happy to feel loved, appreciated and remembered.