By Gina Roberts-Grey

Every year we go in search of just the right way to show mothers, grandmothers, step-mothers, and motherly figures in our lives how much we care for and appreciate them. Messages touting endless appreciation for the many ways mom shows she cares will be delivered in person, via email or phone.
Finding the perfect way for you or your children to demonstrate love and affection on Mother’s Day is often a daunting task. Instead of opting for a bouquet, why not consider some gifts that honor mom on Mother’s Day and all year long?

Incorporating some unique gift ideas among the traditional methods lets mom know she’s cared for and gives you the chance to be creative. Adding a touch of your personality, style and flair to Mother’s Day gifts this year ensures all the moms in your family will enjoy them for a lifetime!Gifts for All Moms
A picture is worth a thousand gifts: Anna Novakowski of Valencia, California is planning on joining her mother, aunt and daughters for a Mother’s Day portrait.

“We’re getting all the moms and their children in our family together and having portraits done,” says Novakowski. “We’ll be able to put them in our home and admire our group of moms all year long.” If you can’t schedule a photo shoot in time for Mother’s Day, frame a gift certificate in a picture frame that can be used later for the family portrait.

Mammography’s for moms: “Every year my mom, my grandmother and I go for mammograms together a few days before Mother’s Day,” Jessica Schiavo of Elmhurst, Illinois proudly professes. Feeling fortunate to be able to celebrate Mother’s Day with many generations of her family this new mom believes that good health and awareness are gifts to be treasured.
A historical look at the mothers in your family: A subscription to genealogy software or magazines gives everyone the chance to learn about the generations of mothers you descended from. Celebrating the generations of mothers in your family allows you to spend time with your children as you teach them about their heritage, while you also have the chance to relax and learn about your extended and distant family members.

A bloomin’ good gift: This year Candy Ingram of Bettendorf, Iowa will commemorate Mother’s Day with flowers that will be enjoyed long after Mother’s Day. “All the moms in our family are receiving live plants, flowers or bushes,” says Ingram.
Selecting plants based on a favorite color or meaning, Ingram and her family will be able to enjoy the fruits of this gift for many years.

A Simple Note
Writing a heartfelt letter of love and appreciation to a woman who helped shape your life and ideals is a wonderful way to express genuine consideration on Mother's Day. Whether you're looking for a way to honor a grandmother, or your kids are trying to find a gift for their favorite aunt, a thoughtful letter that shares favorite memories or continued hope in the future is certain to warm the heart of the special mom in your life.

Gifts for Kids to Give
Remembering the basics: One of the first Mother's Day celebrations was held in Philadelphia on May 10, 1908. At the service, every participant was given a white carnation as a symbol of Mother's Day. Children can recreate this simple and touching act by making tissue paper carnations to give to the special people in their lives. By wrapping a green pipe cleaner around the middle of a few sheets of accordion style folded tissue paper or facial tissue, children can fluff the hand made carnations and add them to a gift, make a bunch for a table centerpiece, or leave a trail for mom to follow to the breakfast table the morning of Mother's Day.

Time off for Good Behavior
Aaron and Mackenzie Hamernik of Solvay, New York find that tasks such as setting the table or helping around the house are always appreciated by busy moms, grandmothers and aunts."We try to be good and not fight on Mother's Day to give our mom a day of quiet rest," shares the adorable pair of siblings. Making personalized place cards, tying ribbons around utensil groupings or cleaning a room without being asked are terrific opportunities for kids to give their mom a break and show how much they care.

A Floating Heart
Children love making crafty gifts as much as moms love admiring them. With the help and supervision of a trusted adult a child can make an adorable floating heart charm for his Grandmother, Godmother, Aunt or special female role model. Whether tied around a neck or hung on a door knob, this heart will remind mom she's loved long past Mother's Day.

Start a Tradition
Instead of purchasing gifts, giving mom a day off or the chance to take a family hike are great options for this year that can be carried on for several Mother's Days to come. Fun options such as letting mom chose the Mother's Day menu or select the weekend's activities are easy on a child's limited financial resources while they're also easy to organize.

A Feast for a Queen
The chance to treat mom to breakfast in bed is almost as appealing as making a mess in the kitchen for children. With child friendly recipes such as no-bake stuffed toast, mom's can sip on 'mom-osas' and enjoy a meal made with love by her children.

Gina Roberts-Grey is a freelance writer who lives with her family in Baldwinsville, NY.