Great Gifts For Mom Under $30
Mother's Day often presents a two-sided issue; while it's a welcomed occasion to honor mom -- which of course you do all year long -- the holiday also calls for a phenomenal gift, something different yet useful and unlike anything you've given her before, and truth be told, not too pricey. Forget the fancy candy, immense flower bouquet, or ubiquitous champagne brunch (although eating is always fun). This year she deserves something a bit more contemporary and tailored for a mom as extraordinary as the one you have.
Camera Bags
Is mom the photographer in the family, or does she carry a camera other than her cell phone around with her just about everywhere she goes? If the answer is "yes," a comfy bag to keep her camera handy and safely close by. In today's digital world a photographer's eye needs her camera ready for that unexpected, yet fleeting, perfect shot, and can not spend time searching in her handbag for it. Fortunately and surprisingly, good quality, right sized camera bags under $30 are easy to find, with a variety of dimensions to select the one mom would choose herself.
Unique Jewelry Holders
Most women would enjoy having a unique, attractive, and tidy method of storing their jewelry that is way above the ubiquitous padded boxes that sat on their mothers' dresser tops years ago. Nowadays, attractive and functional jewelry rolls, ring bowls, jewelry display hangers and stands, organizers, and gorgeous jewelry boxes are the modern way to go. You can find an array of jewelry holders and organizer styles that are pretty and unique, including many priced under or around $30.
Pedometers
Does your Mom do a daily run or goes to the gym regularly, and loves the latest in technology? Sounds like she has an active lifestyle and takes care to look and feel her best. A new pedometer may be a perfect gift for mom, to either replace her old one or gift her with her first digital walk companion. Some pedometers track more than just the steps taken and distance traveled, they can also track calories burned, measure activity versus inactivity, sleep quality, overall pace, and more. While there are many different kinds of tracking devices that can range in price, you can find simple ones for under $30. This can be the perfect introduction to tracking activity for Mom.
Related: Mother's Day Gifts For Techy Moms
Mother's Day Botanical Garden Tours
There are oodles of beautiful Botanical Gardens in cities large and small, and several are free to residents, or low cost, and for moms on Mother's Day admission is generally free/discounted. Across the nation, some Botanical Gardens offer Mother's Day Brunch or other perks to let mom know how special she is and how she stands out even among the stunning plants and flowers; and after all, it's all about spending the day together. Inquire about docent tours that are wonderful introductions to the Gardens, particularly for a first visit. Cost and events vary depending on location, Free – $20.
Check out some of the Botanical Gardens around the nation for specific Mother's Day and general event details: Atlanta Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Huntington Gardens, Miami Beach Botanical Garden, Naples Botanical Garden, or the San Francisco Botanical Garden.
Melanie Graysmith is a writer, artist and educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She writes on adult education, art and culture, business, and lifestyle topics, and enjoys writing short stories and poetry. She is also a part of the Bay Area independent film community. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.