Best Gifts For Mom

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

May 4, 1999 / 5:13 PM EDT / CBS

If you haven't a clue what to get for Mother's Day, don't despair. CBS News This Morning sought ideas from personal shopper Ariel Lawrence for all types, from outdoorsy mom to Cosmo mom, gardening mom or creative mom, or even mom-to-be.

What all women really want for Mother's Day is to be pampered, to relax and have a break from the daily routine. Here are some ideas guaranteed to work.

Shiseido's relaxing fragrance:
Includes an entire line of body products made from natural ingredients designed to relax the senses. Fragrances are rooted in the theory of aromacology, which explores the mind- body response to scents.
PRICE: $25 - $38
INFO: Available at major department stores
Robert Isabell candles:
Fill the room with the scent of fresh flowers in an array of scents.
PRICE: Shimmering Bath Lights $22 for set, Room Candles $38
INFO: Available at major department stores, or 800-ISABELL
Tony & Tina herbal aromatherapy lip balms:
Are part of a full makeup line that contains essential oils and herbs to stimulate the system. Balms include Energy Boost, Mind Boost and Sensual Boost.
PRICE : $10
INFO: Available at Urban Outfitters or www.tonytina.com or 888-TONYTINA
Spafinders:
Will help you find a spa anywhere in the world and offers gift certificates starting at $50 that can be used at 300 participating day spas nationwide. There's even one that sends someone in to clean the house while Mom is at the spa!
PRICE: $50+
INFO: 888-ALLSPAS or www.spafinders.com
Coupons You Can Make Yourself:
Create your own coupons good for cleaning the house, washing the car, walking the dog, breakfast in bed, eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, or a day off. They're a special treat and nice to include with any gift.

If your mom is the active, outdoors type, here are some ideas:

Dreamweaver Sleep Bag:
Is brand new from Sierra and is the first sleeping bag designed to be anatomically correct for women. It features extra baffling in the chest and hip areas, a closer fit for extra warmth and extra insulation in the toe and abdominal areas.
PRICE: $199
INFO: Available through altrec.com or 1-800-369-3949.
Wheeled duffle from Kipling:
Fits tons of stuff, is sturdy and a great value for the money.
PRICE: $189 - $199
INFO: 1-800-KIPLING or available at most major department and luggage stores.
Strength daypack from Kipling:
Can take a mom from day hikes to soccer games, and comes in lots of fun colors. Kipling bags are known for their durability.
PRICE: $75
INFO: 1-800-KIPLING or available at most major department and luggage stores.
Sunglasss from Robert Marc Opticians:
Are chic and glamorous, and include styles from Lunor as seen on celebrities including Uma Thurman and Brad Pit.
PRICE: $150 - $595
INFO: Available at Robert Marc Opticians 212-319-2000 or better optical stores nationwide.

Is your mom the Cosmo type? Here's an idea:

Messenger bag from JG Hook:
Is made of microfiber, sleek and modern looking, and has tons of compartments for Mom whether she is on the go to and from the office or just running around town.
PRICE: $35
INFO 1-800-648-6010 ext. 149 or at major department stores.

Not a mom yet? Here are gift ideas for the mother-to be.

Mother-to-Be Bath and Body Products:
A new line of safe, natural and effective pregnancy skin and body care products made with a natural ingredient found in mother's milk, lactoferrin, that provides antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
PRICE: $18.50 - $32.50
INFO: 1-877-SARAHJS or www.mother2be.com
Baby Genius CDs:
Studies have linked classical and instrumental music with enhanced brain development in infants and small children. The brain starts to develop in unborn children 10 days after conception. Baby Genius has developed a collection of classical and instrumental CD music compilations for unborn children, infants and small children.
PRICE: cost of an average CD
INFO: Available at Borders Books, www.borders.com or www.babygenius.com
The 2000 Phone from Sprint PCS:
Has a multilingual voice-activated mode and is programmable so all you have to do is say the name of the person you wish to call and the number is auto-dialed. Especially important for expectant mom to connect with family members and doctors.
PRICE: $149.99
INFO: Available at Radio Shack or 1-800-480-4PCS or www.sprintpcs.com

Does your mother enjoy gardening?

Heirloom gardening tools and accessories from Smith & Hawken:
Pruner, forged steel fork & trowel set, embroidered calfskin gardening gloves, raffia hat and gardening book.
PRICE: Pruner $69, fork & trowel set $45, hat $148, book $19.95
INFO: Smith & Hawken catalog 800-776-3336
State of the art sunscreen from Skinceuticals:
Is super light-weight and made with Z-Cote, a patented transparent form of zinc oxide for maximum sun protection. Mom can wear this everyday but should be extra careful of the sun when gardening.
PRICE: $28
INFO: 1-800-811-160 or www.skinceuticals.com or through skin care professional.

What about the creative mother?

Ralph Lauren paint technique kits:
Are perfect for the crafty mom. These kits come with all the tools that you need to create a variety of finishes including denim, chambray, linen, antiqued leather, aging and basic. Paint is sold separately.
PRICE: $60-70
INFO: Available exclusively at Home Depots nationwide or www.homedepot.com or call 1-800-379-POLO.

For the mom who loves to entertain:

Acrylic dinnerware from Pottery Barn:
Is perfect for summer entertaining and will sustain the wear and tear of outdoor dining.
PRICE: $8 - $20
INFO: Pottery Barn catalog or 1-800-922-5507

What any mom would love:

Freshwater Pink Pearl Collection:
Freshwater pearls, affordable and fun jewelry from Judith Jack.
PRICE: earrings $40.00; necklace $100.00 and up
INFO: Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, or Judith Jack 1-800-431-0017

Money's no object?
Pastel watches from Chaumet:
The only super high end gift on our list.
PRICE: $4,750.00
INFO: Saks Fifth Avenue or 1-800-827-7590