Need Ideas for Mother`s Day Gifts

You know, the one mother's day gift my mom still keeps on her bookshelf was one I did when I was probably about 4 years old -

Take a styrofoam cup and let the kids decorate it w/ markers, paint, glue thingies, whatever, then put that artificial flower/moss stuff in it, make a flower out of construction paper and a straw & glue a picture of the kid's face to it, and on the back side put Happy Mother's day, and then stick the straw in the cup. I even think it has some cutesy saying the teacher wrote on it, too - like "Bloom where you're planted" or something.

It's simple and cheap and I swear, it is still my mom's favorite.

Hi, A.,
I used to provide home childcare, too!
Now I'm doing child portrait photography. Please check out my website, www.freewebs.com/janemaus . You can also check out reviews of my work on this site.
I'd be willing to do the children's portraits for $15 each, if you could give the moms my brochure. I'll spend plenty of time with the kids, getting several shots, edit the images, and give you the 5x7 prints in a matter of days.
Let me know if you're interested, soon, so we can schedule a time! This is a busy season for me...I'd just love to help you out!
--J. M.
J. M. Photography

Check out the fun novelty photo gifts at Snapfish.com. Actually, any of the online photo sites (even Walmart.com) should have them. Things like mousepads, mugs, etc. My in-laws are avid card-players, so I'm thinking of getting them decks of cards with the kids photos on them.

I don't have any fancy suggestions and I'm sure this is something you've probably already done ... but anything with handprints ALWAYS melts this momma's heart ... even still w/ my 6 year old. Even as much as take their handprints, cut them out, glue to paper and make a handprint boquet or something. www.familyfun.com always has GREAT ideas! :-)

That's sweet of you to do this for your mommies!!! I would be greatful!

You could make a scrapbook type page. Use pretty acid-free (acid-free keeps the pictures from fading later) paper in regular 8.5x11 in size (they're 2 for $1 at Hobby Lobby right now). Make the picture of the child the focal point...it doesn't have to sit in the center of the paper. Use cut out letters or sticker letters to spell out the child's name. For older kids, have them make some pretty artwork and cut it out and paste it on the paper around the picture. For babies, make a hand and foot print on separate paper and paste it on opposing corners of the picture. Add some pretty decorations to finish it up...cut out paper flowers, or use some pretty stickers/embellishments.

I did this with a picture of my son for Christmas...it took about 10 minutes.

A., my company (Grant Laser Designs) can engrave photos on virtually any of our products (photo albums, scrapbooks, marble or wood plaques, etc. and we also do personalized picture frames in sizes from 3.5 x 5 on up) I'd be happy to give you some ideas and designs if you're interested. You can find us at www.grantlaserdesigns.com or you can e-mail me at ____@____.com. I'd love to help out!