Giving Back

If you pick one holiday out of the year in which you refuse to skimp, make it Mother's Day. Instead of dialing the closest florist, reserving a brunch table or making a beeline to the gift cards, show Mom you put a little thought into her day. Give her something she actually has to unwrap.

That gesture alone will surprise her. For real shock value, make it something she would never buy for herself or has fantasized about buying herself. Not sure what that consists of? Allow us to help. •

DRESS HER UP

Instead of taking mom to brunch, how about giving her something she can brunch in? This Teri Jon Silk Taffeta Shirt Dress ($438, Nordstrom), perfect for brunching, will please her more than any eggs Benedict can.

HYMN IN A BOTTLE

People have been giving Philosophy's Amazing Grace for Mother's Day for years. The beauty company's Mother's Day Gift Set ($65, Sephora), however, contains more than just perfume. Fragrance, shampoo, shower gel, bubble bath, body firming emulsion and a powder puff fill this package -- how sweet the sound, indeed.

SILVER SEDUCTION

Mom can always use another wallet, so how about giving one that adds a little flair to her accessories? Prada's Saffiano Metal Oro Flap Wallet ($395, Saks Fifth Avenue) with its metallic shine dazzles enough to leave the handbag behind.

RING THE ALARM

Mother of pearl may be the tradition on Mother's Day but that's the trouble -- been there, done that. Give mom a piece of jewelry that stands out in a good way with multi-band stripes in turquoise and lapis (Sterling Silver Enamel Ring, $32, Banana Republic).

SCENT OF A WOMAN

If a reliable gift such as perfume makes your Mother's Day list, choose a fragrance she'll be proud to display on her vanity. Penhaligon's new Collector's Edition Bottle of Artemisia ($345, Black Satin Intimates) retains a retro feel with its label and stopper.

CHARM HER

This one works for the new mom or the one with children old enough to afford such a pricey gift. The Platinum Aaron Basha Keepsake Charms (Baby shoes, $5,800; Diaper pin, $6,800, MJ Christensen) will inspire a chorus of coos -- and not from baby.

BRUSH IT OFF

She spent years brushing your locks, how about showing a little appreciation? Estee Lauder's Heritage Collection hairbrush ($50, Neiman Marcus) features 24-karat gold plating, boar hair bristles and a vintage design, making it just as beautiful as it is useful.

MIRROR, MIRROR...

She'll never look at herself the same with this Pop Garden compact mirror ($40, Brighton). The enameled floral ornamentation is almost as pretty as the image it will reflect.

DOWN TO EARTH

If you want to take the pressure off Mom, start with her feet. Put her in a pair of shoes that give her a break from the pumps but allow her to stand tall with style (St. John's Bay Sloane flats, $40, J.C. Penney).

RAISING BROWS

If Mom prefers functional gifts, she'll appreciate this one. The Anastasia All About Brows Kit ($75, Sephora) comes with everything she needs to perfectly tweeze and shape her brows into the coveted arch she always wanted, but didn't know how to get -- until now.

TAKING STOCK

Give this to the mom with an eye for fashion and a mind for business. For her, carrying a Coach bag won't cut it; she wants something she can really call her own, such as a piece of the company. Stock from her favorite designer or department store will make her day ($39 plus the price of stock as listed on the stock exchange, frames from $45 to $75, oneshare.com).

BEDAZZLED

Put a smile -- and a little color -- on her face with the Dior Dazzle Palette ($45, Sephora). Her lips, cheeks and eyes will sparkle in the bright tones.

NICE THROW

Mom is your number one source of comfort, so why not reciprocate a little? These Sofia Cashmere solid throws ($375, Saks Fifth Avenue) with their soft and lush touch serve just as well as a warm hug.

ALL IN ONE

Take care of Mom the way she took care of you -- completely. Kiehl's Mother's Day Collection ($47, Kiehl's) gives her everything she needs in the shower: Pear Tree Corner shampoo, conditioner hand and body lotion, liquid body cleanser and the Ultimate Strength hand salve.

GOOD TIMES

The name says it all. The mother of pearl-faced Aphrodite watch ($62, Chico's) exudes the same beauty as Mom and the Greek goddess from which it takes its name.

GETTING LIPPY

Decorate the same lips that uttered every piece of wisdom you hold on to today with Bobbi Brown's Limited Edition Lip Gloss Trio ($40, Neiman Marcus). Three glosses in peach, pink and petal along with a mod case will keep them tidy in her handbag.

LOOKIN' GOOD

On a budget? With these Attention and Jaclyn Smith sunglasses ($12.99 each, Kmart) you can give Mom a little style without breaking the bank. Each feature an oversized frame to protect her from the sun and ensure she still looks in fashion.

OIL IT UP

Bath oils may not sound like an extraordinary gift but bath oils from Jo Malone prove otherwise. The Jo Malone Bath Oil Collection ($72 for six 30-milliliter bottles, Jo Malone) features six different scents. If decisions make you crazy, this gift will give you the same satisfaction it gives her.

CUFF HER

For a piece of jewelry certain to put Mom -- or at least her wrist -- in the spotlight, you can't fail with a cuff. Make it a cuff from John Hardy, such as this one (Silver Kali Lavafire Cuff, $3,500, Saks Fifth Avenue) and you double your points.

OOH LA LA

Bath products from LaLicious smell so scrumptious users have to resist the temptation to put them in their mouths rather than on their bodies. Moms are certain to find the Wild Blackberry Collection Gift Set ($85, The Apothecary at Wynn Las Vegas), with its Sugar Souffle Scrub, absolutely delicious.

NIGHTIE NIGHT

Vera Wang may be known for the gowns she sends to chapels and red carpets but let Mom become familiar with another side of Ms. Wang. Her pajama collection boasts the same luxurious elegance you love in her dress designs. She won't want to slip out of the Cami Pajamas ($94, Nordstrom).

WITH CHILD

She carried you for nine months and held you as long as you'd let her thereafter. This M2 Design by Mary Margrill necklace (Mother and Child Pendant, $350, small, and $410, large, Neiman Marcus) with an abstract image of mother holding child, shows your appreciation for her.

BAG IT

A white tote will provide Mom with one of the hottest commodities this season. Not only does this one have style, the room inside can carry all her things and a lot more (Stuart Weitzman Cala small tote, $475, Stuart Weitzman).