Mother's Day: Pick her gift to go with her personality!

Is your mom a fitness freak, or does she have a green thumb? Is she glam, artistic or musically inclined? Here are some Mother's Day gifting suggestions for you to consider depending upon her personality!

Glamour Mom

If your mom is a fashionista who loves the good things in life, there's nothing she would like better than some retail therapy. A coveted designer handbag, an exotic sari, makeup -- she's sure to appreciate things that go with her image.

You could, in fact, treat her to a shopping experience and have her pick out whatever she likes by way of a new outfit -- shoes, belt, accessories, garments -- so that you've gifted her a whole new ensemble.

Glamour Mom may also appreciate some tasteful jewellery, or a day trip to the spa to get pampered with beauty treatments, if your budget allows for it. Sure, it's on the steeper side price-wise, but then she's pampered you all your life, hasn't she? It's time to return the favour!

Does she attend weekly aerobic classes or work out at a gym with Meena Aunty from next door?

If your mom is the fitness-oriented type, there would be nothing she likes better than a yearly membership at a health club. You could also invest in a treadmill or an exercise bike so that she can exercise at home on the days she doesn't feel like heading out.

As add-ons, some fitness gear like trackpants and sneakers should do nicely. Remember, all women young and old, love any excuse to buy new clothing and Mom is no exception!

Is she constantly looking for an excuse to get away from it all and take a vacation?

If your mom is a trooper who likes to get away from the city for both short weekends and long holidays, depending upon what you're prepared to spend, you could purchase the ideal Mother's Day present.

With summer in full swing, you could pay for her and your dad (or a couple of her lady friends) to spend a weekend away from the city. And if you're thinking big, a trip to Paris should seal the deal!

Feeling generous? Spring for a set of matching luggage -- you know it'll be made good use of.

Another viable option is to purchase a timeshare travel deal for your mom -- a holiday membership wherein you pay annual fees for her to be able to holiday at subsidised rates at several domestic and international destinations.

Is your mom a whiz in the kitchen, and the type to whip you up tasty little snacks at any hour of the day?

If she loves to cook, you should have no trouble purchasing a set of gourmet cookbooks for her -- she'd love to try her hand at exploring different cuisines.

Another idea is to create a hamper of exotic foods or ingredients she likes. If it's Italian cooking she's into, for instance, a cute little basket stocked with authentic pastas, wine, Parma ham, Italian sausage, cheese, crackers, extra virgin olive oil, exotic herbs and spices should do the trick.

And of course, since great cooks love great food, you'd better treat her to dinner at a great eatery too!

Does she have a creative streak? Did she illustrate your schoolwork when you were young, is she always hand-painting diyas at Diwali, does she enjoy rearranging and redesigning your home?

For Artistic Mom, do-it-yourself kits like an easel and paint supplies, a pottery wheel if she's into ceramics or a candle-making set will make for a thoughtful present.

A creative individual will also appreciate little artistic knick knacks as a present -- a wood carving, a painting, a curio -- anything handmade, visually appealing or unique will strike the right note.

So she's all about feeding the birds breakfast crumbs and treating stray cats to a saucer of milk every morning? If your mother is an animal-lover, she'd probably love a pet -- if she doesn't have one already, that is.

You need to be 100 percent sure about this one, though -- while it's possible that she enjoys the company of a four-legged creature occasionally, it doesn't necessarily mean she's ready to take on the full time responsibility of a pet.

Subtle conversations about adopting one or sending out feelers will let you know exactly how she feels about it. You could also spring for a low-maintenance pet like a pair of goldfish or a turtle.

Animal-lover Mom will appreciate animal memorabilia too -- a cute figurine, a tee shirt featuring her fave breed of dog... If you're willing to shell out, purchase a painting by (not of) an elephant! You can look them up on the Internet -- truly sweet and one-of-a-kind!

She's the hostess with the mostest -- hors d'oeuvres at two-foot intervals, not a trace of dust on the coffee table, coasters below every glass. And she pulls it all off without a hair out of place, kitten heels clicking on a polished floor, dress without a single crease.

If your mom fits the Perfect Hostess personality, she'd love a little gift that keeps up her reputation -- hand-carved napkin rings, a new set of crystal dessert bowls, intricately crocheted table linen. Anything to keep home spic and span will figure high up on her list.

Just don't throw her a Mother's Day party, because she won't let you do a thing and will end up working all through her special day to make sure it's all perfect!

If Mamma loves puttering around potted plants and likes doing her bit for a clean 'n' green environment, it's safe to assume she's the 'Go Green' type.

Buy her a tropical orchid plant so she can enjoy the blooms all year long. Or if she has a garden, a little fruit tree or a set of spanking new gardening tools should do the trick.

Environment-conscious Mom may also appreciate organic linens for her bedroom, a decorative journal or envelopes made from recycled paper, or an organic cotton stuffed toy.

She's probably worked all her life, climbing high on the professional ladder and ensuring every need of yours has been taken care of as a result.

If you have a working, career-oriented mum, she'll like something that she can show off at the office as a present from her kid/s. A spanking new briefcase or something to brighten up her work space will make her smile.

Or if she's abreast of the latest technologies and enjoys tinkering around with the newest gadgets in the market, spring for a new mobile phone, an iPad, a new laptop -- the possibilities are limitless.

Whether Mother loves to listen to ghazals early every morning or is crushing on the Jonas Brothers, she will love receiving a musical gift. And that comes with a host of choices.

You can treat her to a special concert by her favourite artist whenever it's happening next. Buy her the latest albums she wants to add to her collection. Install a music system in the car or purchase an iPod so that she can groove on the go.

If your mother is a musician, you could also buy her a book of sheet music, or a new instrument -- that's a present she's sure to treasure always.

If your mother is into yoga, meditation or any other spiritual pursuits in a big way, she will love to receive anything connected with her interest.

Spiritual books, signing on to a new yoga course, an all-expenses paid meditational satsang retreat...these are all things that the spiritually-inclined mom is sure to enjoy.

Daddies-to-be and newly minted dads, take note -- let us fill you in that even to-be and new mothers expect a Mother's Day token, so you better get cracking!

For the expectant mom, a cute pregnancy-themed tee, a framed ultrasound and baby scrapbook are all great ideas.

The new mamma may like a framed family photograph, themed jewellery like baby charms or moulds of her baby's first shoes.

And be sure to include a little note addressed from baby to her -- she'll treasure that the most!