How to personalize and give your Mother’s Day gifts a little flair

Mother’s Day is all about making Mom feel amazingly special. And what better way than with a thoughtful gift created with her unique style and personality in mind?

     “Whether you opt for something extravagant or something she’ll use all the time, when you personalize a gift, you know you’re getting something no one else selected for their Mom,” says Christopher Warnack, director of marketing at Things Remembered, a leading retailer of personalized gifts.

     More than a quarter of all Mother’s Day shopping takes place at specialty stores, according to recent National Retail Federation statistics. And it’s no wonder — these stores specialize in distinct and unique items your mother won’t soon forget.

     With 50 years of experience helping people create gifts and accessories, the experts at Things Remembered are sharing some ideas for creating unforgettable personalized Mother’s Day gifts.

Practical

     Sometimes the best gifts are the ones the recipient will use most. But practical doesn’t have to mean plain.

     Whether Mom loves to cook or it’s Dad’s duty, there’s probably a great recipe she loves. A cutting board personalized with a favorite family recipe makes a beautiful addition to any kitchen. And if she can’t get going without her morning coffee, a Contigo travel mug personalized with a fun message written for her will put a smile on her face, even on Mondays.

Fashionable

     For fashion-forward mothers, complement her sophisticated or quirky fashion sense with a one-of-a-kind handbag. A leather tote bag personalized with a monogram in shiny gold foil will upgrade her daytime style. And to help her stand out from the crowd at night, accessorize her eveningwear with a leather and gold medallion purse with her engraved monogram.

     Want to add a detail that makes it just from you? Engrave a secret message card with a special note and add it to her purse.

Sentimental

     From keepsake and shadowboxes to memorable pieces of jewelry, Mother’s Day is the perfect time to get sentimental. Daughters can consider gifting Mom a matching bracelet, inscribed with nicknames or lines from a shared favorite song. For first-time moms, dads can help keep the new baby close to mom’s heart with an engraved sterling silver locket.

     Or, give Mom a home for her second most valuable possessions. A jewelry box, whether mirrored, lacquered, leather or wood, can be personalized with a special note to add more meaning.

Fun

     For moms who know how to have fun, consider something unique and cool. A colorful, personalized tote bag, complete with a fun, quirky message or “Momism” will assist on her trips to the farmer’s market, the spa or the gym.

     Listed as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2015, the Corkcicle Vinnebago is another fun gift to consider. The vacuum-sealed, insulated bottle travels well and carries a full bottle of wine. You can add a name or fun quip, such as “Moms Wine Too,” to personalize it.

     This Mother’s Day, think beyond the usual gifts to show Mom you truly understand her personality and interests.