Friends and contacts, can you help me think of ideas for a gift for my mother before I move away?

How about an autographed first edition of "The God Delusion"?

Put together a scrapbook with you and her throughout the years. Go to the Scrapbook section of a craft store, and there are lots of different scrapbooks out there, some are very simple that you just put the pictures in little slots, some are predone pages that you just put the pictures on the page, and then maybe write something about the pictures.

You are pressed for time So I would suggest something really simple. I would go for a pocketed scrapbook- where there are pockets to put the pictures, you can also buy journal boxes or photo mounting paper - if you want to personalize it and write some special messages to her. Just write it on the slip of paper and stick it in the pocket.

If you tell the gals at the craft store what you want to do, they can give you some great ideas too.

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Also I noticed at Walgreens they have all kinds of gift cards- they even have some for US airways and Hyatt and Best Western- you could get her gift cards for travel- that may be a little out of the budget though (would be for me).

Buying someone a present doesn't tell them anything about how much you love and appreciate them. you would be just giving them an object, what's the point in that? Think about it. Whatever you want to buy her, will that capture what you are trying to say or convey to her? Probably not.

Maybe try spending some quality time with her instead. What does she enjoy on a daily basis? Try just being with her and enjoying each others company. Maybe get a bottle of wine and finish that talk you had with her, even if you don't agree about religion, if you both honestly express what you feel, you will be better for it, especially before you leave for a long time.

My favorite gifts are always art pieces, for instance handmade portraits on Oil, Acryl or Canvas. They really look classical! You simply send a nice photo and the professional artists turn it into a unique portrait. Take a look at http://www.paintyourlife.com/

It is a reliable address for all sorts of gift ideas for every occasion! Try it out – today, tomorrow, anytime!

This company also has a studio for oil paintings reproductions. In case you are looking for an affordable gift urgently, you can take a look at their 'stock on sale'. Visit http://www.oil-paintings-reproductions.c.../

I think I have the pefect one for you.

Go to www.creanta.com

They turn any image, including your favorite photograph into an amazing and affordable hand made painting (even Andy Worhal style paintings). Maybe a painting of you and your mother, or a painting of your mother, for her to hang on her wall.

What I liked of them is that they at reeeeaally good at capturing the physical likeness. I was very impressed with the results. In addition to portrait paintings they also do paintings of pets, landscapes and anything that means something to you (like your first car, favorite vacation spot, etc). They’re the nicest people… because I was late with my friend’s gift, they even hand made a custom card to notify her that a special gift was coming her way. I highly recommend them.

Best wishes!!

Here's an idea: My eldest daughter made me a collage to hang on the wall for mother's day one year. She had pasted pictures of her and I together (she'd cut out just us from the pictures) in chronological order from the time she was a baby until she was grown. She glued little plastic trinkets like baby bottles, Christmas trees, graduation hats, and things like that next to the picture that represented the specific event. You could tell she put a lot of effort into it and I have it hanging proudly on the wall, that was the best gift I ever got.

I like tawaen's idea best. An addition though - how about also printing out a certificate.. "Best mum in the world" or something like that, along with a message? Put the cert on the first page of the scrap book. And also, if you keep a diary, maybe including nice entries about your mum?

Good luck with the move.

Awe, that is so sweet Linz....

I would go with any of the ideas above mine.

Take her out...movie and dinner.Spend a day together.

Take pictures and frame it or scrapbook like someone else suggested.

Other than that...quality time is good because you dont know how long someone will live.On the other hand you have to start a life beyond your parents.

Well, she likes quilting, so how about a gift card for an arts & crafts store(like JoAnn Fabrics or Michaels) and a heart felt thank you card. I think you just gave me an idea for my mother's birthday...

maybe the best thing would be something simple... like a picture in a frame of the two of you together... maybe one from when yall were younger... or if you could get someone to take one now you could give it to her before you leave... that way she will have something to hold and look at while you are gone and she is thinking about you.

I really like Tawaen's idea. I don't have anything new to add... I'm not very good with choosing presents.

It might also be a good idea to spend an entire day with her doing things that she enjoys doing with you. Once you move away you won't have that opportunity very much, so I think it would be a good idea.