Perfect Mother's Day Gift Guide - Part III

Please enjoy the last installment of our Perfect Mother's Day Gift Guide. Stay tuned next week for last minute Mother's Day gift ideas.

That Perfect Something

Perfect Mother's Day Gift Guide

For the Mom who needs a little pampering

Victoria's Secret Organic Cotton Tank Pajama

(image courtesy of Victoria's Secret )

This tank pajama set is made out of lightweight organic cotton and comes in two great colors - natural and coral. These PJ's are the perfect gift to help your Mom get comfy and help her relax.

You can purchase this set at Victoria's Secret for $49.

Perfect Gifting Tip

Make this gift the perfect pampering gift by also giving your Mom the following items from soap and paper factory:

• Body Cream


• Boxed Soap Set
  
• Beeswax Candle


• Fizzing Bath Powder
  

I love the fig and orange blossom fragrance.

Your Mom is going to need some time to enjoy these products, so why not give her the gift of time with a Gift Certificate. Use a Gift Certificate Template to create gift certificates redeemable for an hour of time to herself for a week, a week off housework duty, or a week off cooking detail.

For the Progressive Mama

"Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth Friendly Life"

(image courtesy of Barnes and Noble )

Gorgeously Green provides tips on detoxifying your home, using green beauty products, buying eco-friendly clothing, and preparing eco-friendly treats. It's a treat for Mothers who want an easy introduction into becoming earth friendly.

You can purchase this book for $11.86 at Barnes and Noble.

Perfect Gifting Tip

Anyone who cares about the environment will also appreciate learning about political, cultural, and ecological issues affecting others around the world. Help keep your Mom in the loop with a gift subscription from Ironweed Films. Each month your Mom will receive a DVD of thought provoking and progressive films. Purchase a 3 month ($44.85), 6 month ($89.70), or 12 month ($159.70) subscription at Ironweed Films Subscriptions.

For the Working Mom
Brookstone's Massaging Bed Rest

(image courtesy of Brookstone )

I love this Massaging bed rest and your Mom will love it too. It's a great gift for any working Mom to come home to. The bed rest has a heated massage feature, an adjustable head rest, a built in cup holder, an adjustable light for reading, and it's foldable for easy storage.

Purchase the bed rest at Brookstone for $125.

Perfect Gifting Tip

Your Mother will also love the Tranquil Moments Sound Therapy System . The Sound Therapy System will help her get a good night's sleep so she'll be well rested to face each work day.

Help your Mom keep her family close during the work day by giving her a Digital Picture Frame that can hold and display all her family photos.

If you like these gift ideas and need help finding additional gift ideas, go to Gift Consulting and submit your Gift Consulting request today. It takes less than 15 minutes! We'll search the web, visit stores, and research products to find unique and creative gift ideas customized specifically for your gift recipient. We do the work so you don't have to!

"My Perfect Mother" Mother's Day Contest Entry

Here is another great tribute from Katie to her Mom Laurane.






My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Over the past five years, she has had nine surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. During this time she was also in school to become a psychologist. She never gave up on her dreams to help people and be a role model for others. Over the past two years, her father was diagnosed with cancer, her brother passed away and my sister was in a serious car accident. Through all of those tragedies my mom supported our family. She taught us all what it means to have the hope, faith and courage to survive despite life's challenges. I also learned to appreciate my life and everything I have. She always told me that surviving means being able to appreciate all your have and life your life to the fullest. This is the portrait of a true survivor. I also learned the although her life did not turn out perfectly, in my heart she will always be the perfect mom.

Great Gift Ideas for any occasion!

If you need help finding more customized gift ideas, That Perfect Something's Gift Consulting Service is just what you need. All you need to do is share some information about the gift recipient. We'll search the web, visit stores, and research products to find unique and creative gift ideas customized specifically for the gift recipient. Go to Gift Consulting and submit your Gift Consulting request today. It takes less than 15 minutes! We do the work so you don't have to!

"My Perfect Mother" Mother's Day Contest is now closed

I'd like to thank everyone who sent in entries to our Mother's Day Contest. It was wonderful to read your stories about your Mothers. The mothers who were selected as winners will be announced on Sunday, May 11th. I'd like to share another entry that was sent to me yesterday from Laura Beaty.

This is a photo of my Mom Lillian Beaty and me Laura Beaty in Houston Texas. It was Christmas time and she had just gotten home from the hospital. We were very glad for her to be alive and well. She is wearing sunglasses because she is totally blind. She had been in a very serious car accident where the steering wheel hit her across both eyes. Up to that moment, she was a normal, sighted wife and mother of 4 kids. The transition was very difficult for our family. My mom is a excellent example of faith in action and to teach us to rely on one another and not let any obstacle get in your way. I am proud to introduce my Mom Lillian Beaty to the world.

Sincerely

Laura Beaty

Last Day to Enter your Mother in the "My Perfect Mother" Mother's Day Contest

Today is the last day to submit your entry to our Mother's Day Contest. Send your entry to us by 12 Midnight EST.

How the contest works:
Just tell us in 250 words or less why your Mother or the person who is just like a Mother to you is the Perfect Mother. Share what you would do to give her the perfect Mother's Day. Two Mothers will be selected to receive a Grand Prize and a First Runner up prize. Each week we'll post a few entries that really touched us. If you have a picture of your Mother or of the both of you please include it with your entry. Submit your entry to Blog Submissions.

Prizes:
1. One (1) Grand Prize: $100 Gift Certificate for That Perfect Something's Gift Consulting Services.

2. One (1) First Runner up Prize: $50 Gift Certificate for That Perfect Something's Gift Consulting Services.

Contest Rules:
1. The contest officially begins March 25, 2008 at ends on April 25, 2008.

2. The winners will be announced on Sunday, May 11, 2008.

3. The contest is only open to US and Canadian addresses.

4. Your entry should include the following:

• Your name and email address
• Your Mother's name and email address

5. Entries that are selected to be posted each week are not guaranteed a prize.

6. Only one entry per person should be submitted.

Perfect Little Somethings - Gourmet Chocolate Covered Pretzels

(image courtesy of Fretzels)

It's really amazing what you can find on the Internet in the wee hours of the morning. I don't even know what I was searching for when I found these gourmet chocolate covered pretzels called Fretzels. But, I'm glad I found them. These pretzels are amazing. They are dipped in dark, white, or milk chocolate, and, are topped with goodies like toffee, peanut butter chip, butterscotch, cookies n' cream, chocolate chip, M&Ms, and peanut butter crunch. Yes, I imagine you are salivating just like I was. How can anyone resist chocolate-covered pretzels? Fretzels are a great gift to include in a care package for a college student, or to give to a friend or family member who needs cheering up. Anyone who receives this gift will immediately light up. Fretzels comes in a half dozen ($14), dozen ($24), or two dozen box ($45). The company also offers 6 month and 12 month Fretzel of the month memberships ($72.90 - $448.80 + shipping). Purchase this gift today at Fretzels.

If you like this gift idea and need help finding additional gift ideas, go to Gift Consulting and submit your Gift Consulting request today. It takes less than 15 minutes! We'll search the web, visit stores, and research products to find unique and creative gift ideas customized specifically for your gift recipient. We do the work so you don't have to!

Perfect Mother's Day Gift Guide - Part II

I hope everyone enjoyed Part I of our Mother's Day Gift Guide found great gift ideas. Please enjoy Part II of our Gift Guide.

That Perfect Something

"Perfect Mother's Day Gift Guide"

For Any Mother

Unless Someone Like You Infant Portraits

(image courtesy of Unless Someone Like You)

Send a favorite photograph of your Mom and you as an infant and the designer will turn the photo into a Portrait. This is a great gift for a new mom or an older mom.

Perfect Gifting Tip

Take a minute to recall a special memory about your Mom. Handwrite this memory on nice and have it framed. Share this memory to your Mom on Mother's Day when you present her the portrait.

You can purchase your portrait at Unless Someone Like You for $85.

For the Bag Addict

Marc Jacobs Posh Turnlock Super K Handbag

(image courtesy of eluxury)

Help your Mom get ready for summer with this Marc by Marc Jacobs white handbag. It's made out of patent leather, has silver hardware and tons of compartments.

Perfect Gifting Tip

Make this gift extra special by adding a coin purse or the purseket(purse organizer).

You can purchase the handbag at eluxury for $478.

For the Tea Loving Mom

Teaspot Automatic Teapot Tea Party Set

(image courtesy of Teaspot)

The tea party set includes the automatic teapot, two matching black porcelain teacups, and sample tins of Snowflakes & Mango Tango teas. The automatic teapot has an integrated timer that automatically stops when your tea is done brewing. You can set the timer for the type of tea you are brewing. The teapot works with both loose tea and tea bags.

Perfect Gifting Tip

Take your Mom out for afternoon tea and present her with the tea party set.

You can purchase the Tea Party set for $80.95 at Teaspot.

"My Perfect Mother" Mother's Day Contest Entry

Here is another great entry to our Mother's Day Contest from Anthony in NYC. Thanks for sharing your Mother with us!


“Look! Over there! Run quick and grab that ball!”, my Mother screamed, pointing.
I obeyed her instructions and scooted over to where she spied the multicolored ball. It was the evening of Christmas Eve in the islands and my Mother and I had been desperately looking everywhere for a ball. All the stores were sold out, and our last hope was the street vendors. “How much for this ball, Miss?” I breathlessly asked the vendor as I picked up the ball. But before the vendor could respond, a pair of big hands, snatched it out of mine. Stunned, I looked up and saw a giant boy hugging the ball with a triumphant and malevolent grin on his face. He proceeded to inquire about the price. But before the vendor could respond, I heard my Mother’s voice. “Hey you big bully! Give the child back his ball!” She was now approaching the stand. Her shoes pounded loudly on the pavement like a soldier’s trumpet. “I said to give my son back his ball!”
“I-I picked it up first,” The boy stuttered. A sheepish look was on his face. He was feebly clutching the ball now. My Mother approached the boy. “Haven’t you any manners? He had the ball first. I saw when you grabbed it from him. Give it back to him. First come first served!
Embarrassed, the boy thrust the ball toward me and ran off. “These children!” my Mother said to the vendor who wore an awkward smile. “They have no respect!” Then turning to me, she threatened, “If I ever see you behave like that. Lord help me!”
Ever since I can recall, my Mother was always taking people to task for what she perceived were injustices. Where my Dad was contemplative and conciliatory, my Mom was quick to tackle a wrong doer with unbridled indignation. She watched over her six children like a lioness watching over her cubs. Bullies and bad johns she detested. If one of us came home and told her that a stranger said an unkind word toward one of us, my mom would immediately abandon her task and diligently investigate the matter. If we were in the wrong, we were accordingly punished. And if the injustice was done to us, mother made sure she received reassurance that it was not going to happen again. She was determined to settle any score. But she also implored us to comport ourselves in the best manner. “Anytime you see your friends’ parents or elders, make sure you say, good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, whichever is right, BEFORE, they say it, you hear me?”
My Mother was also ultra protective with regards to our health. If in the middle of night one of us had a slightly increased body temperature, she did not wait until the morning to take us to the hospital as my Dad advised. Instead, she would bundle us up, thrust her feet in the nearest shoes, and head out towards the nearest hospital. My Dad, who would have been tired from a hard day’s work, and finding his advice a vain effort, would drag on only the sparsest pieces of clothing as he dashed out the house to catch up with his wife and child.
Although she was a house-wife, my mother never lacked the time to reinforce in us the virtues of housework and tidiness. “I don’t care if you’re boy. You have to learn to do housework, “ she reminded me. And so from the age of eight, every night after dinner, my elder sister and I alternated cleaning the dishes. At home she was always washing, scrubbing, sweeping and sweating. She did the cooking too, although on some weekends, my Dad helped. I enjoyed watching her while she washed clothes; the squeak-squeak sound her hands made whenever she rub the soapy material had a hypnotic effect upon me. Sometimes she became frustrated with us whenever she returned from shopping in town and discovered we had kept the house untidy. “Look how you have the place like a pig style,” she would complain. “Supposed I fell sick and had to be brought home. What would people think!” Immediately she would drop the shopping bags and ordered us to clean up the mess that we created.
It has been over twenty-five since that Christmas Eve incident which has left an indelible impression about the woman who gave birth to me. My siblings and I knew she loved us, yet she never corrupted our minds with the warped idea that love had to be predicated on a perpetual fawning. It was tough love. And tough love is what I have passed on my children. I have to admit that my Father’s cool, conciliatory and contemplative nature makes up most of my DNA, but at times my mother’s fervent sense of justice prevails when appropriate. I do not hesitate to loudly challenge an unjust act if I felt that it was warranted. I consider myself handy, and although not a neat freak, I like the feel of a clean home with fresh scents. I can prepare a plethora of delicious dishes, and I always do my laundry. Manners and accountability are creeds by which my children live. I can only hope to be as good a parent as my Mother.

Perfect Mother's Day Gift Guide- Part I

That Perfect Something

Perfect Mother's Day Gift Guide

We are really excited to provide the first of three installments of our Perfect Mother’s Day Gift Guide. The next two installments will be posted during the next two weeks. We will also post a last minute gift ideas during the week before Mother's Day, for those of you who were too busy to buy Mother's Day Gifts. We hope that our guide will help you find the perfect gift for your Mother or at the least we hope that our gift ideas inspires your Mother's Day gift search.

For the Bauble Loving Mother

Spring Cart Designs Fulani Earrings

(image courtesy of Springcart Designs)

This beautiful gold twist design will be a hit with Moms who love handcrafted, one of a kind jewelry pieces. The Fulani earrings are individually crafted by the Fulani people of West Africa. No two pieces are identical.

Perfect Gifting Tip

Make this gift extra perfect by purchasing a 6 or 12 month subscription to Spring Cart Designs' Earring Club. Recipients of the 6 month subscription receive three pairs of earrings and recipients of the 12 month subscription receive 6 pairs of earrings. The six month club membership costs $120.00 and the twelve month membership costs $210.

Purchase the Fulani Earrings for $27 or a six month or 12 month Earring Club membership at Springcart Designs.

For the Foodie and Earthy Mom
Nudo-Italia Adopt an Olive Tree

(image courtesy of Nudo-Italia)

Show your Mom that you appreciate her love of food and the earth by adopting an olive tree in Le Marche, Italy for a year for her. Your Mom will not only receive the produce from the tree (one package of olive oil in the Spring and another package of olive oil in the fall), but your purchase also supports small scale farming. Your Mother will also receive an adoption certificate and a booklet telling her about her tree.

Purchase this gift for £65.00 (approximately $130.00) + delivery and taxes at Nudo-Italia.

Perfect Gifting Tip

Make this gift extra perfect by creating an Italian themed culinary basket for her. Purchase a woven basket from a craft store and fill it with the items below or similar items.

• An Olive Pitter
• An Oil Mister
• An Olive Oil Carafe
• An Italian Cookbook
  

For the Globe-Trotting Mom
Toss Designs Club Tote

(image courtesy of Toss Designs)

Any woman who loves to travel appreciates a good carry on bag. The Club Tote fits the bill. It's stylish, roomy, and versatile. The Club Tote comes in either pink/white or green/white.

Purchase the Club Tote at Toss Designs for $126.00.

Perfect Gifting Tip

Make this gift extra perfect by adding any or all of the following items to the Club Tote.

• Noise Reducing Earphones
• Travel Comfort Set
• Travel Journal

If you like the gift ideas posted in our Mother's Day Gift Guide and need help finding additional gift ideas, go to Gift Consulting and submit your Gift Consulting request today. It takes less than 15 minutes and only costs $19.99 per Gift Consulting request.

That Perfect Gift of the Week - Andy Warhol Watches

(image courtesy of www.15minutesof.com)

(image courtesy of www.15minutesof.com)

For some odd reason, I'm always buying watches. I'll find a great watch and, without fail, a few months later the battery dies. You would think I would just get the battery replaced. Instead, I run out and buy a new watch. So, I'm always on the lookout for really cool watches. I recently came across the Andy Warhol 15 watch collection. The watches in this collection are really unique because they feature Warhol artwork. Two of my favorite watches from the collection are the Sam-Matchstick and the Carol- Daisy. These fun and quirky watches make great gifts for art lovers. You can purchase these watches from www.15minutes.com. Prices range from $35-$150.

If you like the gift ideas posted in our blog and need help finding additional gift ideas, go to Gift Consulting and submit your Gift Consulting request today. It takes less than 15 minutes and only costs $19.99 per Gift Consulting request.

"My Perfect Mother" Mother's Day Contest Entry - Jamie's Hero

Jamie from Louisiana sent in a wonderful tribute to her Mother, Sheila. Jamie you are truly blessed.

"My Mom, My Hero"

16 years and 11 months ago, in a far away city of Lafayette, Louisiana, a golden light shined upon a new mother, Sheila Marie Cormier, as she had just given birth to a new born daughter. This daughter is I, Jamie Elizabeth Cormier, 16 years and 11 months later, to write about my wonderful mother. My mother respects all my decisions but the best one was when I was a 2 month pre-mature; I was ready to be born and she respected this choice of her life within her womb, and arranged to have a C-section to have me delivered early. I was born with a severe back disorder-Scoliosis-but my Mom didn't care- she still loved me because she is a sweet caring woman who wouldn't stop loving her child because of some exterior imperfection, all that mattered was the internal and the internal from what she could tell was perfect. My Mother is like a "super mom": she disciplines me when needed, she gives me presents and lots of love, takes me and my friends places, gives me advice and support, teaches me important life lessons and morals, gives to charities, and does everything with a smile on her face. She means the world to our family- without her, we would be lost. She is the brains behind the organization that is our family. She cooks our meals, she does the housework, she knows how we like everything, she is just a perfect housewife and Mother. She nurses us when we are ill, she told us bedtime stories when we were young, she scheduled all our doctor and dentist appointments, pays for our screwups: car wrecks, college tuition, High School Bill, etc". She is an active leader in the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church youth group. We have lots of fun times: we go on family outings, we go shopping and go to the movies, we go on family vacations, we use to do Girl Scouts, etc. Our family outings included: Avery Island tour, children museum, zoo,etc." Our Family Vacations included: Sea World, Disneyworld, Our trip to Sam Rabern, our trip to Tennessee,etc. Our Disneyworld trip was the best! Our last day at the park we won the Year of a Million Dreams castle night thing..this was my first trip to Disneyworld and my Mom was so happy that she could share this with me on my first trip to Disneyworld. When we go shopping it is usually good but sometimes I think I am ugly because of my back and I think I am a freak, but my Mom just consoles and comforts me, she never goes "Oh suck it up! that life. Quit whining". My Mother always gives me advice; I can go to her with any problem and she'll find a way to help me or make it better. She is not just my Mother- she is my best friend, My hero, and my life. I don't know what I'd do without her. She rocks my world. She deserves this because she has done more for me than words can express. When I hug her it's like the world stops and its just us and nothing else- no stress or problems-no longer matter. It brings that smile back to my face just to feel her warm embrace.

Perfect Little Somethings - Gift finds at the Brooklyn Flea Market

Despite the cold weather I dropped by the Brooklyn Flea Market today. There was a huge turnout and it was exciting to see so many vendors showcasing their wares. It will be one of my go to places to find great gifts. Here are some of my favorite finds.

Brooklyn based Greenjeans showcased a number of items including handmade toys made by Frank Ridley. I particularly loved the wonderfully crafted Wooden Helicopter. The helicopter is made out of white pine and doesn't have any artificial finishes. It's a great natural, simple toy that any kid will love. You can purchase Frank Ridley's wooden toys at Greenjeans for $18.

I couldn't pass up Loyalty and Blood's Letter Tote. It's made out of canvas and comes in either small or large. It's perfect to take to the supermarket or to the flea market. You can purchase this tote for $22 at Loyalty and Blood.

Amy Holbrook designs fun needlepoint kits. I picked up her Stitchable Journal in the Rio design. I love that you can personalize the journal with a needlepoint monogram. It's a great gift for a crafty person. You can purchase the stitchable Journal for $22 at Amy Holbrook.

Bonbon Oiseau's keyfobs and necklaces immediately caught my eye. The keyfobs are made out of antique brass with various handstamped motifs. The keyfobs can also be used as pendants on chains. The necklaces are really unique jewelry pieces. To order these pieces email info@bonbonoiseau.com. Prices range from $48 -134.

Perfect Little Somethings - Blueblood Dog Collar

Most of my friends know that I'm deathly afraid of dogs. I won't go into the gory details, but let's just say I had a bad experience as a 10 year old girl scout trying to sell girl scout cookies. Since that time whenever I see a a dog, I'm always terrified that I'll be bitten. Doesn't matter how big or small the dog is I'll cross the street when I see a dog walking towards me. Yes, I know the fear is a little irrational, but I swear, I'm really trying to work on it. However, lately I have to admit that some of the four legged creatures have tugged at my heart strings. And, I've been coming across some really great gifts for pet lovers that for a millisecond make me think it would be kind of nice to have a furry friend around. If I had dog, my dog would be dressed to the nine and would have all the best pet accessories. I recently came across a company called Bluebood that sells great luxury items for dogs. I particularly liked the Plaza collar which is a great looking faux ostrich collar that comes in various sizes. You can purchase the Plaza collar at Blueblood for $32. And, you can also get the matching lead for an extra $40. The Plaza collar is the perfect gift for a pet lover who wants to dress their dog in style.

If you like what you see and you need additional gift ideas go to That Perfect Something and submit a Gift Consulting request today. You'll get great gift ideas for any occasion.

Perfect Little Somethings - Personal Library Kit

When I was a kid I loved books. I enjoyed reading so much that I decided to set up a library in my bedroom. I arranged my books on a table and put up a sign-out sheet for anyone who wanted to borrow my books . Well, my days as a librarian were cut short by a little brother who never followed by my library rules. When I came across the Personal Library Kit I couldn't help smiling because it brought back memories of my childhood and my futile attempts to set up a library. The kit comes with a date stamp, an ink pad, self-adhesive pockets, and checkout cards. This is a perfect gift for any child or adult who loves books. And, it can be used for keeping track of other loaned items. The Personal Library Kit is now on sale for $16.99 at Restoration Hardware.

Looking for Products and Services to feature in our Mother's Day Gift Guide -

We are hard at work preparing our first Mother's Day Gift Guide, which will be posted on April 20th. We've found some really great products and services for our gift guide. The last day to submit your product or service is April 15th. If you have a product or service that you would like to be considered for inclusion in our Mother's Day gift guide please send a detailed description of the product or service, including price and purchase information. Please include an image of the product with your submission. Submissions should be sent to Blog Submissions. You may also send a sample of your product to the following address:


That Perfect Something

P.O. Box 23346

Brooklyn, NY 11202

Please note that samples will not be returned.

We are excited to learn about your products and services.