• A perfect gift for mother might be a day at a spa.Indeed/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Mothers might not be perfect, but they do nourish and help their children grow into independent adults. Sometimes mothers need a break from family responsibilities, and to be appreciated in a tangible way. Perfect gifts for mother are the ones she doesn't expect and that take her by surprise.
  
  

A Spa Day

• Consider giving your mother a day at a spa. An afternoon or full day of amenities, such as a massage, therapeutic bath or facial, even a hair treatment will restore her sense of self and well-being. The time away will give her a new outlook on life, herself and her family. Make a big deal of the day away by giving her a special card, the spa brochure and the registration for the afternoon. Be sure to check her schedule before setting the appointment.
  
  

Pampering at Home

• If you can't afford to send your mother to a spa, you still can pamper her at home. Present your mother with a "Day at the Family Spa" coupon.
  
  The day of the event, turn off the TV and put away all electronic devices to concentrate on your mother. Have all the things you need to give her a make-over. Present a basket of her favorite body, hair and facial products. Give her the whole treatment. Lovingly wash, dry and style her hair. Give her a facial and do her makeup. Then take her out to dinner.
  
  

Special Appreciation Celebration

• Plan a special appreciation night for your mother. Have each child write a list of the ways he or she appreciates his or her mother. If the children are small, they might need to dictate their list. Even if they are able to write their ideas down, elementary-age children might need assistance with spelling or ideas. Have them decorate their list with crayons or markers. Older children might wish to create their lists on the computer where they have options in text and graphics. If you are an only child or there are two of you, take the lists, frame them and present them with a candle wall sconce for a perfect gift.
  
  If there are several children, the lists take more than one page or if you want to do more than write a simple list, buy a notebook and protective sheets to create a special appreciation album. Add your mother's name, date and basic information about your family. Add photographs or pictures drawn by younger children. Put the lists, information and pictures in the notebook. You can enhance this gift with flowers or a box of chocolates.