Affordable Gifts for Mom

If you're still looking for gifts for that important woman in your life, Cathy Volante, the Gadget Diva has been doing some power shopping and she has come up with some gift ideas guaranteed to please mothers and grandmothers. (See below for her TOP 10 Gifts NOT to Buy for Mom)

For more information, visit www.thegadgetdiva.com

1. Wetpaint.com - Free Website Tributes to Mom (or Grandma)! Don't just say it, show her! Easy to make websites; make the ultimate tribute with your pictures, video and words of love and appreciation. I love my mom because.... Visit www.wetpaint.com.

2. Nikon's CoolPix - It's Plum! Fabulous portable camera with Smile Mode - it actually takes the picture when everyone is smiling and has a Blink Warning letting you know if any of your subjects blinked! It's a whopping 10 Megapixels for $229 at http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9218532.

3. Polaroid Picture Frame - A great gift that keeps on giving — after all where do we spend 80% of our lives? Brighten mom's office or home with the faces she adores. This frame also has interchangeable frames so as her environment changes, her frame can too! Link http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8130870.

4. Color Me Mine - Create a keepsake that mom's sure to treasure! Hurry — don't blink, make a special ceramic piece that will capture a piece of your children from when they were small. You can turn your child's handprint, fingerprint, or footprint into timeless art you can use every day. ($10 and up) Find it on the web at www.colormemine.com.

5. Fashionable Eye Wear - Update mom's look with some of the hottest eye wear fashions. $59 and up at www.lenscrafters.com.

6. Various Sports Equipment (hobby focused) - Is mom into tennis, skating or running and just never has the time or updated equipment to go? Hobby specific sports are the perfect gift for getting mom out of the house. Check out www.rainbowsport.com for gifts starting at $29.

7. Gift of Luxury - Give her the gift she won't buy for herself and send her on a retreat to experience a customized facial or a Caribbean therapy body wrap, Himalayan rejuvenation treatment, hydrotherm massage, or purifying stone massage. Gift certificates start at $25. The Aveda Salons are offering mother/daughter massages, manicures, pedicures, and more. Visit www.avalondeerpark.com.

8. Lush Bath Products - Your Mum will love anything from this store! "MUM" gift sets are sure to help her relax and replenish! Give mom the ability to pamper herself — all she needs is the tub and a little peace and quiet. Gifts start at %5.95 at www.lush.com.

9. Harry and David - She deserves the very best, doesn't she? Harry & David offers a bountiful selection of gifts and treats that are guaranteed to satisfy Mom's sweet tooth starting at $29.95. Visit www.harryanddavid.com

The Gadget Diva's Top Ten Gifts NOT to Buy for Mom

(You'll thank her later)

The Gadget Diva says, however you choose to express your love to the woman who brought you into this world (and probably reminded you on occasion that she could take you back out...) DON'T do it with any of the gifts listed below!

10. Plaques — How many can a mom have anyway? There is a reasonable limit, like cats...one should only own so many.

9. Clothing — Tread carefully.

8. Candles — Look around; do you think she needs more candles?

7. A lame gift certificate — A gift that screams I DIDN'T WANT TO GO OUT OF MY WAY! Get her a gift certificate from where she would like to go; i.e. what are her hobbies, where does she enjoy eating (especially places she doesn't get to frequent).

6. Stuffed animals — Save them for the kids.

5. Furniture — That's not a gift, that's community property.

4. Your favorite movie — Unless it features a great love story or happy ending (hence nothing being blown up, burned or dismembered) and is coupled with a dinner made especially for her, resist this gift-giving urge.

3. Self-help books — Don't tell her 'how-to' on her day.

2. Appliances — Don't even think of it. This is about pampering her...not you.

1. Diet aids or programs — She will see red!