Mother's day gifts: 10 ways to say, "I love you, mom"

"Youth fades; love droops, the leaves of friendships fall; a mother's secret hope outlives them all."

--Oliver Wendell Holmes

Mother's Day happens every year. Yet we still lose sleep over what to give Mom. After all, what gift can adequately show how much we appreciate the most precious gift of all--life? No matter how humble, all mothers will tell you the best gift is time.

One of the most memorable Mother's Day gifts I recall as a young mother was an entire day alone--24 hours at a charming bed-and-breakfast with no nose wiping, diaper changing, cleaning or cooking ... pure bliss. Today, with one child away at college and the other soon out the door, time together is what I wish for.

Aside from the gift of time, mothers like to feel pampered. The pace and financial constraints of motherhood leave few opportunities for simple pleasures such as a hot bath, an hour's worth of peace and quiet or perhaps enough money to buy a small luxury item. To relieve some of the pressure of gift giving, we've come up with a few ideas that are sure to please; all are available at natural products stores, or you can ask your retailer to order them for you.

Let the flowers you give speak of love for your mom and Mother Earth. OrganicBouquet is the nation's largest supplier of organic blooms. The company also offers gifts and artisan-made vases that support small craftsmen and their communities. Available in natural product retail florist shops.

Jewelry, consistently ranks as the top favorite gift for women. This waterfall pearl necklace is made by Citlal Castillo, an artist in Taxco, Mexico, who is backed by a National Geographic program that supports global artisans.

Tuck your favorite mother-and-child photos in these sets, which include a picture frame with glass insert, refillable memo pad and matching keepsake box. The natural materials are made according to fair-trade standards by EcoExpress, a woman-owned company that employs people with disabilities.

Just in time for Mother's Day, EO (Essential Oil Products) introduces Amma Rose, a sandalwood essential oil perfume, named after the humanitarian Amma. Proceeds will benefit Amma's humanitarian work including food and clothing programs, charitable hospitals, hospice care and disaster relief. The perfume is available at natural product stores.

If Mom disappears after receiving EO's Day in Provence Gift Set, don't worry, she didn't go tar. The French lavender-scented bath products are enough to tempt any mom to retreat to the bath for some well-deserved quiet time.

Custom Photo Bags by Hanna E Designs. These all-cotton custom tote bags let you show off your loved ones in style. Send in your choice of photo and choose your bag size (clutch, purse, tote or carry-all), and the company will create a masterpiece that you can use even day.

This handy little roll-on is made for Mom's pain in the neck. No, not Dad, but for those times when head and neck tension are causing her discomfort. MyGrastick's combination of the essential oils of lavender and peppermint cool and soothe. Each stick gives Mom 100 applications--and it fits easily into her purse so she Can apply it just about any time.

Republic of Tea offers a wide variety of tea pots, inspired by Asian art and Western traditions. The Zen Tea set comes with a 13.6-ounce pot, 4 cups, a tea infuser, cedar coasters and a bamboo basket. Choices include orange blossom, pineapple guava, persimmon, Asian jasmine, honeysuckle white and honeydew melon.

This stylish bag and mat set by world-known yoga expert Wai Lana is perfect for the mom who is passionate about Pilates or yoga. Look for other products by Wai Lana, such as the Little Yogis Mother and Child Yoga CD/ Video. The workouts spark good health and imagination when kids pretend to be cobras, bears and butterflies.

The best way to describe these chocolates from New Tree is aromatherapy for the mouth. With names like Eternity, Bliss and Serenity--and the added health benefits of natural flavors such as lavender, citrus and black currant--this gift is sure to please both heart and soul.

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