Mother's Day Green and Recession Gift Guide

Mother's Day is Sunday May 10th, but with the current recession and advice to help the environment whenever possible, you might like to think about how to show your mother you love her but spending less money and / or being kind to our planet.

Fix her breakfast in bed, or if you can't cook like I can't, buy some pastries and make her coffee and hang out with her while she enjoys them - it will be a great way to start the day.

Offer to run her boring errands for a week, like grocery shopping or go to the dry cleaners. Mums do that kind of thing so often that a change will be really welcome.

Plant a tree in her honour or a flower bed, and every time they grow or bloom she will think of you.

Take care of the pets for a week - I know my mum hates picking up after their two dogs all the time - she'll really appreciate not having to do that, even if they are not your pets.

Make her something she can wear; knit her a sweater, or make her a necklance of bracelet. You can always just make her a card too, and put some homemade coupons inside that say 'good for one cooked dinner' and 'good for one walk on a summer's evening together'.

Buy a bottle of wine and have a wine and movie night with your mum, let her pick the movie of course.

If you want to spend a bit more money, but give her a gift that will make her feel good and benefit others, think about a gift certificate idea from a charity and put it in her name.

Oxfam Canada has a program where you can buy a chicken, a donkey or a goat, for a family in need in Africa.

Cows N' Things also sends items to people overseas and you can 'buy' animals but also things like tools and shelters.

WWF has a program where you can adopt an endangered species, such as a polar bear; it's a way to help the planet and let your mum know that you are making a difference for her.

These are just some ideas of what you can do for your mother, some of them cost money and some of them don't, but don't forget that the most important thing on Mother's Day is remembering to tell your mum that you love her, as no one can ever hear that enough.