Let's face it: For a lot of guys, Mother's Day is a stealth holiday that doesn't appear on our radar until it's almost on top of us. But with a little thought and advance planning, you can make the mother(s) in your life feel appreciated while you come out looking like a prince. Everyone wins.

Before we start, you need a certain degree of commitment to do this right. Can you pledge to put as least as much energy into Mother's Day as you put into picking teams for the NCAA office pool? OK, then.

First of all, you need to figure out how many mothers you're giving gifts to. Are you married? With kids? Write down the name of the mother of your kids -- she's your first priority. Do you have a (living) mother with whom you are on speaking terms? OK, write her name down, too. What about your mother-in-law? Write her name down, too. No, seriously.

The type of gift you give depends on the geographical distance between you and each motherly figure. If your mother lives out of state or is working on a remote Antarctic research station, you can get away with less, but you're not off the hook.

If you are lucky enough to live within the blast zone of her maternal affection, take the time to present her with your gift in person. And stay for some lunch, why don't you? Would it kill you to eat something? Look at you, you never eat.

Keep these obvious but frequently forgotten pointers in mind when planning Mother's Day:

Plan Ahead
Procrastination is the enemy. The longer you wait, the greater your chances of looking like a sucker. Late Mother's Day gifts send a clear message: "I forgot about you until somebody at the office mentioned it was Mother's Day last weekend!"

No Gas Station Gifts
Anything that can be purchased at a convenience store should be avoided. She may need wiper blades for her car, but she doesn't want them. Big difference. Road maps, cheap sunglasses, and beer are also not good ideas.

Gifts From the Kids
You score extra points by helping your kids make a card or pick out a gift for Mom or Grandma. Just make sure your kids' gifts or cards aren't vastly superior to your own -- that's just embarrassing.

Be Sensitive
Mother's Day is about celebrating and thanking moms for all their hard work. Giving her an iron or a new mop head just says, "Work harder." Also avoid getting her clothes that are several sizes too large, any weight loss products, or a DVD of the show "What Not to Wear." You're sending the wrong message, buddy.