Keep It Appropriate
If your gift could easily be mistaken for a Father's Day gift, forget about it. She may have expressed a passing interest in the trench warfare of the First World War, but trust us, she was just being polite.

No Re-Gifting
Christmas in May? Nay! Put the Santa snow globe back in the closet, pal. Nothing says, "I can't be bothered" like a recycled gift.

Avoid Gag Gifts
Singing trout, funny underwear, gag coffee mugs, hula dancing lamps -- these things all have a place: the trash.

Flowers: Never a Bad Idea
If you're florally challenged, have the person at the flower stand select and wrap up some flowers for you. If you're picking up flowers at the last minute, remove the price tag!

Don't Forget a Card
Whether you're giving the Mom in your life flowers, a present, or taking her out to eat, give her a nice card that thanks her for doing such a great job raising you or raising your kids. Be specific, be affectionate, be sincere -- and spell her name right. Trust us, it's an important detail.

Broke?
Get creative. The value of your gift is determined by the effort and thought you put into it, not how much it costs. Make her breakfast in bed. Take her for a walk on the beach. You can stuff a lot of love into a song or a handmade card or a poem (just make sure it's not a dirty limerick).

Give From the Heart
When it comes down to it, if you're going into Mother's Day with the best intentions and a heart full of love, it counts for a lot. If the mother in your life goes to sleep that night feeling appreciated -- mission accomplished, pal.