Ideas for Mother's Day

It's almost Mother's Day. Do you still need to buy a gift? Are you unsure of what to buy or what to do that day?

Washington Post staff writer Janelle Erlichman Diamond was online Thursday, May 5, at 11 a.m. ET to talk about your Mother's Day ideas -- gifts, local brunches and daytime activities.

The transcript follows.

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Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Hello everyone and Happy Mother's Day to all. I still haven't bought my mom her gift yet (shhh) so hopefully this will give me some ideas too! Let's get started.

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Washington, D.C.: OK, a list ... of your favorite stores in D.C. and brunch places would be great!; I'm fairly new to the area and just not sure where to go with my mom who's visiting. I'm sure I can find something to get her, but what are your suggestions for activities the day of? My mom definitely likes to shop and see things. What about the theater? Any good shows going on that you know of?

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Hi WDC. Hmmm ... asking me to pick a fave shop in DC is like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. I do love the new Intermix in Georgetown. But I also love the bundle of shops on U Street and 14th Street. You can make a day out of it and have lunch or brunch at Saint X or Rice.

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Bethesda, Md.: What's a great mother's day that's a little out of the ordinary for a mom who is pretty traditional (aka, conservative...)

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: How about a road trip to Baltimore. Go to brunch at the Baltimore Museum of Art's Gertrude cafe - and then see the exhibits.

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Laurel, Md.: Hi Janelle. I would really like to get my mom and aunt a facial/manicure. Is there a spa or salon you can recommend please? I was browsing Web sites and ran across JcPenney's salon and Natural Body Spa. Has anyone had a good experience with them? Thanks!!

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Hi Laurel. I think a day of beauty is a great gift. I have not been to the JcPenney salon myself - anyone? - but I have a friend who gets her hair cut at one and loves it. I like Skin Beauty Lounge on Capitol Hill (they just bought the OGGI salon too) ... they offer all the regulars: facial, mani&pedi - but in a quiet, warm environment. They actually encourage people to just hang out and relax.

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Anonymous: I keep hearing about people trying to find the "perfect Mother's Day gift." Is there really such a thing?

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: I don't know. I guess gifts can come close to perfection. Maybe a Mini convertible would be perfect. But ... I do think a gift that shows you really know your mom will make her happy - and that's close to perfection.

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Washington, D.C.: My mother is 1,000 miles away and I will not be able to see her for the special day. While she likes them, I also want to avoid the old stand-by of flowers or some other such traditional gift. Any suggestions on: (1) something a bit non-traditional; and (2) something that can be purchased and delivered quickly? Many thanks.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Is there a certain food she loves from her childhood? Like a candy? Or say bagles from a shop in NYC? See if you can place an order. I've sent my mom taffy from her favorite place at the beach before - it's especially nice during winter. Check on the delivery status ... but I bet she'd be willing to wait for something like that.

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Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.: I would like to get my daughter a not too expensive gift for being a great mother. She is in the age range of 40-45 any ideas?

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: How about some personalized stationary? I love that. Check out iomoi.com or search for American Stationary.

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Bethesda, Md.: Any ideas for a first-time mother?

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: My guess would be some quiet time. Maybe offer to babysit along with a pedi/mani gift certificate. Or have dinner sent over one night. Or better yet - show up and make it yourself.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello, Wanted to get your opinion on Mother's Day protocol. My mother passed away some years ago, and I am not a mother myself. However, there seems to be some expectation in my extended family that I should be calling/sending cards for Mother's Day to my aunts, who are mothers. I love my aunts dearly, tell them that often, celebrate their birthdays, etc., but I have believed that Mother's Day should be a celebration exclusive to personal, direct mother/child relationships. Am I off-base? Should I be congratulating all the mothers I know? Thanks for your feedback.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Hi WDC. That's a hard one. I would say just send a card - doesn't have to be for Mother's Day - with a note that says "Thinking of you." I agree Mom's Day is for moms - but if it brings a smile to their faces - then what's the harm.

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Arlington, Va.: Brunch!; I'm thinking Old Town, Alexandria, or Georgetown ... any recommendations? And what kind of price range can I expect? What's another area that has a nice atmosphere and maybe some shopping besides these areas? Thanks!;

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: I love Old Town. I would say Majestic Cafe - it's not to expensive and then you can walk around all the great shops (A La Leila, Hysteria, Shoe Hive.) I think at Majestic you could get a nice meal for two for under $50. (Depends on how many mimosas mom drinks.)

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Alexandria, Va.: I was shopping the other day and came across those Mother's Day books that are kind of like "Chicken Soup for the Soul," but are filled with passages about why mother's are so wonderful. In theory, this seems like a beautiful idea as a gift, but in reality, I'm not sure my mother would ever read it --plus, I didn't write those beautiful passages, so it doesn't really seem like a gift from my heart -- do you know what I'm talking about? I guess I'm just curious as to your thoughts on this ... and thanks much.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: How many CSFTS books are there now? I think your mom would appreciate the sentiment. Maybe write a personalized note inside the book - and include a gift certificate for her favorite book store or coffee house.

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Washington, D.C.: What do you usually do for Mother's Day?

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: That's a nice question. I usually spend it with my mom in Maryland - we have a BBQ or do brunch. This year I'm in Florida - so I'm spending it with my mother-in-law for the first year. I think we'll have a brunch, too.

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Blacksburg, Va.: What do you get your mother-in-law for Mother's Day?

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: I think your MIL would love to spend the day with you. So, how about tickets to a show at Wolf Trap or National Theatre. I bet she'll pay for lunch.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Janelle, as usual I've procrastinated in planning for Mother's Day. My wife and I have a 2-yr.-old daughter and we're expecting our second baby this June. Can you recommend a nice Mother's Day gift for an expecting mother in her mid-30s?

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Maybe she'd like a day with her girlfriends? See if you can plan something just for her - like a cooking class - or Posh Beauty Lounge in Rockville does makeovers. She can show up with a bunch of friends and spend the day being made up. And jewelry is always nice. Maybe start a charm bracelet for her.

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Washington, D.C.: What about married couples and mothers and mother-in-laws? If everyone lives in the same area, do you recommend a get-together with everyone? I'm just thinking that I'd like to spend some quality time with my mom, but I'd also like to make sure everyone is included in the day. Thanks Janelle.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Well, I say the more the merrier. And I'm very lucky because my parents and in-laws get along well. It's so much easier if everyone can hang out instead of the kids having to be pulled in so many directions. But instead of someone having to make brunch (ie you) .. why not either do a potluck (the men have to provide) or head to a restaurant. Zest just opened in Frederick. They have a great brunch menu including the "one hit wonder" layers of eggs, bacon and potatoes in a crock. Get the moms tiaras!

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Rockville, Md.: My mom has everything, what should I do? Thanks

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Count yourself lucky! It's so hard buying gifts sometimes. Maybe instead offer to help your mom plant her garden. Take her to local nursery/Home Depot in the AM and then spend the day planting, watering, cultivating. Make her a picnic lunch (with lemonade) and help clean out the shed. Obviously, you can fill in whatever hobby she has in this suggestion.

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Washington, D.C.: What's a good gift for my grandmother on Mother's Day? She's 85 and stays home most of the time. She does love old movies ... hmmmm ... Thanks for the tips!;

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Does she have a DVD player? If so look into Netflix. She can order movies right to her door ... I'm not sure how many "old movies" they have - are you talking 1980 or 1960 - but it's worth looking into. Or how about doing a search for a movie poster from her fave old flick. Get it framed.

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Austin, Tex,: Janelle, I still haven't sent my mom a gift yet, it always seems like she has everything, but I am living in a different state so we can't just spend the day together. Any suggestions of ways to show I'm thinking about her?

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Hi Austin, Texas! Why not send her something from Texas. BBQ sauce or peach salsa or something - that way she has a little piece of you. And who doesn't like salsa.

I'd also do something like relaxandrejuvenate.com - they do at home massages and manis. So your mom doesn't have to leave her bedroom.

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Virginia: You mentioned Baltimore ... can you expand on what you think would be fun to do there on Mother's Day? I don't know that area really at all! Thanks!

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Well, as a new resident - I'm learning myself. But I would recommend Belvedere Square - great shops, market and a wonderful movie theatre nearby. It's a whole day location. The soup guy in the market is amazing and so is the peanut brittle next door. If you're looking for something a little nicer try Taste - the new restaurant that just opened.

Federal Hill also is a great spot. There is an indoor market and lots of little shops. If your mom (or you) is in to music check out the Funkbox.

Maybe end the day with an O's game.

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Northern, Va.: For the person looking for a non-traditional gift for Mom -- We are in a similiar situation and we placed an ad in her local newspaper (large ad but pretty cheap) that tells her how wonderful she is. It is sure to be seen by all who read the paper and we are sure it will put a smile on her face.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Your mom is very lucky!

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Instead of Chicken Soup: Check out a little book called "Dear Mom Thank You For Everything" by Bradley Trevor Greive, it's a very short, sweet book with sentences/statements about how great moms are, put together with hysterical photos of animals. From the same guy who did the Blue Day book, if you're familiar with that. Mom can read through this in about 20 minutes but will look at it again and again, it's really a riot, and only about $10.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: another suggestion

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Washington, D.C.: As I'm reading this, I realized that I'd lobve to hear some Mother's Day stories!; Do you have a story that you wouldn't mind sharing? What about the other chatters? Care to share? And thanks.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: ... chatters? anyone was a heart-warming or milk-through-the-nose funny story to share?

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Idea for conservative mom: Not that my mom's a church-goer by nature, but when she was still relatively new to the area and had seen all the museums, I surprised her for Mom's Day and took her to National Cathedral (AFTER the morning services). We were amazed by the architecture and the way the light hit the stained glass and we just wandered around the place for an hour, bought my new niece's Bible from the bookshop, bought some herbs that she now calls her "mother's day church chives", bought a Christmas ornament...boy, I got a lot of mileage out of that one!; She said she never even knew she'd wanted to go there.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: I love this idea. I also love the idea of just jumping into the car and seeing where you end up. You can usually find a great hole-in-the-wall restaurant (with really good pie) and a road-side stand for apples.

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Living in D.C., but from Mass. : My mom's still in Massachusetts. I think it's hard for her that we're not close enough to just hop in the car and meet up anymore. I think for her, just a simple phone call, a nice letter and telling her "I love you" makes her day. I think the simple ways of showing her how much I care is the best gift I can give. And anything beyond that just adds to it. Thanks for doing this chat.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: I'm sure she loves hearing from you. thanks for the reply.

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Manassas, Va.: You know my son is out of work right now but he sent me the sweetest email and I printed it right out and plan to date it and frame it.

He said:

Mom, you always took great care of me, I know I've disappointed you a lot and I'm not perfect but you love me anyway. No matter where I am or what I do, I will never forget to pick up the phone to say I love you or come by and give you a super hug. I hope you know how much I love you and need you, I always will and when you need me to take care of you as you did me, I will be there.

Isn't that sweet? It is more valuable than any store brought gift I could have rec'd.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: another post.

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Potomac Falls, Va.: Janelle, what is the one have-to-have accessory for the trendy mom this summer?

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Hi Potomac Falls. I'd say metallic is still really big in shoes, bags, belts. (But pick one item to wear or else you look like a roll of tin foil.) The espadrille is also back big time. And it's not really an accessory but the tunic is contagious!

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Frederick, Md.: Our mom is into dogs, can we combine that fixation with Mother's day?

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Well, since the dog won't be getting her anything - I'm assuming - why not make a donation to the local SPCA. Or take her and (fill-n-pet-name-here) to the dog park for a fun day of frolicking. Red Orchard has some great prints (the artist's name escapes me) of dogs doing dog things. They are very Americana looking and my favorite is the one with all the dogs doing their usual greeting to each other (butt sniffing)and it says "Networking." I love it.

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Idea mail order gift: Not sure if there is still time, but a terrific and beautiful mail order gift can be found at http://www.nonniewallers.com/ . Southern pound cake in a beautiful fabric-lined hat box with a nose-gay of flowers in the center. Everyone I have given it to has raved about it.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Here's another suggestion.

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Janelle Erlichman Diamond: another idea I wanted to mention is that a lot of places (like Hysteria in Old Town - or any of the smaller boutiques) offer personalized shopping. Maybe mom doesn't believe when you tell her tapered jeans are OUT-OUT-OUT ... but if Cindy the sales girl says it - then maybe she'll buy a pair with a wider leg. Also, magazine subscriptions are fun too. I like Cooking Light, Domino (new from Conde Nast) and Vitals for women.

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Austin, Tex.: I haven't mailed my mom anything yet, she seems to have everything! Any ideas what I can get her that she can use up?

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Use up? Like a bottle of wine? Does she drink coffee? Or need a new scent? I love Fresh's Sake and the new Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb perfume. Maybe ask if there is something she's wanted but has not bought for herself.

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Lorton, Va.: Why is it that people just "assume" you have to give a tangible gift that is store bought? If your moms are near sit with them on the front step and reminisce with them about the memories you have together. If mom is far away, write up a document in Word, frame it and send it to her. She'll love it and if she lives to be 110, she'll still remember her most favorite mother's day.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Of course! I think moms always love anything that makes them a little teary. Maybe frame an old picture of her, you and the silblings. Or organize a family picture - especially if there are new family members. I know it's tangible - but it's something she'll love.

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Lansdowne, Va.: The best Mom's Day gifts are the ones your kids make you in preschool.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: here's another one ...

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Washington, D.C.: My father has purchased my mother some very lovely jewelry, and my siblings and I would like to purchase an insurance policy for it. How do we go about finding policies?

I've heard varying things -- that it may or may not be included in their existing homeowners' insurance, depending on the provider and that their are companies that provide just jewelry insurance? Any guidance on what to look for and where to start searching?

And as for the notion that buying insurance isn't a gift-like item, we're a practical sort, so no flames from other posters, please.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Had to post this one. I'm all for practical gifts. (Though I still don't think dad should buy mom a mop, say.) I would call your insurance company. Usually you need a floater for that sort of stuff - but do some research online and call State Farm or USAA. Chatters?

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Brunch or Lunch?: Is one more "standard" for Mother's Day than the other?

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Everyone always thinks brunch - and it really is my favorite since I love pancakes and my husband loves burgers - but any meal spent with mom on Sunday is fine.

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Janelle Erlichman Diamond: How about getting mom something from a local designer? My May 26th Shopper column will highlight a few - but there are a lot of local jewelry makers like Beth Lauren, Meg Carter, JJ Singh (Matisse), Poppi rings ... it's nice to support local women on Mother's Day.

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Dinner is ok too!;: We're doing dinner this year. My husband and I driving to New Jersey Sunday morning...my mom has no idea. So we thought we'd do a traditional Sunday dinner like we did when we all were growing up. Mom isn't cooking a thing.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: Nothing like mashed potatoes on Mother's Day. Yum!

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Mom's dog fixation: Take mom and her dog to Old Town for the Holiday Inns' Happy Hour. I don't recall the actual name, but it's dog-friendly, in fact, dog-encouraged!; Don't know if they do it on Sunday, but give mom a "coupon".

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: for the dog lovers

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Trumbull, Conn.: So who is your inspiration?

Janelle Erlichman Diamond: I think this is a good one to end on. I'd have to say my mom - she is the most thoughtful person I know. (Does this public declaration count as my gift?)

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

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