She Shops, He Shops

from the Wall street Journal
By LAURA LANDRO and ALAN MURRAY

Two Columnists Debate Creative Ways to Pamper Mom -- Without Breaking the Bank

A Woman's Ideas …

A smart woman once said that when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping. This Mother's Day, the tough are likely to be shopping for gifts that can boost Mom's spirits -- without breaking the bank.

With continued trepidation about the economy, the National Retail Federation which surveys consumers about their shopping intentions, predicts consumers will spend an average of $138.63 this year, compared to $139.14 last year, with the majority of consumers investing in one major gift such as jewelry for mom, instead of several smaller gifts.

Other popular gift categories this year include the usual suspects: a special dinner or brunch, flowers, apparel and spa services. But more practical items on shoppers' lists include consumer electronics such as digital cameras, housewares and gardening tools, the retail group says.

Here are some ideas to help Mom weather these trying times in style, with comments from my colleague Alan Murray.

Jewelry: Diamonds may not be a girl's best friend now, but if you plan just one splurge on jewelry, French fashion house Hermès makes enamel bracelets in the same patterns as their silk scarves. The current collection includes the colorful classic perfume bottle pattern on a black background with gold-plated trim, $485.

Being a mom is tough in normal times, and the economic slowdown only adds to the stress. So the challenge for guys this year is to find gifts that will make her life easier, without making the hole in your budget any worse.

My colleague Laura Landro was on the right track with her at-home spa products. You can find gifts in any price range. Target even has a five-piece weekend "pamper kit" with body gel and lotion for $10.99.

Here are a few ideas that might do the trick, with comments from Laura. None of them, of course, will make up for the heavy burdens that all mothers bear in life. And thus none will fully alleviate your guilt.

If all else fails, fall back on the old faithfuls -- flowers and a special brunch out.
Tote: Designer handbags may be too dear right now, but a stylish tote in a whimsical pattern with bees, frogs or more sober solids can help Mom lug her stuff in style.