What to do? Mother's Day is just around the corner and there's just no money in the budget for gifts. Not to worry! Just look over this list of inexpensive gifts to buy or make and you'll be all set. These budget ideas with a lot of heart can mean more than 2 dozen red roses to a mom!

1. 1. Bring your mom a bouquet of flowers from your own garden. Use a vase you have saved from a time when you received flowers from a florist or spend a little on a pretty new vase. Tie a ribbon or raffia bow around it and add a card (make it yourself on your computer) and your gift is ready!

2. Buy a single bloom at the florist. The florist in our town will put one carnation, daisy or other flower in a bud vase along with a little baby's breath and add a bow for around $5.00. And they will deliver.

3. Give your mom an afternoon with you! Not with your kids or spouse along, just you. How long has it been since you spent uninterrupted time with her? Look at old pictures, reminisce, or go window-shopping, whatever. The point is just being together.

4. Make your mom's favorite dessert and present it to her along with a gift certificate for a homemade dessert once a month. Especially if your mom lives alone, this can really be a treat.

5. If your mom is elderly or lives alone, give her the gift of a Saturday spent doing things around her house. Such as washing her windows, changing light bulbs and air conditioner filters, working in her yard, hauling away trash, anything she finds it difficult to do for herself anymore.

6. Gift baskets are always fun for the recipient and the giver, too. Fill a pretty basket with things you make, cookie mixes, dried herbs, needlework, a mug filled with a couple of specialty tea bags. Line the basket with a lacy doily or napkin, add a raffia bow and you have a great gift any mother will love.

7. If a card is just all you can do this year, make it really special. Have everyone in the family write a little note; toddlers who can't write yet can draw a picture.

With a little imagination, you can create a gift your mother will be elated to receive! And she'll wonder what you'll come up with next year!

Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly newsletter and founder of the website of the same name. Visit http://www.cynroberts.com to find creative tips, articles, and a free e-cooking book. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive the free e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".

Exploring Womanhood > Heart of the Home > Holidays & Seasons