WAITED UNTIL THE MIDNIGHT HOUR ON MOTHER’S DAY 2012?
FRUGALISTA GIFTS ON CALL – WAITING UNTIL THE MIDNIGHT HOUR, MOTHER’S DAY 2012
I had a few friends call me up in a panic. Near the 11th hour before Mother’s Day. They had no clue for gifts. They didn’t want to simply pick up flowers. They desperately needed gift ideas. Ideas that didn’t break the bank. Frugalista to the rescue.
They do love Mom. It’s just that time got away. It occurred to me that these folks probably weren’t alone. Whether spouse or child, Frugalista has you covered, too. Some of you have yet get the present. Rain check, right? You still need ideas. Remember, you’re not alone.
Frugalista found great gift choices from the Frugalista Guide to help make Mom’s day memorable. Enough choices to find something that actually fits Mom’s personality. Or, get your neurons zooming with some ideas of your own. Even days, after.
Gifts like the Belgian chocolate-covered figs. Or, the Masai Family Gathering Table Sculpture. Great Spring essentials, like purses and scarves. Even an authentic Japanese teapot. Many are available at brick and mortar locations.
So, you can call ahead or use your Smartphone to check local availability. On the listed items or similar. If not local, or available, most retailers understand the value of fast shipping.
Even late, your star will shine brighter presenting an item Mom can use and will love. Or, you can present it later as a “just because” gift. She might love that even more. And, if there are several things she’d like here, keep them in mind for her birthday or next event.
FRUGALISTA GIFTS ON CALL – ACCESSORIES AS LAST-MINUTE (DAYS AFTER!) MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS
Can you see Mom sporting this hand woven Silk Thai scarfas a head covering or shawl against the evening chill? Crafted of rayon and silk, with distinctive ruffles.
Thai silk scarf -worldofgoodebay
Elegance and whimsy. Generously sized.
US $50 worldofgood.ebay.com
Perhaps she’d prefer this beautiful Painted Silk Jerusalem Scarf to drape as her fashion sense dictates. The bright and gorgeous colors and design fixated to last for years. 
Bonus: Free shipping, usually ships in 24-48 hours.
Fiesta Scarf – JC Penney
JC Penney offers several lovely Spring scarves, too, starting at $12. Like the multi-colored Fiesta scarf. It will enhance many a Spring outfit. Sized 40×72”.
$12 jcpenney.com
The Simply Vera Vera Wang Floral Abstract Scarf at Kohl’s aligns with the spring essential floral theme. The floral cut-outs at the ends give Mom a look both playful and distinctive. 8×72” $45 sale $27 kohls.com
Vera Wang Floral Abstract Scarf – Kohl’s
Talbot’s also has similar scarfs from $17 and up.
Purses are often a favorite. If Mom’s on that team, read on for several great styles for spring. These can also transition into summer.
If she prefers a roomy satchel, the quality canvas and nice hardware of the Anti Status Bag will bring her joy. As will the easy open magnetic studs. Plus, the dual carrying handles offer stability for all that satchel might hold. In great spring colors, like pink and mint.
$26.00 baginc.com
Mondani® Mott Tote – JC Penney
Mom prefer a less casual satchel? Check out Mondani® Mott Tote. Same vertical silhouette, sturdy strap and magnetic snap closure. Roomy. Just sleeker.
$27 jcpenney.com
For the understated Mom, consider the Call It Spring Bobbitt Handbag with Tassel Detail
Bobbitt Handbag w/tassel
Tassel detail adds preppy style to this sleek handbag from Call It Spring.
$40 jcpenney.com
Addison Oversized Exotic Satchel – Handbag heaven
The exceptional Addison Oversized Exotic Satchel offers a sleeker satchel. Still ample, yet chic. The faux ostrich leatherette and actual leather trim add to that aura. A perfect bag to take on a business trip. A fun animal print lining reminds corporate mom to have fun.
$113 (retail) $68 (their price) $58 (sale) handbagheaven.com
The fiery faux snake satchel might be a better fit for younger moms. Smaller and a little funkier, it two roomy, interior open accessory pockets. Metal feet help keep the handbag’s bottom off germy surfaces. $30 whitehouseblackmarket.com
Faux snake satchel – White House Black market
Jewelry more her style as an accessory? She might love the beautiful golden-hued citrine stone known as the “success stone.” A round, genuine citrine graces the centerpiece of this Sterling Silver Citrine ring—surrounded by 12 diamonds. Overstock carries lots of beautiful rings at various price points.
$29.99 $27 overstock.com
FRUGALISTA GIFTS ON CALL – SWEETS AS LAST-MINUTE (DAYS LATER!) MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS
Mom has a sweet tooth? Why not give a bit of a swerve this year?
Give the chocolate lover something with a little zing. “Citrus” Petits RICHART made with bergamot ganache, orange zest coulis, candied grapefruit or lime+
Belgian Chocolate Covered Figs Gift Box – Chocolate.com
Chocolate.com sells the finest chocolate from vendors across the U.S. Uncommon offerings such as the 1 Lb Belgian Mixed Chocolate Covered Figs Gift Box. Healthy figs hand-dipped in rich, luscious chocolates: creamy milk, decadent dark or white Belgian. Appears could ship in 2-5 days.
For local shopping, try a chocolate shop like Ghirardelli. Something different like the Chocolate-Covered Fruit Assortment Gift Box for $18.00. Mom like apricots, cherries and blueberries? If she loves chocolate, she’ll love the enhancement.
$18 ghirardelli.com
Local Harry and David stores also have some great chocolate selections. You’ll also find some assorted towers and great fruit baskets there.
If you’re in the NY area, you’re in luck. Your dessert loving, Vegan mom will adore these artisan crafted desserts. Desserts that contain coconut oil instead of butter and splet instead of regular flour. The Vegan Divas bakery in New York create 100% vegan, kosher and pareve baked goods. Present bags of specialty cookies like oatmeal raisin w/chili powder, peanut butter w/chocolate chips, etc. All products are also 100% free of animal products and are made with 100% all-natural sugars. Vegan Diva also offers gluten free upon request. They also have mouth-watering muffins, scones, spelt flour brownies, doughnuts and specialty cakes (e.g. Vanilla Bean Cheesecake w/Cookie Crust)
$6 – cookie bags; $22 – chocolate mousse jar (serves 6-8); $26 – 8 pc brownie tin vegandivasnyc.com
The Assorted Pralinés, 16 piece, gift box will satisfy any praline fix. It’s filled with infused praline chocolates, including pistachio morsels, coconut, chocolate nibs, lime flavoring, orange, etc. Weighing in at .26 pounds.
Mom would probably appreciate coffee with any of the above treats. Whether she’s a Starbuck or home brew addict, the caffeine probably isn’t doing her any favors. Give Mom Choffy, 100% premium cacao (cocoa beans). It brews like coffee and smells like chocolate — without caffeine and with few calories. But, with plenty of stimulant: Theobromine the healthy kind.
$15 – 12 oz; $36 – 2 lb bag, Ivory Coast classic original; $20 – 12 oz Mamberamo Choffy from Papau New Guinea; $15 12 oz La Española Choffy from the Dominican Republic. drinkchoffy.com
FRUGALISTA GIFTS ON CALL – BEAUTY AS LAST-MINUTE (DAYS LATER!) MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS
Masai Family Gathering – Touch of Class
Masai Family Gathering Sculpture depicts a mother and father with children at their sides. Terra cotta, sage, blue, and gold complement the bronze finish on their bodies; complete with gold highlights complete the resin piece. This table top art makes a great accent in any room. Touch of Class offers hundreds of other sculptures. Many with family themes, so you might want to browse.
$50 List $30 http://www.touchofclass.com
Isn’t it lovely? She’ll likely think so, too; and smile every time she checks her appearance in the red Compact with Jeweled Heart.
Smile because she’ll be thinking of you.
She’ll easily find this beautiful mirrored compact in her purse. And get admiring looks as she uses it. The compact is almost a piece of art.
Get it for $28US at Beautiful Wishes
Red Compact w/jeweled heart – Beautiful Wishes
The Bronze Japanese Koi Teapot combines health and beauty for Mom. Plus, it’s a great addition to any decor. A fantastic conversation piece. The enamel coating interior in this beautiful, classic cast iron teapot ensures it won’t rust. The Koi insignia on the teapot symbolizes perseverance, courage, and good fortune. The retailer also has matching teacups for $8/each; and several variations of teapots if you want to browse. Bonus: Enjoying Tea includes free tea with every tea pot purchase.
$35US EnjoyingTea.com 
- Bronze Japanese Koi Teapot – Enjoyng Tea
FRUGALISTA GIFTS ON CALL – ALTRUISM AS LAST-MINUTE (DAYS LATER!) MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS
BOOKING DEATH PREVENTION – $20 of every copy sold of End Malaria, edited by Michael Bungay Stanier, goes to Malaria No More. In many countries, death by malaria infested mosquitoes isn’t uncommon. This $20 provides a chemically treated mosquito net to protect the family. End Malaria is a collection of essays about how and what it means to do great work.
This cause book contains essays, written by 62 successful business authors, on the topics of focus, courage and Resilience. Their hope is that these essays will inspire others to determine how they might create solutions to everyday problems.
$25 (paperback) $20 (Kindle) amazon.com (only)
Scented Candle – Thistle Farms
Give Mom something that’s kind to our environment and smells heavenly. The soy-bean based Thistle candles produce no soot. As a bonus the candles also serve mankind. Handmade by the residents of the Women of Magdalene, these candles support women survivors of addiction, violence and prostitution. Additionally, it provides them with a skill. Go ahead, buy 3 or 4 and keep them on hand for impressive last minute gifts. Citrus Vanilla, Tea Tree Mint, Lavender, Tuscan Earth
$18.00 – 8 ounce thistlefarms.org/
Kiva Gifts – Kiva.com
Mom might prefer the idea of specifically lending money to help others create opportunity. The KIVA gift card changes lives. Kiva’s mission since 2005: connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Empowering people on five continents. And it’s a loan. The recipient of gift card chooses the borrower. As the borrower repays the loan, Kiva provides progress reports and the money goes into the account of the gift card holder. The account holder decides to loan again or withdraw the funds.
FRUGALISTA GIFTS ON CALL – DECOR AS LAST-MINUTE (DAYS LATER!) MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS
French Lavender Wreath – Pottery Barn
The Dried French Lavender Wreath looks pretty all year long with its vibrant purple color. It also emits a soft lavender aroma. Bonus: Mom could carefully extract a couple of the stalks, pull off the buds and put them in a sachet bag for the lingerie drawer.
$49 potterybarn.com/
Eat Good Food: A Grocer’s Guide to Shopping, Cooking & Creating Community Through Food, written by owners of beloved institution Bi-Rite Market in San Francisco, guides the reader to better grocery shopping decisions—with detailed sections covering every department (grocery, butcher , diary, deli, cheese, produce, bakery, and wine/beer departments. Local residents pack this grocery store for its healthy and abundant culinary offerings.
$33 http://biritemarket.com $20 Amazon.com
FRUGALISTA GIFTS ON CALL – HEALTH AS LAST-MINUTE (DAYS LATER!) MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS
Omron Electronic Bodyfat analyzer – Bodytronics
The Omron Electronic Bodyfat Analyzer not only looks cool, but helps make Mom look pretty good, too. Is she athletic or a workout fanatic? She’ll appreciate this tool. It measures body fat weight/percentage and body mass index. Be prepared though. Mom might try to get you to use it since the analyzer can store up to nine profiles.
$53 List $39 http://www.bodytronics.com/
FRUGALISTA GIFTS ON CALL – RELAXATION AS LAST-MINUTE (DAYS LATER!) MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS
The EnviraScape™ Zen Springs Relaxation Fountain provides a visual relaxation component. Water flows down and across bars that the recipient concentrates on. Control the water flow with the built-in pump. The attractive, innovative design is reminiscent of a temple. Tabletop model.
$20 homedics.com/
Creme Brulee Honey Bath = laura Mercier
Gift Mom with Cleopatra’s secret. Just the thought of Laura Mercier’s Crème Brûlée Honey Bath invokes relaxation. This foaming elixir has all natural, moisturizing ingredients; and rich, lingering fragrance. Honey Bath comes in two other rich fragrances and includes a wooden honey dipper.
$40 nordstrom.com
Grande Chef Portable Chill and Grille – Amazon
Does Mom ramp up for the tailgate party every other weekend? Love to hang out at the beach or love to camp? If so, The Grande Chef Portable Chill and Grill BBQ Set with Chiller makes a great gift. This two-in-one grill and cooler combo has heavy-duty insulation and lots of room. The grill is portable and easy to store. It even has an ash catcher.
$26 at Amazon
Whether you present a great gift late, give a “just because gift” later or wait until the next occasion – Frugalista has you covered. In actuality, or in ideas, for gifts many a Mom will love. Do also remember to use comparison shopping tools listed here. Best wishes on your hunt!
©2012 DLewis
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