Your mom (or the mom-like person you love). The woman who has done her darndest to teach you to use your manners, teach you wrong from right and have you grow up into a decent person. The woman who has been your scolder and a shoulder. The woman who drove you to your practices, helped you with your homework, took care of you when you were sick, cleaned up after you and spent the greater part of her life balancing her personal needs with yours, but always putting you first. Yes … that woman … and you haven’t even gotten her a Mother’s Day gift yet, have you? Mmmhmmm. (End guilt trip.)

So with Mother’s Day (May 10, by the way) falling right around the same time as college finals, you may have been too busy to remember to pick up something. Flowers are always a nice gesture, but there are many other options that will make your mom smile and pat herself on the back for raising such a thoughtful child. After the long winter, this holiday is at the peak of spring, so think bright and happy and check out some of our ideas!

Moms with a sweet tooth will love a beautiful package of cupcakes by BakedByMelissa.com. I am a huge advocate for this company and have used them a couple times now. The mini cupcakes are delicious and look as good as they taste. You can customize the flavors or get a pre-designed pack. The cupcakes come in flavors like Triple Chocolate, Red Velvet, Chocolate Chip Pancake and Cookie Dough. If your mom is more health-conscious, EdibleArrangements.com is always an awesome idea. They make beautiful fruit arrangements and have some same-day delivery options.

Perfume isn’t a bad idea, but keep in mind that women are pretty darn picky about their scent choices. Some like florals, while others like musks. For a light, feminine choice, try Tory Burch’s signature fragrance or Chanel’s Chance ($60-$85 at sephora.com).

Since mom usually doesn’t have a chance to be pampered, you might consider a gift card to a nearby spa or if it’s hard for her to get away, maybe some bubble bath and the way cool Umbra Bamboo Bathtub Caddy ($50 at Bed & Bath), which holds a book, a glass of wine and a sponge.

Speaking of wine, if your mom drinks the stuff, there are tons of options. A nice bottle of her favorite (think $30-40 for a nice bottle that doesn’t break the bank) is a great gesture. You could also get her an elegant Godinger Stemware & Decanter set ($60 at Macy’s).

Most women love jewelry, but I caution you, some of things advertised around the holiday are just cheesy. If you are going that route, try something like the Alex & Ani Mom Bracelet ($28 at alexandani.com) or something simple. Better yet, if you have siblings, pool your dough and get her something with your birthstones in it.

For fashion-forward moms, there are a lot of bright spring styles hitting the shelves. The Hawthorne Lane Ryan handbag comes in four colors ($198 at katespade.com). If you can’t spend that much, Kohl’s has a great selection of designer handbags on the cheap. A bright and floral spring scarf is a great option, too. Check out Marshalls or TJ Maxx; they have tons.

Tickets to a show or sports event might be welcome to some moms. You know what kinds of things she likes, so take a minute to see what’s happening in the area. If she is local, the Hanover Theatre, Mechanic’s Hall and the DCU Center always have things going on. Or grab some tickets to a Red Sox game and have some kid/mom time over a Fenway Frank and a beer.

Whatever you choose for mom, know that she will love it because it came from you, and if she doesn’t love it, she will still pretend to … like when you tried to make her breakfast or colored the wall with a masterpiece.

By Jennifer Russo