What to get the woman who has everything? This question is the supreme Mother’s Day cliché, but one that holds true each year, particularly when there is only one week to go and I am scrambling to find that perfect little something. “Perfect” meaning she 1) will instantly smile as soon as she unwraps the box; 2) will find it either useful or delightfully tasty; and 3) won’t get angry at me for spending too much money. With that in mind I went on the ultimate quest for the five amazing Mother’s Day presents under $50. There is something here for every type of mom–from gourmet cooks, to perennial philanthropists, to avid tea drinkers. - Katherine Bailey
Tea Stick Infuser
Tea is warm, soothing, comforting, and a perfect excuse for a couple of chocolate-covered biscotti in the afternoon. Wrap this stylish, portable tea infuser with an assortment of high-end loose teas (Jasmine Pearls, Yunnan and Keemun are some of my favorites), and a few homemade cookies. Then, make sure to set a date for your next mother/daughter tête a tête. $24.

Rose Petal Truffles
A bouquet of roses is a dead giveaway that you only remembered Mother’s Day because your best friend muttered something about it through mouthfuls of chicken sandwich at lunch. These exquisite handmade, dark-chocolate truffles might not last much longer than flowers, but they will be infinitely more memorable. Each one is filled with dark-chocolate, rose-water ganache, and topped with a real rose petal…OMG. $40.00/for 20.
Hope Basket from the Heifer Project
There is nothing—and I mean nothing—better than helping others in need. The Heifer Project helps impoverished farmers and families around the world via donations of livestock. Their Basket of Hope is filled with baby chicks that will eventually lay eggs and provide manure for gardens, and bunnies (how much more can we tug at your heartstrings), that quickly reproduce so their owners can sell the offspring. If this doesn’t bring a smile to her face. $50.
Pearls in Bud Earrings
You can never go wrong with a simple, stunning pair of pearl studs. However, these delicate gems, set in sterling silver petals, are more than just pretty. They have an intriguing meaning behind their beauty. Tell your mum that in ancient Rome pearls were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and social standing, and to the Greeks, pearls were associated with love and marriage. She will be sure to wear them with a gleam in her eye. $38.

Dr. Hunter’s Hand Crème
Hand cream for Mother’s Day? Trust me. Dr. Hunter’s is not just hand cream…it is quite simply the most luscious, lavish, delectable crème ever! I received it as a birthday present from a friend and have been hooked ever since. Not only is it the softest, most luxurious thing you can put on your skin, but it has a gorgeous, faint scent of roses. Add a set of emery boards, a poppy-hued nail polish and voila!…instant manicure. After all, whose mother doesn’t need a little pampering? $12.





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At Home with Kim Val | 06-May-08 at 7:36 pm | Permalink
I bought the tea stick infuser to my husband this winter. The item is pretty and works well. But he does not use the tea stick infuser that much because he prefers to make a pot of tea instead of one cup. Just food for thought.
Rachel | 06-May-08 at 8:25 pm | Permalink
I have had the truffles and they are soooooo good.
Lisa | 06-May-08 at 8:27 pm | Permalink
I needed some ideas…so good to see some beautiful stuff under $50!