By Alison Lorge, WCCO

I think mom said it best when she told you that it’s the thought that counts when it comes to gift giving.

If you are short on cash and still need to find a gift for Mother’s Day, I’m hoping to help you out with some ideas that can let her know how special she is to you.

Gifts That Bloom

Fresh cut flowers are always great (and what mom doesn’t like them?) but planting tulips or gladiolus bulbs in her garden or yard is the gift that keeps on giving. Year after year she can enjoy beautiful blooms when you plant these for her. A rose or lilac bush can also do the trick.

If you want to stick with fresh cut, ProFlowers is offering 25 percent off everything with coupon code FF25. You also get a free vase and subscription to Fitness Magazine with a purchase of $19.99 or more. Delivery and shipping are separate costs.

Pamper Her

• Does she have a chore that she hates to do? Mow the lawn, offer to clean the gutters, or come over and do her laundry for the weekend. A much needed break may be just what the mommy ordered.

• You can’t go wrong with a serving up a delicious meal. Tell her to kick her feet up while you prepare her favorite foods or a special brunch. Here are some recipe ideas.

• Give her a spa day at home. Prepare a basket or gift bag of lotion, bath salts, foot scrub and her favorite shade of nail polish. Don’t forget a scented candle and plush towel for the full salon effect.

Handmade And From The Heart

Remember to use your hands and heart when thinking of a gift.

• Got a water-loving mom? Try your hand at decorating some flip flops. Plain ones sell for under $5 at most department stores and any craft store sells rhinestones, ribbons and jewels by the bag. Here’s a how-to list from Martha Stewart’s site.

• Photography buff? Make her a decorated photo frame from wood or cardboard. Embellish with beads, tiles, glitter, mirror pieces, or even twigs and small rocks. Don’t think you have time or skills to make the frame, just decorate a simple one you pre-bought. Let your imagination flow, and of course, make sure to put in a picture that she’ll love too.

• A heartfelt, handmade card with words or a poem about what your mom means to you may mean the most to her. Need help coming up with where to start? Think of a favorite childhood memory, a time or experience shared together, things she’s done for you and other reasons why she is so special. Here’s a site for helping you write.

You are never too old to be a little sappy and tell your mom you love her.

Check out WCCO’s Mother’s Day Section for more.

Know of any other inexpensive gift ideas, share them with other ‘Good Lifers’ in the comment section. You can also text WCCODEALS to 84816 for a ‘deals of the week’ reminder.