This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at App State chapter.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and we all know that its a day to celebrate and appreciate your mother. For us collegiettes, it can be difficult to really show her how much you care with the tight budget we have to keep. The good thing, though, is that there are plenty of gift ideas out there for anyone who is struggling to make ends meet, while also being able to get your mom something she will love. Here are 20 gift ideas that will be surefire way to make sure you are the favorite child for the next year.

1. Her Favorite Coffee/Tea

If your mom is anything like mine, she has to have that caffeine kick every morning. Sometimes their most favorite blends are a little hard to find and can only be bought during certain times of the year. This one may take a little bit of planning, especially if her favorite coffee is a holiday blend that is only available during Christmas time. Pair her favorite coffee blend with her favorite creamer, and you have the perfect energy gift.

If your mom doesn’t like coffee, head over to Teavana and get her a sampler of the best teas they have. Herbal teas can cure a lot of different ailments, so this could be a natural medicine cabinet for her. The tea tastes great, and even better, it will make her feel great too!

2. An Edible Arrangement

Edible Arrangements are perfect for any occassion because who doesn’t love a whole bouquet of their favorite chocolate covered fruits? Edible Arrangements come in all different shapes and sizes with all different kinds of fruits. You can tailor it to make sure it is perfect for your mom on her special day. Who knows, maybe she will even let you help her eat it too!

3. A Bouquet of her Favorite Flowers

Some moms are simple and don’t want a big, nice gift. For those moms, a boquet of her favorite flowers are the perfect gift. It doesn’t require much cash and it is a thoughtful gift for her. She can display her favorite flowers somewhere in the house, and brag on you every time someone comes over and comments on how nice they are!

4. Buy Her Dinner

If your mom is one of those moms that refuses to allow you to buy her a gift, take her out to dinner instead. Don’t tell her that you’re going to pick up the check so she won’t object the whole time. Take that time to talk to her about that stuff that only mothers and daughters can talk about; stuff that you wouldn’t want anyone else to know. Really catch up with her and then, when the check comes, snatch it before she can and take care of it. She may object the whole way home and insist on paying you back, but that’s just what moms do!

5. A Book She Has Been Wanting

My mom LOVES to read. She gets that sparkle in her eye when she sees a book she wants to read. Going to the bookstore with her could take hours, even if we are just going into the store for one thing. Next time you find yourself at a bookstore with your mom, pay attention to the things she picks up and puts back down, shaking her head and saying it will have to wait until next time. Go back and pick that book up and wrap it up for Mother’s Day. She will be very happy when she opens it up and notices that you got her something she really wanted!

6. Customized Phone Case

If your mom has a favorite picture, why not make it into a phone case so she can carry it around everywhere? That way, every time she looks at your phone, she will be reminded of you and the awesome gift you gave her! You can find these on Shutterfly, and they tend to go on sale around different holidays, so now is your chance!

7. Coloring Books for Adults

Life can get really stressful. It has been revealed that coloring helps relieve some of that stress. Lately, coloring books for adults have been all the rage, and I am a coloring book believer. I love mine, and if your mom leads a stressful life, or even if she doesn’t, coloring books are good for all ages.

8. New Cookbooks

If your mom likes to cook, get her some new cookbooks so she can try some new recipes. Everyone has their few favorite recipes for dinner, but there’s nothing wrong with trying something new! Maybe you guys can try a recipe together and it will become your new favorite for a weeknight supper.

9. A Giftcard to her Favorite Store

I usually hate buying people giftcards because I feel like it isn’t thoughtful enough. But, instead of trying to pick out a good outfit for your mom, get her a gift card to her favorite store and use that as a chance to go shopping together and help her pick out that outfit using her input. That way, she gets a nice gift and you get to spend some quality time with her!

10. Gift Basket with her Favorite Bath & Body Works Fragrances

Bath and Body Works always has a gift for someone. It may seem like the go-to gift when you have nothing else, but you can get a set of things for a good price, and then you can make a cute gift basket and add a loofa and a few bath bombs with a nice bow, and it is a perfect gift!

11. Shutterfly Photo Calendar

If your mom keeps a calendar around the house or in her office, a personalized one with her favorite photos is perfect for her. It is a thoughtful gift that reflects everything she loves, and each month she gets to be reminded of it when she flips the page to reveal another one of her favorite photos and memories.

12. Her Favorite Band’s Newest Album (if she doesn’t already have it…)

My mom loves Maroon 5. Every time a Maroon 5 song comes on in the car, all conversation stops, the volume goes up, and we basically have a dance party until the song is over, and at that point we resume our conversations as if nothing had happened. Your mom will love the random dance parties and the thought you put behind getting her a gift you know she can’t resist.

13. A Candle in her Favorite Scent

Some moms love a good smelling house, and candles are an easy way to get the house smelling like any scent. There are so many different brands and varieties you can choose from, so you really can’t go wrong with a candle!

14. A Good Bottle of Wine

Well, this only works if you are 21 and able to purchase the wine, but this is a good gift for any mom who loves wine. She can open it after a stressful day at work, or you guys can have a wine and movie night together. Either way, she will love it and might even get to reap the benefits of it too!

15. Massage/Spa Gift Card

Mom life is tough, even if all of her children are off in college and doing their own things. Give her a gift that will rejuvinate her and really help her relax for once while she takes her mind off of the crazy mom world she lives in. She will really appreciate the relaxation time and love you even more for letting her have it.

16. DIY Tie Blanket

This is a DIY project that might take you some time, but it really shows that you put an effort into getting your mom something. Buying the fabric is just the first step, but the extra time it takes to make it can be a time when you think about how you are going to give it to her. Believe me, these tie blankets are not easy to wrap! She will love this gift, especially if she likes to curl up with a book or her favorite show with a warm blanket.

17. Personalized Coffee Mug (Or Wine Glass)

If your mom loves coffee or tea and you can’t find her favorite brew, get her something she can put her favorite brew in! You can either buy a blank mug and decorate it yourself, or find a place that will customize it for you. Of course, if your mom isn’t a coffee or tea enthusiast, customized wine glasses are cool too!

18. Indoor Herb Garden

If your mom likes to cook, giving her a fresh way to season her food is a great gift. Herb gardens are easy to keep up with, so even if she doesn’t have the greenest thumb, she will still be able to handle this small gardening responsibility.

19. Breakfast in Bed

This is another solution to the “don’t get me any gifts” predicament. Wake up before your mom and make her favorite breakfast. It is a nice gesture that you don’t even have to spend any money on, and you all can enjoy breakfast together.

20. A Mani/Pedi

Take your mom out for a day of pampering with a mother/daughter Mani/Pedi day! Help each other pick out the best color and laugh as you realize the people giving you pedicures are talking about your feet in hushed tones. Let her relax with you and make a day out of it. If you really want to get creative, try giving her your own mani/pedi, but be prepared to do some damage control if it doesn’t turn out as desired.

Gift Sources:

http://www.aol.com/article/2016/04/21/19-affordable-mothers-day-gifts-fo…|fullscreen

http://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g2121/mothers-day-gift-guide/?slide=30

http://www.gayot.com/holiday/top10-mothersday-gifts/inno-gear-oil-diffuser.html

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/mothers-day/

Photo Sources:

http://patient.info/blogs/sarah-says/coffee-and-tea-health-myths-and-risks

http://www.janicemag.com/daily-janice/edible-arrangements-secret-menu

https://www.ftd.com/colorful-world-gerbera-daisy-bouquet-prd/ffgd

http://www.infobarrel.com/Why_You_Need_Bookshelves_–_And_Other_Book_Car…

http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/06/health/adult-coloring-books-popularity-men…

http://www.epicurious.com/archive/howtocook/cookbooks/best-cookbooks-2011