A guide to gifts for mom
By Katherine Houstoun CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sandy Pope of Midlothian takes a break from the holiday rush to enjoy a pedicure by nail tech Peggy Flannagan at His or Hers Salon. A gift certificate for a pampering pedicure makes a nice gift for moms.

Stop. Put down the reindeer sweater. Sure, the sequined cherry-colored nose is eye-catching and the furry appliqué ears are soft, but, truly, Mom has enough festive holiday gear. It's time for something different this holiday season.

While it's easy to fall into the trap of convenience and accessibility offered - loudly - by department stores come Christmastime, it's just as easy, and far more rewarding, to come up with a thoughtful gift that Mom will really enjoy.

After all the hours she puts into holiday baking, house decorating and gift-wrapping, Mom would surely relish the opportunity to get off her feet during a relaxing day at the spa.

"So many of us now have everything we need or want," said Gloria Rose, co-owner of His or Hers Salon & Spa in Winterpock Crossing shopping center. "Coming in and having a day at the spa, to me, is more precious than anything…not just getting the pampering, but being able to relax and be treated well."

His or Hers offers several spa packages, including the "New You," which features a facial, manicure, pedicure and blow-out for $171. Or focus on her worn-out hands and feet with a spa mani-pedi for $90. If you're totally clueless as to what she might enjoy the most, simply opt for a gift certificate so she can make her own decision.

You can also bring the spa to her with a "Do Not Disturb" spa bootie kit, available for $46 at the Alchemists in the original Stony Point Shopping Center. The kit includes microwaveable, lavender-scented, chenille booties, spa cream and, perhaps most important, a removable "do not disturb" door hanger. Just remember to heed the message when she heads in for a peaceful moment or two.

The gift of yoga is another relaxing, yet energizing option for Mom, particularly if she's ever mentioned an interest in trying out the practice. Healthy Life Yoga in Sycamore Square Shopping Center offers a new student special of three classes and a yoga mat for $50, while Swift Creek Yoga in Genito Station Shopping Center allows new students a week of unlimited classes for $25.

If Mom generally plays the role of household chef, give her a break from kitchen duty with a gift certificate from Personal Chef to Go, a chef service that delivers nutritious meals right to your door.

"It's one of those gifts where it's always the right size," said Blair Grossman, who owns the company with Gene Castelluccio. "This time of year, people get inundated with fruit baskets and chocolate. Our food is real food for everyday living."

A gift certificate, which can be ordered online at www.personalcheftogo.com, takes care of one week of healthy made-from-scratch dinners, featuring whole grains, fresh produce and low-fat dishes. According to Grossman, a family-style full order, which costs $140 per week, will feed a family of four for five nights, while the half order, which costs $80 per week, might better suit a couple with a young child for five nights.

If you're looking for a gift that she can wear, rather than experience, forgo the usual silver jewelry in favor of more eclectic handcrafted jewelry from Donna Silvestri. Silvestri's necklaces, available at Gather on Mount Hermon Road, range from delicate pieces with semi-precious stones hand-crocheted onto a light brown cord ($60) to bolder multi-colored beaded concoctions for $185.

Whichever route you go this holiday season, a little forethought will prevent you from succumbing to last-minute department store panic. Mom may have always told you "it's the thought that counts," but sometimes it's the thought that separates a good gift from an unexpectedly great one. And doesn't she deserve something great?