Last Minute Gifts for Mother's Day

If you're reading this, you're in the I-Haven't-Gotten-Anything-for-Mom-and-I'm-Out-of-Time Club. Don't fret, I'm the president, and we have lots of members. And membership has its benefits! ( Er, I think.)

Seriously, though. She raised you, and that couldn't have been easy. You were probably a royal pain if you're honest about it. When I think back to my teen years, it's a wonder I survived. She probably could've justified snuffing me out. (Sorry, mom! I love you!)

So, now that we're out of time—and maybe out of money—here are a few ideas to put a smile on the face of the woman who chose to keep you around, teach you well and maybe take on a whole lot of grandkids after she finally got you out of the nest. (Did I mention thanks, mom!)

You could give her...

1. A gesture of love: There are lots of reasons you love your mom. Write a bunch of them on small pieces of paper, fold up the papers and give her a box with the papers inside. She’ll be opening them for hours, stopping to smile as she unfolds each one. That's a keeper.

2. Call her up and sing a silly song: It could be the theme to Sesame Street or a song your family sang while driving on family vacations.  “99 Bottles of Beer” might do, but only if she deeply appreciates your charming sense of humor.

3.  Dedicate a book in her honor: Did your mom read to you? Of course she did. Dedicate a book in her honor at the. This is a great way to show your love, to your mom and to other readers.

4. Cook something special: If you can't get a reservation at your mom’s favorite restaurant, cook her dinner at your house or maybe just whip up a special treat like these .

5. Flowers: Predictable? Duh. Lovely? Of course. A good last minute gift idea? Yes. You can call , or any of our best local florists and save Mother's Day with some flowers.

6. The moon. Or maybe just a star. The International Star Registry has been naming stars after loved ones since 1979. If your mom means the world to you, give her the cosmos. The registered star names are copyrighted with their telescopic coordinates in the book "Your Place in the Cosmos" so mom can find her name in the directory and, using a telescope, locate the her star in the sky.