When it comes to gifts, it really is the thought that counts. So this Mother's Day, make your mum smile with a present that's truly inspired. Beyond bouquets Giving flowers as a gift is as old as the hills, but a bit of creativity can have a lot of impact. For an endearing gift, simply add a personal twist to this old favourite. Exotic blooms: Try buying your mother an exotic orchid. With its long-lasting blooms, it will give your mother pleasure for a lot longer than cut flowers. Otherwise, an azalea, jasmine, peace lily or beautiful green plant bought from your local garden centre will be just as admired. Gardening kit: If Mum likes tinkering in the garden, fill a decorative terracotta plant pot with a new pair of gardening gloves, a hand trowel, the seeds of her favourite flowers and some hand cream especially formulated for those with green fingers. Wrap in clear cellophane and tie with a beautiful bow for a present that will simply grow and grow. Pamper her If there's one thing that mums need most, it's time out. Whether busy working, volunteering or just looking after her family, chances are that she could do with a bit of pampering to recuperate. Fill a funky container or a pretty basket with bath time goodies: a scented candle to fragrance the room, a bottle of bubble bath or a sachet of bath salts, a book that you know she'll love, a new loofah or sponge and a pumice stone for her feet... you can spend as little or as much as you like. Remember to choose things that you think your mum will enjoy using. If you are on a tight budget, it's better to pick out two or three items that she'll really love, rather than five or six that she might just like. Finding a container in a style that suits your mother is also worth a little extra effort. Long after she has enjoyed using all the products inside, Mum will still have a lovely reminder of your thoughtful gift. Alternatively, treat your mother to a beautiful porcelain or crystal bowl, filled with potpourri, pretty soaps or chocolates to enjoy when she has some time to herself. Bear in mind that simple bowls can be relatively inexpensive. But, of course, if you are able to spend a little more, you'll find plenty of plates, pots, vases and other more expensive pieces, which you might prefer to fill with your chosen treat. Time together No doubt you and your mother both lead very busy lives, and perhaps it's not always possible to spend as much time together as you'd like. Make Mother's Day extra special by spending it together. Arrange to visit a beauty salon, and spend the morning catching up on each other's news whilst you enjoy a manicure or pedicure, or book yourselves in for a whole day of treatments at a spa. Alternatively, ask your Mum where she would most like to go with you-it's her day, after all. Take Mum out to dinner or pick up a takeaway from her favourite local restaurant, although it's an even nicer treat to surprise her with a meal that you've lovingly made yourself, with all the ingredients that she loves. It could be dinner followed by a show at the theatre or cinema. Perhaps she'd prefer a trip to the homes and gardens exhibition. Or maybe she'd like you to see her favourite museum. Whatever you decide to do, your Mum will most enjoy being the centre of your attention on her special day. Finally... Whatever your budget, never underestimate how much your mum would appreciate a card that tells her how much she means to you. The simplest gifts are often the best of all.