Taking the Kids: What moms and grandmas really want for Mother's Day

For moms, think about how you can gift her time. “A little time to myself … oh, yes!” said Rachel Mastudino, the mom of two young children.

“Time for myself is definitely appreciated but hard to balance because I’m working,” said Melissa Miller.

Certainly a spa day would be appreciated. So would the chance to have a girls’ night out or a day to do what she’d like — play tennis, go rock climbing, gallery hop, vintage shop, enjoy a long lunch. If you have a vacation coming up, give Mom a gift card or IOU for “her” time wherever you are going. That’s a luxury anyone can afford.

Perhaps a long weekend getaway with her best girlfriends — or her mom. Just choose a place that won’t be teeming with kids – the 120-room beachfront Crissa Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica, for example, is adult-only and recently became an all-inclusive. I met several mom-daughter duos aboard the adults-only (18+) Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s new cruise brand.

Through June 30, Kimpton Hotels is offering a "Thank You" to mom new hotel package that gives mom a bath cocktail (the latest cocktail trend), among the amenities.

You can also gift her something to use when she has this “me” time. I’ve become a fan of MBT shoes –terrifically cushioning and moisture wicking whether you opt for running shoes or slip-ons.

I’m also a fan of Royal Robbins, which offers versatile clothes designed for travel – quick-drying, some even treated to repel bugs and spots. (Their women’s wrinkle-resistant and lightweight Spotless Evolution Pant ($95) have become my go-to travel pants.)

Consider Vera Bradley’s crossbody bags that I love for travel, including the Featherweight Sling Backpack ($80) that is made from water-repellent nylon from recycled content. I love the side pocket for a water bottle and that it can also be used as a regular backpack. Another good bet for travel is their medium hipster crossbody bag ($85) made from water-repellent polyester, RFID protection for credit cards and plenty of inside card pockets.

Made in the mountains of Wicklow, Ireland, Glendalough Rose Gin ($34.99) was created as a way for Glendalough Distiller Rowdy Rooney to honor his own mother. Mother Rose loved tending to her rose garden. So, after her passing, Rowdy bottled her memory in the form of a light, floral and flavorful rose gin that utilizes real roses (some straight from her garden).

For wine lovers, gift a personalized wine opener (say Best Mom, for example).

The company was started by a mother-daughter duo, Mary and Sophie Leahy. Mary needed Sophie’s help to open a bottle of wine because of arthritis and they couldn’t find one that would meet their needs ($49.99 and with personalization, $58.99). Add a bottle of mom’s favorite wine and a promise that she will have unfettered time to enjoy it!

For camping and RVing moms, I’d recommend a personalized coffee mug or wine tumbler from Yeti. The Rambler 10-ounce wine tumbler has a lid, comes in pretty colors (sea foam or Nordic purple among them) and is insulated so it will keep drinks cold — or hot ($25). There’s also a 10-ounce stackable Lowball ($20) great for cocktails someone will make for mom or grandma!

So are you ready to gift something new this year? Happy Mother’s Day!

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia and The Kid’s Guide to Camping are the latest in a series of 14 books for kid travelers published by Eileen.)