By Michele Chan Santos

Mothers are usually the world’s best gift recipients. No matter what they really think of a gift, it’s a universal mom trait to act delighted with the present, hug and kiss the son or daughter (the grown-up ones too) who gave it to them, and promise to treasure it forever.

But we all know Mom better than that. It’s usually only a few months later when you discover your gift is nowhere to be found (most likely re-gifted to the neighbor). The trick is to find a gift that Mom will actually use.

Between working, taking care of their children, decorating, buying gifts and cooking, most mothers have already burnt through their last bit of energy by Dec. 25 – that’s why the presents in our Gift Guide for Mom are designed to relax, indulge and treat these loving and overworked women.

Create a Spa at Home

The secret to having a spa-at-home experience is finding the right products. Aveda is a well-known and reliable source of beauty items. Their “Caribbean Therapy” line aspires to help women feel like they’re at a spa near the sea, even though they’re really in the upstairs bathroom. The bath soak (8.5 ounces for $24), body scrub (15.8 ounces for $38) and body crème (6.7 ounces for $26.) smell like the tropics and will leave your loved one feeling fresh and cocoa-butter smooth. Throw in the Caribbean Therapy soy wax candle for $28 and she may never leave the tub.

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