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Happy Mother's Day: five last-minute ideas

Mother's Day is here, but don't fret; there's still time fro the procrastinators among us to find a great gift that says: 'Happy Mother's Day.'

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Gene J. Puskar/AP/File
An Ann Taylor storefront in Mount Lebanon, Pa. To say 'Happy Mother's Day' with a last-minute gift, Ann Taylor is offering a 40 percent online discount that can also be applied in-store, with the coupon code LOVEMOM.
  • By Lindsay Sakraida Contributor

We're sure all of our readers love and appreciate their moms, but we'd also bet that a good number of you still haven't bought her anything yet for Mother's Day — which is now just four days away. While that sort of procrastination can often times lead to overpaying ("I don't care what it costs, I just need something!"), there are still plenty of deals to be had for last-minute stragglers.

So instead of hastily buying the first overpriced trinket you see, or comically assembling something "homemade" when you haven't so much as held a glue stick since grade school, take a look at these Mother's Day deals that are still available.

Go Fresh with Flowers

It's true that you're probably not going to find the best deals on flowers the week before Mother's Day, but there are at least a few promotions floating around that can save you a couple bucks or get you a little something extra for your money. Plus, flowers are an extremely easy last minute option. Currently you can snag a ProFlowers bouquet with chocolates and a vase for $39.99 (a low by $20, May 12 delivery adds $14.99), while 1-800-Flowers takes up to 40% off select items and an extra 25% off via coupon code "VME8" (when you checkout with V.me by Visa). You can purchase a credit for a florist, like this $40 FTD credit for $20, but keep in mind that they frequently won't stack with other promotions that the site is running, especially coupon codes.

Deals with In-Store Pickup

Bear with us on this one: what if you actually went to a physical store to get a gift? We know, we know, that requires getting up. But we're not saying you should revert back to your "old school" shopping habits of just picking something off the shelf and buying it without knowing whether it's a good price; and price-checking once you're already in-store is pointless if you're racing against the clock.

Instead, pre-shop online from sites that offer in-store pickup. You'll get the benefit of comparing online first, while also minimizing the time you have to actually spend out and about. Check sites like Walmart, Sears, Home Depot, Best Buy, and JCPenney for in-store pickup options. While it's unconventional, we think many moms would love this Rose 3-Piece Bistro Patio Set ($109 with pickup at Walmart, $40 off) for a moment of quiet repose during their morning coffee rituals. For something smaller, consider getting the Sylvania 7" Digital Photo Frame ($19.99 with pickup at Walmart, $20 off) and loading it up with family pictures.

Similarly, many coupons for online clothing retailers can be applied to merchandise in-store. For example, this promo that takes 40% off regularly-priced items at Ann Taylor LOFT (via coupon code "LOVEMOM") is valid in-store, too. Even if the extra discount isn't explicitly advertised as in-store, ask a sales assistant if they will honor the promotion. Frequently they will.

Gift a Subscription

The beauty to subscriptions is that no one expects to have an item in-hand upon receiving one as a gift, so you can literally wait until the last minute to purchase and still "get away with it." Does mom adore tennis? Get her a 1-year subscription to Tennis Magazine ($4.50 via coupon code "DEALNEWS", a low by $4), or checkout other magazine deals from sites like DiscountMags and Amazon. Download Digital Goods

Like subscriptions, gifting digital goods is another option for very last-minute gifts. On the whole, Amazon offers better prices on music than iTunes or Google Play. In fact, there are more than 1,000 albums at Amazon that are currently priced at $2.99, while another handful check in at $5. eBooks and movie downloads are also great, if your mom is open to the less traditional formats for her entertainment. And once again, Amazon is more likely to offer a discount of some sort for these goods, as iTunes rarely cuts prices on content.

Send Her on Vacation

Before you balk at the potential cost of sending Mom on a vacation, know that there are some potentially very inexpensive options, and if you have genetically-similar siblings, then there's a good chance that they too haven't bought anything yet and can pitch in. You can reserve a night at a hotel within driving distance for well under $150 — The Stratosphere in Las Vegas is going for $29.98 (a low by $14; expires May 31), while Myrtle Beach hotels start at $50. Or just set the stage for a getaway by booking her a flight from our top airfare sales.

Whatever you decide to do this Mother's Day, remember: greeting cards made with macaroni become exponentially less cute the older you get. Also, wire hangers are never acceptable.

Looking for more ideas? Check out our Mother's Day gift guide.

Lindsay Sakraida is the features director for Dealnews.com, where this article first appeared. 

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