What mums really want for Mother's Day

3. Mum wants... a personal touch
'As it's my first Mother's Day as a mum, I'd love something unique to remember it. Maybe a personalised plate, mug or bowl from my son with his date of birth and handprint on it.'
Redcrx72

There are lots of ways to give your mum something that's unique to your relationship - and it doesn't necessarily mean a trip to the pottery cafe to make a hand-print plate! You could try something as simple as framing an old photo of you and your mum together - or get a new one taken by a professional.

Alternatively, why not get her a photograph or painting of a favourite place, such as somewhere you used to go on family holidays.

4. Mum wants... some inspiration
'I've started getting a bit more adventurous with my cooking, thanks to Ready, Steady, Cook. So I'd like something practical this year: I've told my son I want a griddle pan that can be used on a ceramic hob and goes in the dishwasher.'
Paula

OK, so not every mum would be overjoyed to be presented with a kitchen utensil on Mother's Day (!) - but the trick is to find out what would really allow your mum to further her hobbies and special interests. So if she's inspired by Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson, don't just go for the obvious celebrity cookbook option. Find out if there's a particular piece of equipment - or even speciality ingredients - she'd like. Or get her some expert tuition: Prue Leith's School of Food and Wine, for example, runs one-day workshops and short courses from £40. Go to www.leiths.com/courses/allcourses for more details.

Alternatively, if she enjoys visiting stately homes and castles, you could buy her a National Trust membership, from £40.50 (discounts available). Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for details. Is she an amateur art buff? A gift membership for the Tate, price £49, will allow her unlimited entry to all four Tate galleries: go to www.tate.org.uk/members. Is she interested in tracing your family history? Give her a 12-month subscription to www.ancestry.co.uk. Price £69.95. It will give her access to a number of online research facilities, including the complete 1850-1901 England and Wales census collection.

5. Mum wants... a night at the movies
'I'm not expecting much as my birthday is three days after Mother's Day - but I would really like Lady and the Tramp or Cinderella on DVD.'
Louise

'I'd like to watch my choice of movie - a romantic chick-flick while having a foot-rub!'
Vicky

Forget the latest releases: what's your mum's all-time favourite film? If it's an old classic, chances are you'll be able to get hold of a special edition DVD. For example, The Sound of Music is currently available as a two-DVD box set, with extra trailers, interviews and features. Or how about her favourite TV programme on DVD? Try a TV classic such as Poldark or Upstairs, Downstairs - or if she goes swoony over Clooney, she'd probably appreciate one of the early series of ER. Your next step? Sit back on the sofa and watch it together.

Alternatively, treat your mum to a night - or afternoon - at the movies by buying her film gift vouchers, available from most big cinema chains. For more details, visit www.uci.co.uk or www.showcasecinemas.co.uk