What mums REALLY want for Mother's Day

Flowers, chocolates or lunch at a country pub? We all think we know how to treat our mums on Mothering Sunday - but this year, we decided to ask them. Courtesy of mothers from our discussion boards, here are five great ideas to make Mother's Day really special

1. Mum wants... a day off
'I would like a day in bed while someone else takes care of the house and family. I'd have breakfast in bed - fresh bagels with a variety of preserves and a glass of Bucks Fizz - with the Sunday papers. Then I snooze until lunchtime, at which point I'd like a smoked salmon sandwich and a glass of white wine. Then I'd read a good book, have a nap and watch TV. And to round the day off, I'll have a big Chinese meal please!'
Lee

Even if the kids have grown up and flown the roost, chances are your mum could do with a day just for herself - and it's a chance for you to say thank you for all the years she cared for you as a child.

One way to give her that much-deserved break is to treat her to a day at a spa. And if you fancy getting some rest and relaxation of your own, you could always go with her. Use our spa locator tool to find one that suits.

Need suggestions? A pampering day at The Sanctuary in London's Covent Garden costs from £75 and includes full use of facilities including pools, steam room, sauna and colour relaxation studio. Visit www.thesanctuary.co.uk for more details. Alternatively, treat your mum to a day at a Champneys Health Resort, from £59.95. To find out more, visit www.champneys.co.uk.

Spa days a little too pricey? Give your mum time off in her own home by making sure she doesn't lift a finger all day. That means breakfast in bed, Sunday lunch, a long soak in the bath - and an assurance that she won't set foot in the kitchen for 24 hours. Admittedly, this is easier to enforce with some mums than it is with others!

2. Mum wants... a new look
'I'd love to wake up and find out we'd won the lottery. Failing that, I'd really like to have a personal shopper create a new look or style for me.'
Madcatlady

It could be time to take Mum shopping and let her choose her own present - with a little help from the experts. Most big department stores offer a free personal shopping service. For example, Selfridges' style experts in London, Birmingham and Manchester will even do the legwork for her, while your mum relaxes with a glass of champagne in the luxurious personal shopping suite. Then she can pop down to the beauty hall for a free makeover: call 08708 377 377 to make an appointment.

For more information on both services, go to www.selfridges.com