Create a Mother's Day Spa Experience

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This month children around the country will be thinking of innovative ideas on how to treat their mothers in a special way for Mother's Day. While moms appreciate any and all efforts from their children, there is the secret hope that this year they'll get to experience something truly special. It's up to you to make it a reality for your mom.

Classic Mother's Day gifts involve breakfast in bed, poems, photos, and handmade items -- especially from younger children. Older children can go a step further and create a day where the memories will last the entire year.

Spa vacations or day trips are a growing trend and gift that will truly be appreciated by a mother who enjoys a little pampering. Hosting a spa party for your mother, and perhaps a few other lucky female relatives and friends, can be a unique way to show you care.

First, if you have a workable budget, you can inquire at a local day spa if they have party planning services. Many spas will host the day for you and provide some sort of package of services for a specific cost. The price may be reduced depending on the number of spa participants.

If you need to reign in costs a bit, you can have the spa party at home or another location, such as a rentable party room. A local hotel can serve as the site of the party as well. The hotel may actually have their own spa personnel on staff.

If you're going the at-home route, you can choose to be as hands-on or hands-off as you desire. Today you can often purchase ready-to-go spa kits from health food stores, department stores and even pharmacies. Here are some supplies you'll want to gather:

* therapeutic facial washes and

moisturizing lotions

* eye treatment creams

* paraffin wax for manicures and pedicures

* massage oils

* heated neck rolls or towels to soothe away stress

* eye masks

* emery boards, nail polish and nail polish remover

* towels, robes and slippers

* candles

* soothing music

* healthy snacks, such as finger sandwiches or fresh fruit

* spring water flavored with lemon or cucumber slices

* lunch items, if you're planning on serving lunch afterward (salads and whole grain breads are easy and filling)

* homemade spa products if you're feeling crafty; visit www.honey.com for some ideas using all-natural honey

Unless you plan on rendering all the services yourself, with the help of willing siblings or other spa helpers, you may want to hire some professionals if the budget allows. Contact massage therapy schools to see if there is a licensed masseuse who makes house calls. There may also be a manicurist or person who conducts facials that can be brought in. Otherwise, the ladies just take turns according to a "spa schedule" you've devised having services rendered by you.

If you have a hot tub in your backyard, encourage the spa guests to retire there for further unwinding after the spa treatments are over.

A spa party is a clever and thoughtful way to really pamper your mother or other special woman. With some planning, you can give a Mother's Day gift that will be remembered for some time.