Top 10 Mother's Day gift ideas for guys Flowers are the least you can do for Mum this Mother's Day Picture: Peter Cronin Source: Quest Newspapers "ALL that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." -Abraham Lincoln Every man on earth is some mother's son. Put another way, each one of us owes our existence to our mums" decisions to spend years and years putting our interests before theirs. Those men lucky enough to have kids of their own are in similar debt to their partners for their children. We're reminding you of this because Mother's Day happens to be just around the corner, and we sincerely hope you've got plans to show as well as tell all the mums in your life just how much you appreciate them. If you haven't figured out a strategy, we're here to help get you on the right track by providing 10 great gift ideas most mums will love. Keep in mind that exceeding expectations on this day as a son, son-in-law, husband, or brother is no excuse for neglecting mums the other 364 days in a year. But showing you care in the right way on Mother's Day certainly doesn't hurt. No.10 Flowers If sending these along to your mum wasn't the first idea that popped into your head, we'd recommend seeing a neurologist. That said, women have an uncanny ability to discern the quality of flowers, so don't think she won't know you opted for the cheapest bouquet you could find. Conversely, by taking the high road and shelling out for some floral luxury, she'll know you've done something special and show her pleasure by placing them prominently in her home for everyone to see. Though it may seem trite, there's a reason why giving flowers on Mother's Day is popular. Like flowers, being a mum is a beautiful thing, and beautiful things definitely deserve each other's company. No.9 Candles Loved by women for their flattering and soothing light, and mind-clearing aromas, you can never go wrong adding to your mum's candle stockpile. If you opt for this approach, make sure your selection is made from vegetable soy wax like that used in these Pacifica Perfume candles, because they burn better right to the very end. A weekend at home smelling a classy candle is much more appealing than noticing your or the family dog's lack of hygiene. No.8 Gift card This isn't the type of gift we recommend every day, but in the case of mums who spend the majority of time shopping for others, receiving a gift card to their favourite shop can often break down their selflessness for a change and give them a reason to shop for themselves. Don't assume, however, that you can pass this relatively easy gift off without putting some thought into some attractive packaging and a well-written card. The saying goes "it's the thought that counts," but the fact is letting mums choose their own special gift will guarantee they get what they want. No.7 Gift basket This idea may seem better suited for a corporate convention, but not every gift basket is created equal. Packed with her favourite gourmet foods, and useful tools to make cooking them a real pleasure, a customised gift basket from David Jones is a very classy gift. However, if you're really looking to earn good-son brownie points, you should be the one to prepare this gift's goodies for her as an added way to show you care. Food is meant to be shared with loved ones, so if you play your cards right, she might just let your stomach benefit from your good taste in gift giving as well. No.6 Home spa treatment While celebrating all of her accomplishments as a mother, many women find themselves reflecting on all the time that has passed to get here. By giving the gift of home spa products, she can treat herself to a relaxing day at home while marveling at all she has accomplished. More importantly, though, her day of home pampering will also give her skin a more youthful appearance akin to the days when she focused on herself and not her kids. Every mum needs to be reminded of the beautiful woman she is as an individual, no matter how much you'd rather not think about it. No.5 Home decor Men may brush these tokens off as pointless knickknacks, but unique home decor accessories are the kinds of gifts that detail-oriented mums love, because they help distinguish and freshen up the sanctuary that is her home. The old throw rug on the couch has started to resemble the Dead Sea Scrolls and a soft merino wool replacement should provide her comfort even when you're not around. Available at Myer and David Jones. No.4 Sweet treats Unless she's in the extreme minority, your mum will always appreciate sweet treats. Chocolate, of course, is certainly a safe bet, but if you're really looking to impress, sending an edible arrangement of her favourite fruit dipped in chocolate takes this gifting concept from the minor leagues to the pros. Made to be as beautiful as they are tasty, they're also great for sharing when the family gets together Sending over a basket of treats will make her feel great and indulge her sweet-tooth urge she so often says no to. Available from David Jones. No.3 Greenery The process of caring for a living thing is an instinct that typically stays with mums long after they've kicked you out. To cater to this instinct, give her beautiful greenery she can also tend to. Apart from adding colour and wonderful fragrance to her home, raising plants doesn't result in dirty dishes and unmade beds, the way raising you did. No.2 Perfume Some mums wear perfume every day, while others save it for special occasions. Regardless of what bucket your mum falls into, giving her a bottle of her own favourite fragrance will save her a trip to the department store and keep her smelling like she prefers. If you're an inattentive son and don't know what she likes, giving her a bottle of the classic Chanel No. 5 might just save your bacon. Scent is the most powerful sense attached to memory, so make sure you always remember your mum in the best possible way. No.1 Massage and spa treatment Mother's Day gifts are all about making mums feel good, and nothing fulfills that goal more directly than giving mum a massage and spa treatment. After a lifetime of making you feel good when you needed it the most, treating her to a day of relaxation is one small way of paying her back. For more gift ideas, take a look at our Top 10: Mother's Day Gifts. And if you're looking to wow her mum, see our Top 10: Ways To Impress Her Mum. AskMen's Top 5 Charming Gestures: Follow AskMen Australia on Twitter to become a better son