15 Gift Ideas for Mother's Day That Are Better Than Flowers

You’ve been getting your mom the same flowers and scented candle every year since you were 8, and every year she smiles, acts surprised, and tells you how much she loves her gift. I’m positive she isn’t lying, most moms love any gift from their children and truly believe it is the thought that counts- but wouldn’t it be nice to do something different this year? This year Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th, giving you just over a month to find the perfect gift to make her feel really special and show her how much you love her. However, sometimes finding a gift that she really loves, doesn’t already have and also doesn’t break the bank can feel impossible. But, it is never too early to start planning and listed below are 15 ideas to help you get started.

ONCEKids Publishing is run by literacy advocate and Mompreneur Eileen Wacker.  Click here to find her acclaimed books

 1. Starbucks “Recharge and Renew” Gift Set

For the coffee lover, reward her with a fancy and delicious gift set from Starbucks. 

2. Lavender wreath

Instead of getting her another Yankee candle this year, mix it up with a beautiful, scented wreath that doubles as a “candle” and a decoration. 

3. Personalized wall art

If your mom loves to decorate and fill up all the blank wall space in her home, wall art personalized to her style or family will be sure to make her very happy this Mother’s Day.

 4. Customized mug  

If your mom drinks coffee as much as mine, this gift will surely get plenty of use. Make her smile each morning (even more than the coffee itself does) when she drinks her cup of coffee in a funny or sweet customized mug.

5. Netflix or Amazon Instant account

If your parents don’t already have a Netflix or Amazon Instant account, definitely use this holiday to change that. Once they experience Saturday nights with an Instant Movie account they will wonder how they ever went without one. 

6. Comfy robe and matching slippers

Help her relax and unwind after a long day by providing her with a super comfy robe and fuzzy slippers to wear while sipping from her customized mug or watching her favorite show on her new Netflix account. 

7. Humorous t-shirt or sweatshirt

Make her laugh with a t-shirt and sweatshirt that says something every mom can smile about and relate to.

8. Red velvet and chocolate cake pops

If she has a sweet tooth, skip the chocolate this year and let her indulge in some seriously (and dangerously) rich cake pops.

 9. A customized apron and cooking supplies

For the full time mom, part time chef, make sure she’s equipped with the best supplies when tackling a new recipe.

 10. A “Wine of the Month” subscription 

What do moms love more than chocolate? Wine. Make Mother’s Day a reoccurring event with a new wine bottle delivered to her home each month hand picked by experts based off her her taste and preferences.

 11. A few books from her favorite genre

If she likes to unwind at the end of the night with a good book, go to the bookstore and buy her a few books from her favorite genre that she hasn’t already read but you know she’ll love. 

12. Yoga pants and matching yoga mat

For the athletic mom, surprise her this Mother’s Day with a chic new workout outfit and yoga mat to match.

 13. “World’s Most Badass Mom” key chain

Admit it, your mom is pretty bad ass so this key chain is just a humorous way to let her (and the world) know you think so.

14. A handmade card

Handmade cards don’t stop being special when you get older, especially to your mom. So instead of letting Hallmark do the talking, put your feelings into your own words this year and make a card from scratch. Hearing how special she is to you or how thankful you are for her in your own words means so much to her, on this day or any other.

 15. A Kindle or Barnes and Noble Nook

If she’s a technology lover and open to trying new things, show her the world of reading on a tablet with a Kindle or Nook.

ONCEKids Publishing is run by literacy advocate and Mompreneur Eileen Wacker.  Click here to find her acclaimed books

This Video Compilation of Puppy Presents on Christmas Morning Will Make Your Day

What child or dog lover hasn’t dreamed about getting a puppy on Christmas morning? I know i certainly have. This video shows a compilation of people getting surprised on Christmas morning with that ultimate dream and their reactions are priceless. 

ONCEKids Publishing is run by literacy advocate and Mompreneur Eileen Wacker.  Click here to find her acclaimed books

The clips will warm your heart and just might make you tear up a little bit, so get those tissues ready. Parents and spouses be wary, this video might make your kids or significant other add a puppy to their Christmas wish list!

Click below to watch the adorable video:

Learn more about the award-winning Fujimini Adventure series.  Purchase the books here

What Dad Really Doesn't Want This Father's Day

With Father’s Day just a few days away, Dads are eagerly awaiting their day of dedication and appreciation, and while all different methods of appreciation are, well appreciated, there are some that are getting just a little repetitive. While ties and greeting cards are still cherished because they came from his children, surprise him this holiday by getting creative. Don’t forget, a special gift doesn’t necessarily mean it came with a large price tag. 

So we asked real dads what they want most this Father’s Day- and what they would rather have a thing of the past. 

Here are their responses of what they would like to see stay in last year's father's day gift pile:

ONCEKids Publishing is run by literacy advocate and Mompreneur Eileen Wacker.  Click here to find her acclaimed books

1. An "expensive dinner out in my honor- and with my wallet."

2. A "high tech gadget that I won’t actually use."

3. Funny underwear, a t-shirt, or a tie- chances are my opportunities to wear a shirt that my son found hilarious are going to be pretty limited. 

4. Concert tickets for a band that shouldn’t be doing concerts anymore- "If they were popular when I was a teenager, I probably am not interested in seeing one of their concerts any time in this decade."

5. A gift certificate for anything spa related- "I’m not sure how this comes to a surprise to some people but being “pampered” in any way that involves driving to a salon or spa is not something I am terribly excited about." 

To find the book series that inspires these stories, click here

6. Novelty golf balls- "any man who takes golf seriously would much prefer to pick out his own brand or type of golf balls, free from monograms or Disney characters on the front." 

7. Anything that involves a grill- "most men are proud of their grills and grill skills but that doesn’t mean that every Father’s Day he wants a meat thermometer or a grilling mitt." 

8. A greeting card that sings when you open it- "we don’t like opening cards and being startled by the sudden burst of obnoxious music nor do we find it “cute” or “amusing”, so save yourself $6 and make us a card by hand."

9. A coffee pot- "I’ve been using my good old coffee pot since college and don’t feel the need for a new, high tech one that is just going to confuse me every morning when I’m already rushing out the door."

10. A video camera- "my smart phone camera works just fine for the 2 videos I take a year, save your pennies and avoid splurging on any sort of camera."

Gain "Best Boyfriend or Husband Ever" Status this Christmas (Part two)

It's never been a secret that shopping for the opposite gender can be difficult at times, especially for those men who may not be experts in the shopping department. But like we discussed in the first part of this two-part series, as long as you go to the mall with some ideas, fresh perspective, and knowledge of her sizes- it's not as bad as it seems (even if the mall is a zoo!). The hardest part of christmas shopping for your significant other isn't just getting organized and getting to the mall, its getting the creative ideas in the first place. 

And that is where we come in! For someone who struggles with coming up with unique and creative ideas or someone who has been buying for the same person for a long time, coming up with an awesome gift can seem like the ultimate challenge. But we have gathered together a list of ideas that will guarantee you'll be giving yourself a pat on the back this Christmas morning. So hands off the lingerie, step away from Victoria's Secret, and listen up!

1. Ipad Mini Retina

The original Ipad Mini was pretty awesome, but now loaded with a jaw-dropping retina display  and high end A7 and M7 processors, the updated one is even cooler. So if you have a tech-lover for a wife or girlfriend, you might want to head over to your local Apple store for this Christmas.

2. Joseph Joseph Mezzaluna 

For anyone hitched to a chef or someone who loves to cook, look no further! This unique knife is definitely the next trendy item to have in the kitchen. The strong, curved blade slices through herbs and vegetables with speed, accuracy, and efficiency and will have them whipping up delicious dishes in no time (so this is a gift you'll love too!). 

3. Pantone Coffee Maker 

Now this is a present I would love to have under my tree! And if the woman in your life loves coffee as much as I do- this would be the perfect gift for her as well. The small coffee maker isn't just stylish, but also comes with a variety of cup-size options, ranging from a three-cup version to a nine-cup version. 

4. Apple iPhone 5S

Not much has to be said about this suggestion! All of the buzz on the Internet and from your friends speaks for itself. Next to the upcoming updated Samsung Galaxy, this is the most talked about phone of 2013. Equip with metallic casings and other ridiculously cool features, the new version of the iPhone 5 is flying of the shelves this Christmas, so if you want one in your wife's stocking this year you'd better get to the nearest Verizon ASAP. 

To learn more about Modern Moms and The Mom Code, please visit ONCEKids Publishing website, Facebook and Twitter

5. Housecleaning services

Wait, a maid for Christmas? This is definitely one of the more unique gift ideas I came across but when I gave it some thought this is actually an excellent idea for a present. If your wife hates cleaning as much as I do, buying her a package for a housecleaning service will allow her to relax and put her feet up on her days off from work instead of catching up on household chores. Who wouldn't want their Christmas present to be to come home to a sparkly clean house every week! 

6. A Bath set

One of many women's favorite ways to unwind is with a nice, hot bath. If the woman in your life likes to have a soak after a stressful day, help her to completely unwind with a fancy bath set- something you can find at countless boutiques, department stores, your mall's Bath and Body Works, and so on. And complete the experience by adding a comfy robe and fuzzy slippers! 

7. Drybar Blowout Box

Treat her hair this Christmas with the ultimate hair-drying experience. The Drybar Blowout in a Box is an ultra-sleek and stylish blow dryer set complete with three different attachments, a brush, and three styling products. 

8. The Misfit Shine

Now this would be something my mom would love! If your wife or girlfriend is crazy about fitness, this gift has to be your next purchase. The Misfit Shine is a small and sleek

fitness tracker, that measures everything from steps taken to calories burned even while you're asleep! The best part? It wirelessly connects to your iPhone or Android, keeping you up to date on your stats at all times! 

While lingerie and jewelry can be nice, give her something different this year that will really surprise her and make it the best Christmas morning possible- for both of you! 

10 Breakthrough Gadgets for This Year's Christmas Present (Part 2 of 3)

This year has been revolutionary regarding the creation and advancement of technology, from huge advancements like within the medical field, to smaller ones that are just for our own entertainment. And those ones make for the best christmas presents!

So if you have any tech-wiz kids or husbands, these items will make for the perfect additions to this year's shopping list!

4. The Bladepad

This is definitely the present for all your gamers. The trendy Apple accessory makes gaming easy- and portable. The Bladepad is a gaming controller complete with light-up joysticks and buttons, that attaches to your iPhone 5, so they can play anytime, anywhere (until you say otherwise of course!). It even comes with a power cable, eliminating the fear of a draining battery!
Learn more about this awesome gaming device at their website: http://www.bladepad.com/about/

5. Breffo Adventure Camera Kit

This camera accessory will end your frustrations with trying to capture the perfect angle, and prevent the need to choose between asking a stranger for a group picture or the "having Mom/Dad disappear from family photos for 10 years" routine. The interesting looking but efficient new device is an "Octopod" that can grip on to anything while holding your camera secure at the same time. Satisfy your loved one's  inner photographer (or your own if we are talking about a little christmas shopping for Mom!) by having this portable device on hand for any important occasion. Twist and manipulate the rubber-covered, spider-like legs in any fashion while a screw holds your camera in place and you've got yourself a perfect picture- that you can all actually be included in! 

To learn more about this product visit their website at:
http://usa.breffo.com/products/adventure-camera-kit-white

6. Pocketstrings

I included this one on the list because it was one of the more simple yet unique creations I saw. If you have a musician in your family, this is something you definitely are going to want to look into! "Pocketstrings", is a portable set of strings that allows quick and easy practicing- while keeping the volume down (something the rest of the family might appreciate!). 
Learn more about the "Musician's best friend", visit:
https://www.pocketstrings.com/models

To See More Cool Gadgets Ideas for Your Tech-Lovers Keep A Look Out for Part Three Coming Soon! 

10 Breakthrough Gadgets for This Year's Christmas Present (Part 1 of 3)

With the passing of Thanksgiving, most people have one thing on their mind: Christmas shopping. The start of December welcomes the holiday season and with it comes lights, Christmas trees, holiday music, baking, and some serious shopping. And for those Moms doing Christmas shopping for techn-savvy teenagers and husbands- this is your lucky year. 

The last decade has seen some incredible technological advancements, but 2013 introduced some jaw-droppingly cool gadgets that you're definitely going to want to put on your list. 

1. Samsung Galaxy S4

Everyone's always buzzing about Apple's Iphones, but you may be surprised to know that in 2012's global smartphone market share Samsung's Galaxy S3 actually beat out the iPhone 5! Experts predict the updated version, the Galaxy S4 is going to give Apple a run for its money when it hits stores in April. Reading this as a die-hard Apple user myself, I wasn't entirely convinced but when I read about the new features it offers- I have no problem believing this will be the next big phone. Not even taking the 5-inch 1080 display and 13.0 megapixel camera into account, the phone offers touch-screen features including "Smart pause" which pauses video by the user simply turning their head away from the screen, as well as "Smart scroll", where users can browse through their emails by simply tilting the phone. How is this possible? All through facial recognition. 

2. 3Doodler

Reading about this recent invention truly blew me away. The 3Doodler has been dubbed "the world's first 3D printing pen". So how does it work? Well, the pen releases hot plastic which cools and then quickly solidifies. The creators believe that this pen will be responsible for huge advances in limited edition art as well as templates. They add that it is not only for projects and designing, but can be used for smaller, fun things too like decorating iPhone cases or jewelry. This makes for the perfect gift for any artists or architects-to-be!

To learn more about Modern Moms and The Mom Code, please visit ONCEKids Publishing website, Facebook and Twitter

3. Pebble

This next invention combines a smartphone with a watch, in the coolest way possible. Nicknamed the "First Watch of the 21st Century", the Pebble connects to iPhone or Android smartphones and enables you to receive text messages, emails, or incoming calls at the touch of a button. But the reason why it truly stands out as the watch of the 21st century is because now in addition to viewing your texts, you can load it up with apps, with an increasing number available each day!