Or maybe just a full night of sleep (at least once a week).

Or someone to watch the kids while she gets a few things done.

Since none of those can be found at a mall, at Cameron Village or on Franklin Street, we went searching for other ideas for Mother's Day, ideas that might help Mom look and feel her best, keeping in mind, of course, the economy.

But even in these slower economic times, Mom is not being forgotten. People plan to spend on average about $140 on their mothers this year, about $7 more than they did last year, according to Brand Keys' annual Mother's Day survey of 1,200 people. The group said men planned to spend the most, an average of $170, compared with women, who said they'll spend $110.

So what's Mom getting? Cards (95 percent). And flowers (60 percent). More than half are getting treated to a special lunch, brunch or dinner.

The moms who wrote us their wish lists had other things in mind as well. Here are a few of them:

Although spa gift cards fall pretty low on the list of what men are planning to buy moms, according to Brand Keys (10 percent said that's what they're planning to buy), they rank pretty high with a number of moms who wrote to us. What mom doesn't deserve a little pampering? (Just think about what carrying a 20-pound child does to your back, one mom told us.)

In fact, La Therapie Spa in Cary is already counting on some mom spa business this Sunday. The spa is open on Mother's Day from noon to 5 p.m. so that moms can be pampered with a facial, pedicure or massage. Massages start at about $50 and facials start at $55. (www.ltdayspa.com)

But fellas? As one mom was quick to remind us, anyone can give a spa-day gift card. Take the gift a step further by making the appointment for her and making sure you've covered who's going to watch the kids while she's at the spa.

If she's a new mom, consider sending her to the Itsy Bitsy Baby Spa. The new spa in Cary is geared toward moms learning how to adjust to life with a baby, with mommy and baby belly dancing classes, sing and sign playtime classes and mommy and baby yoga. Classes start at about $22. (www.itsybitsybabyspa.com)

Owner Keren BenMoshe also has gifts for the moms-to-be, including Mama Rose's Naturals Tummy Aid wellness tea and Preggie Pops to ease morning sickness and Blossoming Belly Lotion Bar to prevent and fade stretch marks on growing bellies.

Pamper her a little

Maybe she's not a day-spa girl. Maybe she likes to stay right at home and pamper herself.

For moms who have missed the luxury of a bath -- either because of the drought or being time-starved -- Jennifer Huggard has the perfect gift at Tyler House. It's called JellyBath and smells and feels like a mini vacation from packing lunches and waiting in car lines. Add a box of JellyBath to half-full tub of warm water and it becomes a translucent, fluffy jelly -- kind of like a blanket -- that helps retain heat up to four times longer than water. Jellies come in mint, lemon grass or lavender and cost between $10 and $24 at Tyler House in North Hills.

Speaking of scents, we can't get enough of The Body Shop's Morning Body Butter ($20), which is a must for any gardenia-loving mom. The body butter also comes in other scents such as almond, grapefruit, coconut, mango and strawberry.

Stephanie Harris of Charlotte's Jewelry and Gifts says pampered moms might like the scented dusting silk by Lady Primrose in crystal shakers ($31). She says it's "the softest powder you will ever try," perfect for staying dry on humid days or freshening up bed linens.

Other pampering requests from moms: Essie nail polish (for one mom in Plaza Sweet, please. $7, beauty supply stores); Trish McEvoy's Blackberry & Vanilla Musk spray ($45, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue); and the organic Juice Beauty lip balm ($15, Sephora).

A perfect purse

Handbags aren't on Brand Keys list, but several moms -- new ones and seasoned pros -- said they'd love a new one, either one big enough for diapers, kids snacks and hand sanitizer, or a sleek one for evenings out.

Both are easy scores this year.

For a bigger bag, check out the selection from Big Buddha, a stylish yet affordable handbag line. This spring, we love the large sunshine orange bag ($64 at Light Years in Chapel Hill), perfect for the park, the beach or the mall.

If it's designer labels she craves, check out the more structured Tory Burch tote, a bag that one mom says is both chic and practical -- and satisfies her craving for a little designer luxury. Tory Burch bags start at about $185 and are available at stores such as Vermillion in Raleigh and Monkee's of Chapel Hill.

For the mom who wants an instant update to her look, seek out a clutch. They're one of the season's hottest accessories and a piece she'll be able to use for years to come. Macy's has a wide selection, including a few on-trend colors and styles in patent leather by Alfani ($88) or snake skin by Jessica Simpson ($78).

Something shiny

Jewelry is another one of our favorites (did we have to remind you?), even if only 20 percent of men plan to buy some for Mother's Day. And it doesn't have to be expensive to make a girl happy, either.

Support the local jewelry trade by buying some of the unique metalwork pieces by Sonya Coulson Rook, who sells under the name Metamorphosis Metals. Her pieces are some of the most affordable around, with earrings starting at about $7. Find her online at www.metamorphosismetals.com or at stores such as Catch 22 in Raleigh.

If she's looking to update her look, try a pair of gold hoop earrings, one of this season's big jewelry looks. Gena Chandler in North Hills has a pair by Sheila Fajl for $55.

Jules Smith's initial pendant necklaces in star shapes will keep the kids close to her heart. Find them starting at $75 at www.julessmithdesigns.com.

If she's eco-friendly (and likes higher-end pieces), check out the stackable rings by Jennifer Dawes of Dawes Design. All of her jewelry is made from recycled gold and has conflict-free diamonds and stones that are mined responsibly. Find them at Cameron's in Chapel Hill for about $500 or online at www.dawes-design.com.

Get it all with convenient home delivery of The News & Observer.