AS much as I adore my mother, and as much as I enjoy shopping, I cannot shop for my mother.

It is an impossible task. It would be easier for me to lose 10kg in a day.

For a little old lady who's satisfied with buying her shoes from the wet market, she has very strong opinions about what she wants.

And what she wants is not always consistent.

Some days she might like that dainty little bag, other days she's happy with a Fairprice plastic bag.

The pleasure of shopping turns into pressure when I'm shopping for mum. All my shopping instincts are thrown out of whack.

Things I am certain she'll like, she'll find something wrong with them. Things I am uncertain of, she'll treasure.

I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation. With that in mind, I've looked for gifts that should please most mothers. These are practical things that most mothers should appreciate, yet nice enough to make their eyes slightly misty.

And I found some inexpensive gifts. Yes, I know when it comes to mum, price shouldn't be an issue because she deserves the best.

But with the economy in such a state, your mother might appreciate the thought more than the value.

If you can afford it, shower her with diamonds and gold. If you can't, shower her with affection and love (which you already should, on a daily basis!).

These are things you can buy in a pinch.

If the week has been busy and you've forgotten about Mother's Day, you can dash out to buy a gift now, and still make it in time for lunch with mum.

These will work too if you need to buy for a group.

My significant other's family has a tradition. Every Mother's Day, the mums of the clan gather for a meal.

So if you're invited to such a party, these gifts should be generic enough to keep everyone happy.

Corny as it may seem, I believe this to be true: The best gift is to spend time with mum, especially if it has been a while.

Practical yet affordable

1 No need to buy your mother a huge bag when a purse would do.

If you head to Liz Claiborne (VivoCity, Raffles City, among others), you'll find delightfully colourful purses for only $39 - handy for coins, keys and an ez-link card.

Besides, it's not everyday you'll find a designer label offering items in that price range.

2 If you have a bigger budget, jewellery is always appreciated.

At Citigems, check out the Avoire range of pendants - crafted in white and rose gold, and adorned with diamonds.

The best thing is that it's affordable at $168.

You'll find it at Bugis Junction, Plaza Singapura, Suntec City and Wisma Atria.

3 Regardless of age, everyone has use for body care products.

The Superbly Restorative Dry Oil from Kiehl's ($48) can be used on the face, body and hair.

A blend of fairly-traded, organic Moroccan Argan Oil and other antioxidant-rich emollients, it smells divine with sweet orange, patchouli, eucalyptus and cedarwood essential oils.

4 For health-conscious mothers, you can get Brand's Bird's Nest with Rock Sugar ($44.20 for six bottles).

While it may not be the most glamorous gift, your mum will appreciate its benefits.

Bird's nest is said to improve the voice, focus and the body's immunity.

You can get this from Cold Storage, Shop N Save and Giant supermarkets.

This article was first published in The New Paper