Looking for some last-minute tips for Mother's Day gifts? Here are some suggestions for what gifts you should avoid as well as some great alternatives for your mom!

#5: Another Dust Collector

I know it's tempting, but try to avoid giving mom anything that lacks function and needs to be cleaned. She may exclaim how much she adores that new crystal vase when she pulls it out of the colorful gift bag, but the truth is she's probably inwardly groaning. Chances are she's the proud owner of three or four other vases and will need to clean out a cabinet or closet just to fit in another one.

Alternative: Here's a classic solution. Buy her a drop-dead bouquet of flowers to go in one of the vases she already has. And I don't mean a last-minute bouquet that you picked up at the grocery store before heading to mom's house. These tend to look generic, and you want to send the opposite message: your mom is special and deserves a bouquet that reflects her personal style. Spend some time visiting your local florist or checking out one of the wonderful online florists that abound. Often, you can find a special arrangement that will be perfect for her; if you don't, feel free to ask the florist if they will make an arrangement that meets your specifications, particularly as it relates to size, color, and types of flowers.

#4: Additions to Her Collection of….

You know how mom has her prized collection of cat figurines or dried flower arrangements or indoor bird houses or maybe even rooster-themed kitchen decorations? Well, how do you think she acquired these items? Undoubtedly, a family member knows she adores her two kitties or perhaps heard her say "oh, I just love dried flowers." Poof! Over the years, mom's house has begun to resemble a kitty shrine or flower shop. Now, she can't just say "I'm sick of all these cat figurines cluttering up the living room!" She's bound to hurt someone's feelings, right? After all, these are gifts she's accumulated from her loved ones - from you! - over the years. Be sensitive to your mom's need for variety and step away from yet another collector's item purchase.

Alternative: Start her with a NEW collection! Just kidding. If you want to get her something for the house, show that you've been tuning in to her comments about needing a new kitchen appliance or repair. There's bound to be a small around-the-house item that can improve her life day-to-day, something that will make it a little easier. If applicable, try to have the item installed or set up for her; the last thing mom needs is more work to do around the house. This kind of gift will be remembered - and appreciated - all year long!
#3: Something in her favorite color.

When you see purple you think of mom, right? Her entire bedroom, and possibly the living room, is decorated in purple and you know she loves purple. In fact, purple is starting to creep into the master bathroom. Purple is a safe color and no matter what you buy her, if it's purple it will match her décor. I'm going to give you a news flash. Ready? Mom is SICK and TIRED of purple! Again, she's hesitant to announce this or even admit it to herself because the house would require a major decorating revamp in order to rid herself of this exhausted color.

Alternative: If your gift requires a color choice, select a color that will complement the primary color(s) of her home or wardrobe. Try to opt for an item in a neutral tone, such as white, cream, or tan (unless this is already her predominant color). What you want to avoid is purchasing items in a new bold color, say fuscia, which will clash with her existing color scheme.

#2: The Everyone-is-Getting-It Gift.

Don't fall prey to mass advertising and let TV commercials solely guide your purchase. Not every mom, for instance, needs a gold heart pendant necklace to feel loved.

Alternative: Mom will most cherish something that reveals your appreciation for her own unique qualities. Think about her hobbies or, better yet, something that she's been talking about wanting to do for years but has never gotten around to it. If she loves to sew, buy her a new Singer. If she's always wanted to learn to play the piano, don't just buy her a keyboard, but make sure it comes complete with a series of 10 beginner lessons with a live instructor (an instructional video will only become a dust collector (see Gifts to Avoid #5). #1: Something for Special Occasions.

The list of the top 5 things not to buy for Mother's Day would certainly not be complete without this: The best item to avoid getting mom is something she can only use on Christmas or for big family dinners, such as crystal glasses, fancy dinner placemats or center pieces.

Alternative: Show her that every day can be special and worth celebrating! Mom often needs to be cajoled out of the kitchen or at least out of the house, so give her a fun reason to leave. For this purpose, a thoughtful gift certificate can be the perfect Mother's Day gift. Think about what your mom needs most and give her the opportunity to indulge. Whether it's a gift certificate for a hot air balloon ride, season tickets to the local arboretum or theatre, trip to the day spa for a complete massage, pedicure and manicure, or an exotic dinner at a new Indian restaurant, mom will appreciate an opportunity to try something new - and she'll know that your gift took special thought and planning, which is the best way to show her you care this Mother's Day.

So now you know the top 5 things not to buy for Mother's Day. Hopefully, this has not only shed some light on how moms often get pigeonholed but also how you can help set your mom free of traditional gifts and get her something that celebrates her uniqueness. Now that you're familiar with which gifts that you shouldn't buy for mom, Finding the perfect gift offers great gift ideas for a loved one.