Skip the designer perfume, bouquet of red roses and lavish jewelry. No need to break the bank. Moms prefer gifts from the heart. These gift ideas won't cost you a penny...and guaranteed, she'll love them! The True Meaning Of Mother's Day

In 1908, Ana Jarvis, from Grafton, West Virginia, persuaded her mother's church to celebrate Mother's Day on the anniversary of the death of her mother, a woman whom she dearly loved, respected and missed. A memorial service was held there on May 10. The following year, she moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and her new church followed her same suggestion. Others shared stories of their wonderful Moms with Ana, and she was struck by the idea to establish a national Mother's Day. Ana marched full-speed-ahead and began a letter-writing campaign to ministers, businessmen and politicians. She and her cohorts achieved success in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day a national observance that was to be held each year on the second Sunday of May.

Although Mother's Day wasn't officially celebrated throughout the U.S. until 1914, there were days honoring mothers even in the days of ancient Greece. In that era, however, it was Rhea, the Mother of the gods that was given honor.

In the 1600's in England, an annual observance called "Mothering Sunday" was celebrated during Lent, on the fourth Sunday. On Mothering Sunday, the servants, who generally lived with their employers, were encouraged to return home and honor their mothers. It was traditional for them to bring a special cake along to celebrate the occasion.

Mother's Day is now a worldwide holiday and no matter when, where or how the celebrations occur, the meaning is always the same: Moms are special, irreplaceable and wonderful...and they're highly deserving of their very own day of recognition.

Gift List For Mom For Under A Penny!

1. In the morning, tuck love notes or notes of appreciation in Mom's pocketbook and other certain-to-be-found spots. Meaningful words can be plain and simple such as "You make me happy every day!" or "We think you're the best!" She'll be delightfully surprised upon discovery of the special messages.

2. Sprinkle 3 compliments throughout the day. Moms love to be told how special they are. During the day, think of a few sincere compliments to give Mom. Subject matter is probably right in front of you, but you normally don't verbalize it. Today is the day!

3. Pinch and squeeze, hug her please. Receiving affection is key to Mom's happiness. Give her a pat on the back, a hug for no reason, or a quick kiss on the cheek.

4. Express appreciation for the things she does for you. Often all of their hard work, thoughtfulness, and caring becomes so routine that it's taken for granted. When was the last time you said "Thank you"?

5. Give her complete control of the TV remote control! OK guys and kids, give it up for a day. Let Mom have free reign of what she wants to watch and when.

6. For Dads, walk beside her, not in front. Men usually have a larger walking gait. Men also head directly to their target. Women take their time, look around and relish their surroundings. Join Mom in her glory, slow down and take pleasure in walking side-by-side. Hold her hand, too.

7. Determine 2 topics of importance to you, and strike up a conversation with Mom. Ask her her opinion. Listen attentively. Don't interrupt. Be respectful.

8. What chores does Mom always do? Pick two and do them for her.

9. If you live miles apart and can only call Mom, commit to a fun light-hearted conversation. Complaints, problems, physical ailments, money issues - talk involving any of these topics is off-limits.

10. Make Mom "Queen for a Day." Gather the family together to plan out a day of family fun and activities. Take a walk, go bike riding, play tag in the back yard. Be creative. Keep it simple. (Remember, mom's not cleaning up anything!)

Bonus: Display greater patience and tolerance for the things she does that annoy you.