3 Thoughtful Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

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holiday gift
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It wasn’t long ago that if you forgot to buy a Mother’s Day gift before the holiday you were out of luck, especially if the recipient lived far away.

Gripe about the pace of the modern world, but that speed definitely works in our favor when best intentions or efforts fail.

If your mom or other gift recipient lives nearby, you still may have time to buy a gift at a store and deliver it yourself. Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 13, this year.

But what if the recipient lives far away or you just don’t have time or energy to go to the store and then race around to have it delivered in time? Check out these last-minute solutions:

1. Giftagram

Nope, we’re not talking about PJs or tins of popcorn. Giftagram is a service whose motto is “making it easy to be thoughtful.” You don’t even need the recipient’s mailing address.

Here’s how it works: Download the free app for Android or Apple mobile devices and browse the catalog. Giftagram boasts “a beautifully curated selection of gifts from local vendors in Canada and the U.S.”

Then, select the gift you want to give, the contact information for where you want to send it and whether the recipient should be notified of the gift by text or email. You can also enter a personal message to be included with the notification.

The gift won’t reach the recipient immediately, but most items available through Giftagram ship within three to five days of when the order is confirmed with the recipient.

2. Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime offers free two-day shipping on eligible purchases, but a lot more than just that. Members can stream movies, TV shows and music plus store unlimited photos online for free — just to name a few perks. For more details, check out “8 Big Freebies and Price Breaks You Get With Amazon Prime.”

New-mom alert: Prime members also get discounts such as 20 percent off diaper subscriptions.

Amazon Prime costs $99 a year (the cheaper option) or $12.99 a month. Or you can give Prime as a one-time, flat-price gift for $99 (12 months) or $30 (three months) — no need to worry about it automatically renewing on your credit card.

If you buy Prime as a gift, Amazon will email redemption instructions to the recipient on whatever day you choose. The recipient can start the membership immediately thereafter.

3. Godiva Chocolatier

OK, decide by 1 p.m. on any day — even Saturday or Sunday — that you just have to send Godiva chocolates, and you can have them hand-delivered that day.

The only catch is that the goods must be in stock at a Godiva boutique near the recipient, and you must pay a $19.99 delivery fee.

Whatever you decide to treat Mom to on May 13, don’t forget you can also enter her — and yourself — in Money Talks News’ $2,500 Mother’s Day Giveaway. It doesn’t cost a cent, and you have until 11:59 p.m. ET on May 12 to enter.

The winner will be chosen on Mother’s Day.

What’s your most inspired last-minute gift? Share with us in comments below or on our Facebook page.

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