Most mothers will be receiving either flowers or chocolates on Mothers' Day or both, if they are lucky.

However, to earn serious Brownie points, you really need to opt for something a little more original. Something saying you really care. Something showing you have gone to a lot of trouble.

Something with the wow-factor!

This can be achieved with minimal exertion by surfing the web. If you know where to look, an imaginative Mothers' Day present can be on its gift-wrapped way in just a few minutes.

Why not send a rose bush, for example? Dig-it has a great selection you can view in glorious colour, alongside all the vital information, like soil-type, maximum height and preferred aspect.

I found Rosa Nice Day, which flowers throughout May and June and then again in September, for £5.99 plus £3.95 postage. Order quickly as delivery usually takes seven working days.

Anything white has more than a hint of luxury.

Browse the cool, clean and orderly White Company site for designer-quality accessories for the bedroom, bathroom and dining room at mail order prices. You will find items such as cotton waffle bath-robes and slippers (£40 and £10) and luxury body cream (£13). Standard delivery takes two to four working days and costs £3.95 for orders under £50 or £4.95 if you spend more.

For a Mothers' Day to remember have a look at Exhilaration Gift Experiences. Their alternatives include relaxing spa days (£99) and cookery demonstrations at the Mosimann Academy (£120), or more unusual experiences, like the opportunity to be a TV or radio presenter for the day (£110). You can either book a specific date or purchase a gift voucher valid for a year.

British Magazines Direct has more than 3,500 titles to choose from, including the leading women's magazines and more specialist publications. All are arranged by category, with a good-sized front cover shot and details such as frequency and cover price. You can subscribe for just a few months or a whole year, depending on your budget, but you need to add the delivery charge, which starts at 99p an issue.

If you are still in a quandary, pressie.com should have the answer. Among their Mothers' Day suggestions are the Aromatherapy Associates relaxing bath oil (£23.50) and the Carrick Rennie Mackintosh-style silver drop earrings (£33.95). All items are beautifully gift-wrapped free of charge and delivered by first-class post (free for small items rising to £8 for heavier parcels) or guaranteed by noon the next day (at an additional cost of £3.50 to £12.50, depending on weight).

www.dig-it.co.uk
www.thewhiteco.com
www.exhilaration.co.uk
www.britishmagazines.com
www.pressie.com