Mothers will appreciate self-indulgent gifts

Good gifts for Mother's Day are available at a variety of prices.
By HELEN MALANI
SCRIPPS HOWARD
May 14th is Mother's, I mean, Goddess Day.
Mother's Day is celebrated in countries around the world. The date of celebration varies as do the origins, but I particularly like the story that in ancient Greece there was a celebration for the mother of the Gods. Let's take a cue from the ancient Greeks, and on the second Sunday this May celebrate the inner Goddess within each mom.
The Goddess treatment is apparently embraced by mothers everywhere. In a recent poll of online shoppers conducted by Shopzilla, when asked what they would most like to receive on Mother's Day, a whopping 48 percent said a spa treatment and 32 percent wanted a fun and frivolous, completely self-indulgent gift.
Low on the list of what they wanted to receive were traditional gifts, that I myself have been guilty of giving. They are flowers, kitchen appliances, picture frames, lingerie and cookware. Yes, though some retailers may be pushing pajamas, robes and slippers at a price too good to resist -- I plead with you -- resist!
As I create a list of gift suggestions that fit the bill, I don't have to stretch my imagination too far as I fancy myself a Goddess trapped in a mortal's body. If you're on a budget, don't fret; it need not cost a lot for a Goddess gift. Here are some favorites in three price ranges:
Budget friendly
Hoop earrings, their simplicity and timeless shape are a welcome addition to any woman's jewelry collection and never go out of style. I found a pretty classic satin finish hoop in gold or silver tone at shopzilla.com. These hoops offer a generous 2-inch diameter and a small price tag of $19.99.
They'll be the perfect accessory to summer fashion styles. If these don't strike your fancy, there are plenty of other hoop styles and price points available through online retailers. You might check out Boscovs.com for 14-carat gold twisted hoops, which are also under $20.
Middle of the road
Even Goddesses' feet get tired. A foot spa gently massages the day's stress away. There are plenty of selections for under $50, but I like Conair's Deluxe Massaging Foot Spa. Two rollers spin into action and give some much-kneaded deep massaging of the soles. For a few extra bucks add luxurious foot massage oil in a soothing scent like lavender or peppermint to make it an extra special gift.
Over the top
If price is no option, even Goddesses could use a little R & amp;R. After a spa treatment a vacation is the second most requested gift. If you happen to live in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco or Dallas book her a massage at one of Bliss Spa's trendy and relaxing locations. If money is truly no option and you don't live nearby, then buy a plane ticket and send her there! And for the rest of us who just can't get to a Bliss Spa, their skin care products are available online.