Help this Gift Giver!

This just in...a request for help from a loyal reader! Let's do our best to come up with a great gift for her to give her mom...

"Maybe you can help me out. My Mom says she doesn't want anything. She says this every year. I've made her scrapbooks, videos, homemade coupons, bought her jewelry, makeup, etc. She's a breast cancer survivor but doesn't like pink. She loves coffee but she's trying to cut back. She's also in school for her second master's degree so she's running low on spare time. She's 50+ years old and has 3 grand kids, but she's not into wearing anything that says "Grandma". Any suggestions for something under $40.00?"

At first glance, I would ask you what types of gifts does your mom normally give you? This is often a great clue to the types of gifts that she would like to receive! That being said, focus on an experience that your would like to give to you mom and build a theme around it! Instead of a tangible gift, could you take her and the kids out for ice cream or prepare her favorite meal? If she is pinched for time, perhaps a gift certificate to her favorite hair salon with some small pampering essentials that she can do in the comfort of her own home? If you want to go with a "school theme" would she appreciate a roomy but trendy tote bag to lug her gear or a comfy lap desk for her to use while she lounges with the family?

Readers...what do you think?