Describe the best gift you (as a mom) ever received or gave to your mother:

What made this gift extra-special?

Other comments or suggestions:
I am told by many grandmas that what they want most in the manner of lasting material items would be Photos, the All-Family Portrait type. It can be a chore to get the whole family together, nicely dressed, and down to the studio; some pros are willing to come to You, but that costs more...the best I ever saw was taken at the seashore, with everyone in khaki trousers and blue chambray shirts, barefoot. That portrait was made in the months after the father had survived heart bypass surgery. Often, people find that the only time they can get their adult children to pose in one place is when they have all come to the same location to attend a funeral! It's a good idea to take family pictures in that window of time, but also a good idea to make the effort to gather for a portrait during Happier Times. Why professional? The lighting is generally better; you generally don't get stuck with pics you thought would be perfect, but one kid has a finger up the nose, dumb bunny ears behind the cousin's head, etc...

Package deals can be worthwhile, but the pressure used to sell them varies. I don't mind paying a reasonable sitting fee if I know up front that I can pay a set fee per sheet of finished photos, vs. the high-pressure tactics some employ. If price is no object, just go with someone whose portfolio knocks yer socks off!