Mom-Approved Gift "Guide"

And by "Mom-Approved" I mean things I have given my mom and things that she has liked.
Or, things that she pretended very well to like.
Either way - things to buy for your mom that she (more than likely) will like.

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First, a Kindle. Obvious, sure, but for good reason.
Moms and reading, guys. Or, according to the Internet, "not having enough time to read even though I would love to."
But with a Kindle, you can read on a lunch break, at home, before bed, before work, while "watching" the football game that your team isn't playing but you need to know who wins...the opportunities are endless. And the Kindle can go anywhere, hold anything you may want to read, and no worries about losing your place if you get interrupted, or having to remember where the book itself is (if you lose the Kindle, though, that's it's own problem!).
You could also just as easily just buy a tablet, and use the Kindle App to read. But Kindles are normally cheaper than a tablet. Though, with a tablet, you can get some sort of messenger service installed (Skype, Hangouts, etc) and use that to talk to your mom, so that's a good option as well.

Second, journals.
Fancy Moleskines, or pretend-Moleskines that have prettier covers. And of course, then there's pencils and pens and whatnots that you can buy to go along with it. Also a sneaky way to show mom you remember her favorite color, by buying a journal that is that color. You can't go wrong.

Third, pajamas.
Yes, you may have to ask mom what her size is. That's okay. Though this one can be tricky, as some people are very particular when it comes to what they wear to bed (lookin' at you, mom), if you can get pointed in the right direction, it will be well received. Plus, a nice reminder that it's okay to relax and actually make time to enjoy pajamas.

Fourth, something silly.
Now, this is going to be different for everyone, but it's the imaginative gifts that get the best reaction - and who doesn't enjoy making their mom laugh and smile?!
One year, while scouring Amazon for San Francisco 49'er themed items (as you do, when your mom likes that team far more than one thought was possible), I found something magical. This Mr. Potato Head figure that is dressed like a football player. He has a little helmet, a football, and a jersey. He is not normal Mr. Potato Head size, but that's okay. Amazon tells me this isn't the exact one that I purchased, but it's pretty much the same item.
Your mileage may vary with this idea, but it's a matter of knowing what kinds of things your mom likes, and turning it on it's head. Some ideas to get the juices flowing: a cheeky coffee cup, one of those desk calendars that you pull the pages off off but full of funny quotes, character/themed ice cube trays , or just something to make her laugh (warning, this one is "inappropriate").

Of course, you know, the best gift you can give is probably just trying really hard to find her something you think she will like, wrapping it nicely, showing up to family Christmas, and giving her a hug, and telling her that you love her.
Don't worry, I do that, too.

~Havok