(ARA) - Sure, she always says "It's the thought that counts." But does Mom really mean that after opening yet another pair of gift-wrapped sweat socks? If there's one thing she taught you, it's that gift-giving is an art.

By putting some thought into what you give her for Mother's Day, you can show Mom how well you learned and how much you care.

"You don't have to spend a lot -- although expensive gifts are always welcomed -- as long as your gift clearly says 'I've put some thought into this gift because I really love you, Mom,'" says Glenda Lehman Ervin of Lehman's old-time general store. "The key to finding a great gift is to think about what will really please someone and make them happy."

When shopping for Mom, keep in mind the "four S's" of gift giving: simple, sweet, sentimental and sensitive. If a gift fulfills the "four S's" then it's sure to be a winner. There are several types of gifts that are likely to meet all four requirements. Ervin, a connoisseur of the art of gift-giving, offers the following advice:

Give something that will remind your mother of a sweet memory from childhood.

"If your mother fondly remembers sitting beside her father while he made ice cream in an old-fashioned freezer, then an ice cream maker that evokes that memory can be wonderful gift," Ervin says. "Collaborate with other family members to find a picture of her and her dad making ice cream. Enlarge it at a photo kiosk, put it in a pretty frame and place that picture on the outside of the wrapped ice cream maker."

Help her with a much-loved hobby.

"Garden tools can be a great gift for mothers who really enjoys the relaxation and health benefits of gardening," says Ervin. You can give a practical gift a loving flair, as well, she says. For example, what gardener wouldn't love a galvanized watering can? You can add a touch of sensitivity to the gift by filling the watering can with water-related feminine delights such as body wash or lotion, bath beads, scented candles and other luxurious bath accoutrements.

If she's a baker, you might find a gift that both helps her with her hobby and evokes a childhood memory.

"People tell us they love our old-fashioned Pie Bird because they remember their grandmothers using one just like it," Ervin says. The blue enameled bird sits in the middle of a double crust pie, allowing the steam to escape and preventing the pie from cooking over.

Put a personal twist on a reliable gift, like flowers.

"Every woman loves flowers, but if you hesitate to give such a transient gift, why not present the flowers to her in a container that will be a keepsake?" Ervin says.

For more simple, sweet, sentimental and sensitive gift ideas this Mother's Day, visit www.lehmans.com .

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