For the dads - mother's day gift ideas "from the kids"

Help your kids plan the perfect Mother's DayMother's Day is coming at us, fast and hard, and smart guys know that the only thing more important than what we get our wives is what we help our kids get our wives. It is a test, and you will be graded. Harshly.

Now, if you have young kids, it can be easy…the soup can turned into a pencil holder, the card made out of construction paper and a doily, the IOU for a hug.

But what about kids 10 and up? This is tougher because now you have to show creativity and some understanding that the gift will be a direct reflection of how early you began to think about Mother's Day, and how well your kids know what your wife likes and dislikes. If they don't know, then she assumes you don't know, and that can make for a long Sunday.

As a service to our fellow man, we've compiled a list of simple gifts for your wife that will make you appear to be thoughtful, creative, a great dad-and an even better husband.

1. Why buy flowers when you can grow your own? Instead of spending your vacation money on a dozen roses, buy a large ceramic pot, orchid potting mix, and butterfly orchids. These flowers are easy to care for, bloom for weeks, and come in a variety of colors.

2. OK, your kids are too old for the homemade card. Instead, have them pick out a book by one of Mom's favorite authors, and have them write a short dedication that tells her how much they appreciate her and how she's earned time to relax and enjoy. Toss in a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble or Border's so she can pick her next.

3. Have the kids volunteer to do community service with mom. It's a great way to spend time with mom and teaches the kids about helping others. Depending on mom's interests, sign the kids and mom up to volunteer at the local animal shelter, soup kitchen, retirement home, etc.

4. Plan a Mom Makeover Day (this only works for girls). Make the day all about giving Mom a new look and time with her littlest girl friend. Get the spa certificate, make a lunch reservation for the girls, and throw in the mani and the pedi. Enlightened self-interest: Since the girls will be gone all day, go ahead and book that tee time.

5. Your wife probably has tons of old photo albums lying around the house. Have the kids scan the pictures into the computer-believe me, they'll show you how-and create a picture slideshow presentation with mom's favorite songs in the background. Get the whole family together and watch the presentation, then make it your home computer's screensaver.

6. Your wife has always wanted to go to Tuscany. Sign her and the kids up for a class in Italian. It's a fun first step to the trip of her lifetime. Try one of the programs from Rosetta Stone, or subscribe to their online classes.

7. If the kids are away at school, have them set up individual home pages where they download photos and blog about what's going on in their lives. This is a great way for mom to stay in touch with kids. On Mother's Day, send her an email with the link, and treat her with a blog about why she's special.

What are your Mother's Day plans? Moms, what would you like to receive from your kids?