Disclosure: Post contains affiliate links. Opinions shared are mine.

Lucky us, we have another whole week before Mother’s Day. That means if you think quick, you just might have a gift wrapped and ready before your mom even suspects anything!  Here are some sure-to-please gift ideas.

Ready for another heart-slash-cuddle-inspiring story as only Nicholas Sparks can deliver?  Get mom The Choice paperback, and tell her that you’ll see the movie together.

Mars…with Venus Rising has a bright, cheerful cover that sets spring in motion.  If you’re aching for a way to shake off winter, welcoming sunny days with happy words, this one is it.  Those who love horses will enjoy the simple happiness that Peri brings to the story. Likewise, his owner Penn brings a measure of joy to the town of Mars.  There’s also the matter of food conversations, so be sure to read this on a full stomach.  Otherwise, you’ll want to bake up some homemade cookies served with a mean omelet!  The back of the book is filled with all kinds of recipes that have me itching to get stirring.

It’s not a riveting story line by any means, although it did hold my attention due to the sheer pleasure of getting to know the characters. It was hard for me to relate to some of the small-town mindedness because I didn’t grow up near the area where I now live. Still, I have enough of an imagination to see the story unfold in my mind.  The story has that irresistible thrill of the tortured heart, swooning and mooning over the one who got away. Sweetly predictable, this book is as cozy as a spring breeze.  If mom likes to read clean Christian romance novels, Mars…With Venus Rising is a winner.

Nail Art is all the rage.  The “Look At My Nail Art!” Limited Edition Box is set at a decent $25 price point.  I appreciate getting a pretty package to open each month, so I always look forward to my Beauty Box 5 goodies.   My April box was one of the best yet. It contained a lip pencil that I’ve used often this month, using it as a stain and as a lip liner.  I also liked that there was a generous sample of Soapbox body wash.  Getting body wash is always a practical item in the beauty box; it’s something I always use. I haven’t used the jelly pong yet, or the eye gel patches. I’m saving those for Mother’s Day.  My favorite item, though, was the full-size pack of green tea makeup remover wipes.  They are really effective at getting rid of makeup that my other wipes leave behind, and the cloths are super gentle on my skin. They have a very slight fragrance that smells so clean and fresh.  If your Mother’s Day list has you sweating to get to the post office, let BB5 do the mailing for you.