A touch of decadence: A Mother's Day gift guide

A week away in the United States and six days away in Mexico, Mother's Day marks an opportunity for families to show their appreciation for their matriarchs with time, attention, and a touch of decadence.

"It's a day for them to show her that she's a queen," said Letty Garcia, who at 52 has five children, 12 grandchildren, and a 13th expected between today and next Sunday. "You never know what fate may have planned for you, so it's important to take advantage of the time you have to show her you love her."

Garcia, who works at Linens ‘n' Things in Sunrise Mall, recommends treating your mother to a massager or pedicure spa - gifts that inspire relaxation.

"You don't want to get her things she needs to cook or do other housework. Get her something to help her unwind," Garcia said.

Around the corner at Trade Secret, Terry Garcia contemplated what she would get for her mother, Maria.

"I'll probably buy her a perfume set, or something like that. If I gave her the money, she would just use it to pay bills."

Mother's Day is a special time for Terry and her three siblings.

"Since we didn't have our dad around, she really did everything for us," Terry said. When her father passed away, Maria put herself through college so she could get a better job to support the family. "She was a really good role model for us. She showed us that when things get bad, you have to stay strong and pull through."

Reeds Jewelers will give more 30 diamond pendants away to the winners of their annual Mother's Day essay contest through Brownsville elementary schools. The theme of this year's contest, "Why I love my Mom," inspired hundreds of entries.

"Sometimes you'll be reading this wonderful essay, and then at the end the child says that they're actually talking about their grandma or aunt because their mother has passed away. It really touches your heart," said store manager Jesse Gomez.

While many Mother's Day shoppers will be scouring the stores for discounts, some of the best gifts have no price tag.

Creating something for your mother requires greater effort than swiping a credit card at the mall. Writing a poem, singing her a song, taking her for a walk, or doing something you usually resist, like partaking in her favorite hobby or cleaning the house, can resonate far more than a gift certificate.

Letty Garcia says that all she wants for the holiday is to enjoy the essence of motherhood - time with her kids.

"I just want to have my whole family together," Garcia said. "If I see everyone, I'll be happy."