Manicures chip.

Flowers die.

Candles melt.

And a weekend getaway to Paris is beyond your budget.

It’s that time of year again. Mother’s Day sends children everywhere scrambling to buy tokens of appreciation for the women who gave them life.

That’s no easy feat. And while most moms shake their heads and laugh off the suggestion of a gift, they’re secretly hoping for those tickets to the City of Lights. Yes, that gift may still be beyond your budget, but there are many other unexpected ways you can show your mom how much you care.

These suggestions are not comparable to the fact that your mom brought you into this world. But face it: you’ll never return that favor. Focus on being the best, most attentive, grateful child that your mom has ever seen, and the Mother’s Day race is half-won. To win the other half, read on for some fabulous gift ideas for your mommy dearest.