Yesterday, we promised to leave the center city and explore metro Columbus for great Mother’s Day gifts.  We filled the tank (ouch!) and headed towards the ‘burbs.  Here are the highlights:

For the gardener, the gift shop at the Franklin Park Conservatory serves as a wonderful resource.  Don’t miss succulents planted in 6″ bowls ($37) and beautiful 8″ whitewashed G. Wolff & Co.terra cotta pots ($37), perfect for the front steps.  The shop stocks an extensive collection of reference books, as well as potted plants and flowers in all shapes and sizes (including an amazing Japanese Juniper Bonsai tree for $38).  Include a pair of brightly painted garden clippers ($25) from SoBo Style, and you’ve got a gift any mom will dig. 

For the collector, visit Sobo Style for a one-of-a-kind handmade brooch (around $40) from California artist Lisa Toland, or the gift shop at the Columbus Museum of Art for funky and original pins and necklaces (around $35) from Debbie Tuch (slices of actual dried fruit sealed with glitter resin).  Add a small “pearl dish” ($32) from No. 693 in Old Worthington and she’ll be-dazzled.

For the sentimental, find a new home for an old photo with handmade Artdepartment frames($48) at the Columbus Museum gift shop or distressed wood frames with elegant bows from AB Designs ($60+), available at No. 693.  And guarantee a heart-felt thank you with a bright and sunny Kate Spade 15-piece note-card set from Peabody Papers. 

For the practical, stock-up on the incredibly small and portable Envirosax($8.50) at SoBo Style - outfit the car, office and house for under $30!  Add a bit of style to bedtime with Pine Cone Hill PJs ($59), available at No. 693.  And personalize the personal regimen with custom-blended and environmentally friendly cremes (around $20) and lotions (around $10) from Earth Elements.

Oh yeah, and don’t forget the most important gift of all - a sincere “I love you, Mom.”