Columnist Muriel Stevens: A buying guide for Mother’s Day

Wednesday, May 10, 2000 | 12:53 p.m.

Muriel Stevens' shopping column appears Wednesdays. Her dining column appears Fridays. Reach her at muriel@lasvegassun.com or 259-4080.

What to buy Mother? If you've been carefully listening, she's probably given some clues, but just in case you missed those subtle hints, here are some suggestions. Oh yes, if you heard Mom say, "I really need a new iron," do not buy her one for Mother's Day. Buy her something she wouldn't buy for herself:

Have a cookie: Young children love to cook breakfast. Make it a special Mother's Day by garnishing the breakfast tray with a cookie from Cookies by Design in the Sahara Pavilion (Decatur and Sahara). It costs $6 for one large personalized cookie on a stick. Add 50 cents for a gift box.

Of course, there are many other options here: a "bouquet" of cookies in a gift basket (from three cookies up) and a 13-inch chocolate chip cookie (regular sizes, too) are just a few. A typical basket includes seven cookies and costs about $45.

According to Jamie Sullivan, operations manager for Cookies by Design, "cookie bouquets are a new genre of gifts for men, women and children." Cookies can be customized to reflect any occasion (Mom's photo can be reproduced on a cookie). Call 259-0020.

Tiffany for Mother: Tiffany at Bellagio has many beautiful gifts for under $100. Regardless of what you spend, the fine Tiffany service and gift wrap are included.

An elegant "Imperial" porcelain white and gold mug from a Frank Lloyd Wright design is $35; prices for sterling silver pendants (various designs) begin at $70; a sterling silver heart key ring is $50 and there are many more key rings. Tiffany's fragrance, Tiffany Voile (without alcohol), is $50. And that's not all.

Tiffany's blue box with a white bow, reproduced in porcelain, is $45 for a small box; a larger size is $75. The same bow box in crystal is $65. Attractive sterling silver earrings are priced from $60.

Tiffany's address books, diaries and other small goods are also affordable. The large address book with a real leather cover ($95) comes in a variety of colors, including white -- smaller versions cost less.

Boxed sets of playing cards are $20. Among the extensive pen selection for women are the graceful Elsa Peretti pens that come in red or black lacquer or sterling silver -- $60-$85; the small Tiffany Blue purse pen is $55.

Prices for the colorful earthenware pitchers begin at $65. Use them as pitchers or as a vase for a bunch of spring flowers. Stock is limited on some of these items, so don't wait until the last minute to shop.

For nature lovin' moms: Target has some of best designed indoor decorative fountains I've seen. The black, three-tiered fountain with decorative rocks is a personal favorite, but I also liked the concrete votive fountain and the Zen fountain that has a place for a small plant or bonsai tree. All of the fountains are $39.99.

Bonus gift: If Mom is into makeup, fragrances and bath products, ULTA cosmetic and fragrance salons are giving a pretty straw tote bag as a bonus with any purchase of $25 or more. The totes come in four perky spring colors -- a luscious pink, mango, lime and yellow.

The nice thing about most mothers is that their love is unconditional. Just tell her you love her; it's the best gift of all.