When I was 5 years old I wrote my very first Mother’s Day poem:

Mother’s Day is every day,
I hope you know it’s true.
I love you so very much,
and I know you love me too.

To this day, the poster-sized Crayola-colored card still hangs in her laundry room.

If you think about it, these darling sentiments of my childhood fuel the ultimate anti-Hallmark Holiday argument. Just like a couple shouldn’t need Valentine’s Day to show each other love, and a child shouldn’t need Halloween to become their favorite superhero for a day, and a fashionista shouldn’t need Memorial Day to wear her new white skinny jeans (although that’s another debate entirely)… you shouldn’t need Mother’s Day to show her how much she means to you.

And if this much is true, you also shouldn’t need Spa Week® to enjoy Spa Week-style deals and pampering! Don’t let her get Post-Spa Week Disorder… bring Spa Week to your mom any time of year with a spa gift card that never expires. It will be there to remind her that she is blessed with the best things in life—like massages, facials and love—unconditionally.

Just like the motherly love she’s shown you all these years, make your gift (and your love) even more timeless! You can add a spa gift, like this plush Pure Bamboo robe, to your purchase with the click of a button.

Mother’s Day is creeping up on us – and if you’re alive, we know you have a mama (or someone who’s like a mom to you, or you know a mom, or have heard of a mom…etc.) And since we’re telling you right now that Mother’s Day is coming up, there is, in fact, NO excuse for not showing your mom some love.

3 Things that might happen if you forget to tip your hat to your mom on Mother’s Day (hint: it’s Sunday, May 9th!)
–Out of the will. Just like that.
–All that shelter, food, and clothing you received growing up? Your mom might just start demanding repayment.
–Tears. And no one likes a crying mom.

So let’s just avoid all of that and put a smile on your mom’s face…and we’ve got just the thing. Spa Week® gift cards are redeemable all over the country for whatever sort of delicious indulgence your mom may fancy. And you can buy one online…like, RIGHT now. So technically speaking, you don’t even have to put pants on to get this gift.

Let’s review: you get to be lazy; your mom gets an excellent present. Not a bad deal, right?

Little luxuries are all around us if you know where to look – be it a bright red lipstick that makes you feel like a movie star on a Monday morning, a mini-facial that makes you glow inside and out, or a book that takes you to the other side of the world. These tiny everyday gems are anxiously waiting to be discovered by you and wrapped with a bow, and each chapter of the LLGG seeks to deliver a new morsel of inspiration to you and your holiday season. Fancy shmancy is out; it’s those legendary “small packages” that hold the key to a perfect season of giving

When life is busy and then gets even busier, you realize there is truly no greater luxury than time. Time to sleep, time for the spa, time to cook breakfast, time for yoga, time to catch up on your DVR… are there ever enough hours in the day? And then there’s the big one: time for family and friends. If time has gotten away from you, give the symbolic gift of time to someone you’d like to spend more of it with. Then, make plans and make it happen!

1. Beatles HELP! Alarm Clock, available at TheFest.com – $25

This everything-Beatles website has 11 clocks to choose from – a way to say to an old Beatles fan friend, “Heyyy, remember that time…” 

2. TIX Led Clock, available at ThinkGeek.com – $39.99

A geeky, endearing way to say: “Let’s leave the cryptic morse code communicado in our past.”

3. Eco-Friendly Water-Powered Clock by Bedol, available at bedolwhatsnext.com – $16

All it takes is water, and BAM- this clock is friendly. Say: “Shall we go for a swim, or can we make time to be friendlier without the water?”

4. To:Ca Wood LED Clock, available (on backorder as of 12/6) at coolstuffcheap.com – $146.89

A way to say you miss them and haven’t changed. “I’m still I’m still Jenny from the block!”

5. Gear Clock Modern Time, available at coolstuffcheap.com – $61.89 

It’s been a while since you’ve made time to each other. Say: “It’s time to get our butts in gear.”

6. Clock Coffee Table, available at coolclockshop.com – $355.99 

Gather round the big clock in the middle of the living room, rest your wine, tell stories around it… nothing says “Gooooood times” quite like it.

7. 3D Neon-Diner Roller Girl Clock, available at generationstore.com – $54.99

In the 1950s, neon had transformed the American roadside into a magical, luminous wonderland. Now this retro clock would be great at transforming a friend’s kitchen. A perfect way to say: “I wanna Winnebago down the American roadside with you and stop at every single diner like it’s 1952.” Or something like that.

Or, perhaps instead of watching the clock tick by any longer, why not get a $100 SPA WEEK® Gift Card for each of you, and then book an spa appointment together? $100 cards are on sale for just $80 this holiday season, and they’re redeemable nationwide for facials, massages, acupuncture, haircuts, pedicures, med spa treatments and more. The card is flexible and never expires. And, with a gift like this, neither will your friendship.

Welcome to Chapter One of the Little Luxury Gift Guide 2009.

Little luxuries are all around us if you know where to look – be it a bright red lipstick that makes you feel like a movie star on a Monday morning, a mini-facial that makes you glow inside and out, or a book that takes you to the other side of the world. These tiny everyday gems are anxiously waiting to be discovered by you and wrapped with a bow, and each chapter of the LLGG seeks to deliver a new morsel of inspiration to you and your holiday season. Fancy shmancy is out; it’s those legendary “small packages” that hold the key to a perfect season of giving.

Finding the ultimate gift is a daunting task, but giving the ultimate gloss can be the ultimate gift indeed. There are millions of glosses out there with a story to tell, but I’ve narrowed it down to six of my all-time favorites. No guessing – any one of these glosses would make an incredible stocking stuffer or a standalone sealed-with-a-kiss holiday present.

1. Raspberry Sorbet Lip Shine by Philosophy, available at Philosophy.com – $12

Lick-your-lips delicious and kiss-your-lips pretty. Philosophy has mastered the art of the perfect gift, and this sweet sorbet gloss is just one shining beacon of its fantastic holiday collection.

2. Melon PureGloss by jane iredale, the skin care makeup, available at dermstore.com - $19

It’s smooth and bright with a tingle that’ll keep your breath fresh to boot. Provides a shimmer that is equal parts healthy, replenishing and glamorous.

3. African Red Tea Exfoliating Lip Salvation by Ole Henriksen, available at sephora.com- $12

Infused with antioxidant-rich African red tea, this is a gift of health, powerful protection from the environment and super-soft lips.

4. Lipsicle Lip Gloss in Erte by Paula Dorf, available at yesstyle.com – $20

Opaque, bold and lasts for hours. Has a liquid A favorite of Warren-Tricomi hair and makeup artist Jillian Halouska.

5. Lip Gloss Compact by Bobbi Brown, available at Saks.com – $20

The whole line of colors is good for a classic, reliable gloss with hint of vanilla. They have soothing botanical extracts including Avocado, Jojoba and Chamomile Oils to keep lips supple.

6. Huge Lips, Skinny Hips in Kittypole Dancer by Purple Lab, available at ronrobinson.com - $20

“Double Duty Beauty” for the woman who wants it all! It’s got lip plumper and hoodia – yup, the stuff that makes you lose weight. Applying it won’t make you drop a dress size, but it might make you think twice before having that second slice o pie. Each color has a unique personality, and every single one is absurdly addictive. My favorite is Red Sole, named after Christian Louboutin shoes, but they’re all delish. MWAH!

Do you think about the Gingerbread Man in the shower?

You might want to start. Last night, beloved bath and body brand Philosophy hosted their Holiday Gift Preview, and guess who inspired it all? Yes, Mr. Gingerbread Man himself.

A Disneyland-like tour took guests through the extensive collection of festive bath, body and beauty gift sets, each one smelling more delicious than the last. Peppermint hot cocoa, eggnog, melting marshmallow, red velvet cake, milk and cookies, cinnamon buns, raspberry mousse and candy canes had somehow found their way into lotions, shower gels, body scrubs and lip glosses… and the result was a confectionery paradise.

To cap off the tour, guests had the chance to play with colorful frosting, sprinkles and tiny chocolates to craft two gingerbread men of their own – one for themselves and one for a child less fortunate .

Mine ended up looking a little thug-like, but nevertheless, I hope to spread the same sweet holiday spirit that Philosophy has infused in every delectable creation and charming gift set!

The Gingerbread Man is also hosting an instant-win game for the holidays where you can win one of 5 prizes every day, or a $2500 shopping spree.

Yeah, he definitely wants to shower with you.