Looking for last minute mother’s day gifts? Since you are taking the time to look now, we are here to help you in your last ditch effort.  A gift for mom means more when it’s personalized and heartfelt. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy, just sincere. Here are some real Mother’s Day gifts for real moms.

A spa gift certificate. Of course mom wants to be pampered but please go the extra mile. Make sure that the necessary details are also taken care of. Set up childcare arrangements for her so she can actually go and use the spa gift certificate.

Clean the house. Mom doesn’t do it because she loves it, she does it because you don’t. So take some initiative and clean the house. You can double up on this gift by telling her to go enjoy some time to herself doing whatever she loves to do and clean it up while she’s away.

Gift certificate to her favorite cosmetic line. Mom’s are notorious for putting themselves last on the list so make sure she has a little money to spend on things she normally wouldn’t buy but would love to buy.

A note of thanks. Mom’s probably do not hear often enough how much you appreciate how much they do/did/will do for you. A little note telling her how much you appreciate and love her will bring a smile to her face that will last for days.

A day to do what she loves most. Whether it’s sleep, shopping, eating out, going for a hike, reading; whatever mom likes to do plan a day where she can do it and not worry about anything else.

Plan a surprise weekend getaway.  If you mom is of adventurous spirit, surprise her with a getaway to somewhere she loves or has been wanting to go.

Mom’s do a lot, and your mom is like no other so make your gift to mom personalized for her and take time to make her feel special. She will appreciate any effort you make to show her how much you care.

Graduation parties are often filled with graduation gifts for the graduate.  For many grads, this is the first time they will be living on their own or, even just transitioning into a new, more professional life. Instead of relying on friends and family to come up with graduation gift ideas, why not register for gifts.  Esther from our design team did this when she graduated and it allowed her to get many of the things she actually wanted and needed for her new adventures. You can register for baby showers and weddings at places like Macy’s and Target so why not register as a grad?  It’s a fantastic way to give a little insight into your style and needs and it guests at your party know what you really would appreciate.

If you personalize one of PurpleTrail’s multi fold party invitations, you’ll have plenty of space for registry details alongside your party details and photos.  So help your friends and family give you what you really want and create a registry for graduation gifts!

Graduation season is nearly here and many of you are getting ready for graduation photos. It can be really fun to incorporate your favorite photos into your graduation announcements to share with family and friends.  Photo graduation announcements really transform into keepsakes for your closest loved ones. Instead of the standard photos of people hanging out on railroad tracks, peeking around the tree, standing against a brick wall, or sitting on the staircase, why not create more original graduation photos?  Here are some great graduation photo ideas to help inspire you.

Museum-Choose a museum that suits your interests: history and industry, art, music, aerospace; there are likely many museums around your city. Use their subject matter to support your interests and create an interesting backdrop.

Library- You’ve spent the last thirteen (or more) years studying in one – now, have fun in the library.  Stand in the section of books for your intended field of study, hold a book upside down, read children’s books – whatever fits your personality best.

Playful/Action- If you are a person of action, show that in your photos!  Capture yourself wakeboarding, playing your sport, swimming, running, hiking, laughing – pick your strong suit!

Doing what you do – Have a photographer shoot you at your job, or place you volunteer, or cooking if that is what you love. Capture your personality!

Future endeavors – See if you can do a photo shoot at a spot that is in your field of study.  If you are planning on being an teacher, set up a shot with you in a classroom as if you were the teacher, or at a veterinarian office, hospital or whatever you are planning to study or have been studying. Some places may be easier to coordinate than others so be sure to check in with the facility first.

Get creative when planning your graduation photos.  Most photographers will travel to your location of choice, so it doesn’t have to be in a studio.  Graduation is such an exciting and pivotal time in a young person’s life capture the essence of who you are now and foreshadow who you are working to become.