5 Extravagant Mother's Day Gifts She Actually Wants

Mom will be the talk of the town when she's dripping with jewels like the ones found in this 13.8 carat diamond necklace ($65,000 from Tiffany's). A gold-and-diamond Omega watch is also a classic choice.

Reality Check: After flowers, jewelry is the go-to gift for mom. The National Retail Federation's 2012 Mother's Day study says Americans are expected to spend $3.7 billion on jewelry for the holiday. That may seem like a huge amount, but even in 2009 -- the height of the recent recession -- consumers still managed to spend $2.3 billion on Mother's Day jewelry.

Luckily for you, retailers offer Mother's Day specials on jewelry. Not sure what to get? A quick glance through her jewelry box is sure to give you a hint of what she likes. And kids can never go wrong with giving something handmade (preferably with macaroni).

Let mom relax the way nature intended her to -- at a luxurious ocean-front spa. The Setai, an exclusive five star resort in Miami Beach, is offering a two-hour Mother's Day special for $300. Ocean view suites are available for $2,050 a night.

Reality Check: Instead of sending Mom away for the week, pamper her with a relaxing day free from interruptions.

Certificates to the local spa/salon are always appreciated, as are prepared baskets filled with beauty-related goodies (think sugar scrubs and purifying loofahs). Just be sure to stay away from anti-aging creams, unless they've been specifically requested.

Who wouldn't want a Warhol or Picasso hanging on their wall? International auction house Christie's currently has prints and paintings from both artists available for online bids. Prices range from $15,000 to $150,000.

Reality Check: Being surrounded by people you love is one of the greatest feelings you can experience. A framed family picture is a simple, yet thoughtful gift. Pottery Barn has a nice collection of wood and silver frames priced between $20 to $50.

Of course, handmade frames and art are great alternatives. And nothing says "you're special" better than taking the time to send a handwritten note.

Mom deserves the absolute best, including the epitome of luxury sleepwear -- cashmere pajamas. With comfort like that, she can look forward to an incredible night's sleep, like the kind she enjoyed before she had kids.

Reality Check: If you want mom to experience the utmost in comfort, go for a nice pair of cashmere socks or slippers with a super-soft lining. They'll still crank the cozy factor up to 11 but won't empty your wallet.

You can find a wide array of cashmere accessories with a quick Google search. Barney's New York has a great pair of cashmere socks available for $45.