FANTASTIC SHOTS A photo of dad and the kids and a day of pampering may be all moms want on Sunday.

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Gifts for mom

A personalized handwritten card
will mean more to the recipient

In a mindless world of e-cards, when ready-made birthday cards, love notes or invitations are a click away, many long for old-fashioned, handwritten cards that show recipients that more time and thought was spent on them.

Last-minute places to eat No restaurant reservations yet? Consider these last-minute suggestions for Mother's Day: Windward Community College: Culinary students host a buffet brunch including an omelet station and such entrees as roast turkey, prime rib and eggs Benedict. Cost is $25, $12.95 children 8 and under. Proceeds benefit the school's culinary arts program. Seatings are at 9, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. or at noon. Call 235-7433. Hawaii Polo Club: Mother's Day match includes a "Brunch by the Sea," including barbecue, omelet bar and other breakfast specialties. Brunch begins at 11 a.m.; the match, at 2 p.m. Cost is $12. Call 637-8401.

It doesn't take much to personalize a gift card. Your personal touch could be as simple as adding a sticker to the card before dropping it into the mail or including a photo cover.

American Greetings Corp.'s Keepsake Treasury line wants to make the task easier for Mother's Day or any of the other special occasions ahead, such as graduations and Father's Day, by packaging everything you need (except for a pen) for $4.74 plus tax.

Each kit -- for cards, photo frames or invitations -- contains six pieces with matching envelopes and self-stick bows; an array of stick-on sayings such as "Happy Birthday," "Get Well Soon" or "Cheers!"; dried flowers and leaves; and a sheet of foam stickers comprising butterfly photos, leaf photos and more.

The inside of the cards are blank with lots of space to personalize your message.

The cards make great mementos and can be framed or just propped up on a desk. No computer or printer necessary.

Look for the kits at Wal-Mart.

COURTESY OF SEPHORA Dior cocktail ring.

For those looking for last-minute Mother's Day gifts to go with those cards, here are a few ideas:

» Bath luxuries: Just in time for Mother's Day, LUSH, in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and soon to be in Ala Moana Center (the store is scheduled to open some time this month), has launched two spring soaps to turn mom's bath into a sensual experience. 17 Cherry Tree Lane is scented with mimosa, orange and jasmine blossom, while Cereology is packed with fresh wheat germ to gently exfoliate and keep her skin soft and supple. Package the soaps with candles, plush bath towels and sea sponge to complete the package for relaxation. Oh, and don't forget to leave the house to give her the peace and quiet she craves.

» Double duty: Big cocktail rings are in, but Dior one-ups the competition with its new Dior Princess rings with a secret compartment that contains makeup for stealthy touch-ups no matter where she might be. The compacts are dubbed "Royal Turquoise" for eye shadow and "Pink Majesty" for lip color. They're available for $50 each at Sephora. While at Sephora, pick up its gift catalog for at least 100 more ideas.

» Speaking roses: Watanabe Floral lets your flowers say it all. Messages can be printed on the petals of real or silk roses. Cost is $4.99 for each rose or $6.99 for South American roses. Arrangements are also available. Call 832-9360 for orders and store locations.

COURTESY OF SEPHORA The Dior cocktail ring is also a handy makeup case.

» Pick peonies: For those who strive to be different, Michael Miyashiro of Rainforest, Ward Warehouse, suggests presenting a vaseful of peonies for mom. He says peonies should be the official Mother's Day bloom anyway due to its flowering season. Call him at 591-9999 for more information.

» Precious gift: Maybe you can't afford diamonds or emeralds, but you can still give mom the gift of pendants and earrings fashioned from semiprecious stones in all her favorite colors, starting at $15 for simple earring studs at Sedona at Ward Centre. Call 591-8010 for more information.

» Spa day: Treat mom to some relaxing "alone time" or plan some quality mother-daughter time with the Ihilani Spa's Mother's Day package, the Pua Kai Half Day Program, beginning with an indulgent body scrub treatment, followed by an aromatherapy massage, using the Pua Kai, Ihilani Spa's new signature line of exotic and sensual body products utilizing ginger, jasmine, neroli, rose oil and pure coconut oil. Moms will also receive a Rose Petal-Ginger Crystal Bath Soak to continue the Pua Kai experience at home. The package is $212, inclusive of tax and gratuity, and available throughout May. For more information or to make an appointment, call 679-0079, ext. 2421, or visit www.ihilani.com.

» Unforgettable: How about a new photo of dad and the kids for mom's desktop? The staff at Fantastic Shots, at Pearlridge Mall, suggests getting the photo framed for both mom and grandmom. Call 488-8228 for package details.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM Create a one-of-a-kind Mother's Day card with greeting card kits from American Greetings.