Sure, you’d like to give your mother a gift certificate to a posh spa on Mother’s Day, but let’s face it…most of us can’t afford the cost. Destination spas generally charge at least $200 per night with only the most basic services included. Even at more affordable day spas, prices and tips can quickly add up.

There is another way you can treat your mother to a spa-like experience on Mother’s Day. She won’t get a fancy seaweed wrap or a mud bath, but with a gift basket of spa-inspired products, she can still enjoy a little pampering at home.

Start with a pretty container and fill it with products that are based on popular spa treatments. For facials, you can find delicious-smelling cleansers, facial massage oils, scrubs and moisturizers. If you like to dabble in the kitchen, you can make your own products - there are lots of recipes online for facial masks that contain ingredients such as avocados, eggs and honey.

Body treatments, which are like facials for the rest of the body, often include exfoliating scrubs, such as those made with sea salt, sugar or grains. These scrubs are frequently infused with essential plant oils such as peppermint or lavender and, like masks, can be made at home. As an alternative to a body scrub, you can buy a pair of inexpensive exfoliating gloves. They do the same job, but without the mess.

A spa experience wouldn’t be complete without a manicure and pedicure. Your mom probably has the basic manicure tools, such as nail clippers and files, so consider giving her cuticle oil or cream, cuticle pushers and nippers, and a fragrant hand-soaking solution. For her feet, buy a pumice stone or exfoliating rub and foot cream. You can find lightweight cotton socks and gloves for her to wear after she moisturizes; and foam finger and toe separators to use while she polishes her nails.

A spa-style robe (usually made of waffled white cotton or terry cloth), a towel hair-wrap and bath pillow would make nice additions to your gift; as would scented candles and a CD of her favorite songs.

If you are overwhelmed by the thought of putting together your own spa kit, consider buying a spa gift basket. They are available in all price ranges and are often assembled around a theme, like rose- or lemon-scented products, so you can find one that matches her tastes.

She may not leave the house for her spa-style getaway, but with the right combination of products, your mother can still feel pampered on Mother’s Day.

Contributed By Laura Weaver