To Mom's Health

Hey, she nurtured you. Made sure you ate your veggies, washed your face, and brushed your pearly whites. So this Mother's Day -- May 13th -- say "Thanks, mom!" with one of these mouth-watering treats. They're guaranteed to nourish her in return. And you'll be her favorite child for another year!

1. Exotic fruit-of-the-month club Filled with champagne mangoes and strawberry papayas, there's nothing ordinary about these fruit baskets. Tantalize mom's taste buds and boost her daily dose of nutrients with fantastical fruits like feijoas (pineapple guavas) and pluots (plum/apricot hybrids). Find 3-, 6-, and 12-month memberships at melissas.com, a fave site of food stylists and top chefs.

2. Smoothie maker Is your mom a wiz in the kitchen? No matter how you answer that, smoothies are a deliciously simple way to make sure she gets lots of protective phytochemicals to help keep her heart, immune system, and memory healthy. The key: blending together a variety of bright produce -- reds, purples, yellows, greens. Tuck in this recipe to get her started. For basic to professional smoothie makers, check out everythingkitchens.com.

3. Asian bamboo steamer For moms who don't have the time (or inclination) to count fat grams, steamers are a must-have for low-fat meals that practically cook themselves while retaining vitamins, nutrients, and flavor. Go for a two-tiered number: Throw veggies -- carrots, leeks, bok choy -- on one level, and fish -- salmon, snapper, tilapia -- on the other. Now that's multi-tasking. Find steamers at Asian markets or grab this one from Williams-Sonoma.

4. A table-top farm? Yep. With this ingenious indoor aeroponic garden (just light and water, no dirt), Mom can harvest her own fresh lettuces, tomatoes, or peppers from a kitchen countertop. Or expand her culinary horizons with a Japanese herb garden, including shiso and misuba. Both are full of calcium (for her bones), vitamin A (eyes), and vitamin C (heart and immune system). Shop and choose at aerogrow.com.

5. Artisan olive oils and vinegars Great salad dressings encourage more salad eating, and few foods are healthier than fresh raw veggies -- except eating those veggies with a drizzle of heart-smart extra-virgin olive oil. For a stunning assortment of oils and vinegars, try zingermans.com.

6. Gourmet tea kit Tea is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants, so start steeping! Set your mom up with a selection of green, white, black, and herbal teas. Complete the package with an electric kettle -- they bring water to a boil much faster than regular teapots and turn themselves off, a bonus for forgetful moms. Find unusual teas at specialteas.com and adagio.com.

7. Scrumptious skincare Outdoorsy moms will adore Korres' natural Watermelon Sunscreen, Yogurt Cooling Gel and/or Pomegranate Moisturizer. Yum! Made with botanical extracts, Korres products help bolster mom's skin defenses without harming the earth. Available at sephora.com or beautyexclusive.com.

So, all you Last-Minute Lulus, grab your mouse and get your Mother's Day shopping done! But if you don't, resort to gift #1. Melissa's will email a gift certificate immediately and the sweet, juicy fruit will arrive when it's just the ripe time.