When it comes time to buy a gift for Mom, think Travel: from practical gifts like comfy shoes, to silky little luxuries.
Merrell Shoes: these are the comfiest shoes possible; they last forever; styles range from sporty sandals to dressier models that look good but can still take a hike. 
Tilley Travel Clothes: Tilley makes top-quality clothes that dry overnight, never wrinkle, and have secret pockets all over the place. The Tilley Hat is their most famous item: indestructible, and guaranteed for life (as are the Classic Shorts.)
Cell phone holder: a traveling Mom has much to keep organized; this little gift is a practical help, and inexpensive enough for kids to buy "on their own". Cell phone holders come with shoulder strap, and velcro loop for attaching to a belt or purse or stroller; cushioned lining protects the cell phone if it gets dropped. Check out several styles of cell phone holders.
Space Saver Compression Travel Bags
How practical is this, for a traveling Mom? Who can squeeze way more stuff into her luggage using these clear reusable plastic storage bags: put the stuff in, seal the bag, roll it, and squeeze out the air-- voila.
Silk Undershirt: Silk is light as a feather, adds no bulk when you wear it, and takes no room in your suitcase. Long-sleeve versions, too.
Silk Pyjamas: add a little luxury to Mom's travels.
A Scarf: when packing for a trip, it's good to think in terms of layers of clothing, so that you can pull on, or take off, a layer according to the temperature. A scarf in fall or spring can take the chill away; a scarf in summer can be perfect for a walk on the beach at night. Check out many Women's Scarves and light-weight shawls, online.
Mini-Purse : just big enough for credit cards, cash, and cell; that hangs from a shoulder strap; never gets lost or left behind, because it never gets taken off.
Travel Books : More and more publishers are bringing out family travel books: Italy with Kids, Hawaii with Kids, you name it. Almost any travel book will save you at least the amount of money that you spend on it: just one tip on lodgings can save a bundle; and of course your enhanced enjoyment of a place (plus avoidance of pitfalls and hassles) can be priceless.
Caribbean vacations are a popular choice for families, Caribbean With Kids is an excellent prep book: with island -by- island info and tips for families, recommended resorts on every island, and a list of top ten resorts overall.
