Sure, mom always said “It’s the thought that counts.” But does she really mean that after opening yet another pair of gift-wrapped sweat socks?

Gift-giving is an art, especially when you put a little thought into what you give your mother for Mother’s Day.

“You don’t have to spend a lot,” according to Glenda Lehman Ervin of Lehman’s old-time general store.

“As long as your gift clearly says ‘I’ve put some thought into this gift because I really love you, Mom.’ The key to finding a great gift is to think about what will really please someone and make them happy,” Ervin added.

When shopping for mom, keep in mind the “four S’s” of gift giving: simple, sweet, sentimental and sensitive. If a gift fulfills the “four S’s” then it’s sure to be a winner.

There are several types of gifts that are likely to meet all four requirements. Ervin, a connoisseur of the art of gift-giving, offers the following advice.

Give something that will remind your mother of a sweet memory from childhood. “If your mother fondly remembers sitting beside her father while he made ice cream in an old-fashioned freezer, then an ice cream maker that evokes that memory can be wonderful gift,” Ervin said.

“Collaborate with other family members to find a picture of her and her dad making ice cream. Enlarge it, put it in a pretty frame and place that picture on the outside of the wrapped ice cream maker,” Ervin suggested.

Help mom with a much-loved hobby. “Garden tools can be a great gift for mothers who really enjoy the relaxation and health benefits of gardening,” Ervin said.

You can give a practical gift a loving flair. For example, what gardener wouldn’t love a galvanized watering can?

You can add a touch of sensitivity to the gift by filling the watering can with bath time delights such as body wash or lotion, bath beads, scented candles and other luxurious bath items.

If your mom’s a baker, you might find a gift that both helps her with her hobby and evokes a childhood memory.

“People tell us they love our old-fashioned Pie Bird because they remember their grandmothers using one just like it,” Ervin said. The blue enameled bird sits in the middle of a double crust pie, allowing the steam to escape and preventing the pie ingredients from boiling over.

Put a personal twist on a reliable gift, like flowers. “Every woman loves flowers, but if you hesitate to give such a transient gift, why not present the flowers to her in a container that will be a keepsake?” Ervin asked.

“For example, she may remember that her grandmother had a lovely pitcher in red speckled enamel. You can find exactly that kind of old-fashioned ‘Granny Ware’ on the Lehman’s Web site,” Ervin said.

Pick out a pitcher and have your local florist use it to create an arrangement of her favorite flowers.”

For other simple, sweet, sentimental and sensitive gift ideas this Mother’s Day, go online to www.lehmans.com.