VANESSA WILLIAMS
My Workout Playlist
MARY HAD A LITTLE BOY
by Snap!
RIDE ON TIME
by Black Box
LEFT & RIGHT
by D'Angelo
BUGGIN' OUT
by A Tribe Called Quest
E=MC2
by J Dilla featuring Common
(download them on iTunes.com)
1 Altus Body Ball
Tailored for quick workouts of core muscle groups; www.paragonsports.com; 800-961-3030; $19.99
2 Speedo Futurity Goggles
The silicone eyewear is a stroke of style genius; www.speedousa.com; 888-477-3336; $13.99
3 Apple 1GB iPod Shuffle
Surprise Mom with a hot pink one engraved with "Happy Mother's Day"; www.apple.com; 800-692-7753; $79
4 Grass Velocity Gym Bag
A sharp way to schlep sweatpants; www.lululemon.com or 877-263-9300 for stores; $64
5 Omron Pocket Pedometer
Mom can track her steps, calories burned and distance walked—and download the data into her laptop; www.amazon.com; $32.95
6 Fit Mama
Ease Mom back into shape with Stacy Denney and Kate Hodson's encouraging fitness guide; www.barnesandnoble.com; $13.45
7 Dancing with the Stars: Cardio Dance DVD
This instructional video, featuring pro dancers from the ABC hit, will have Mom cha-cha-cha-ing in no time; abctvstore.seenon.com; $16.98
8 Joss Stone, Introducing Joss Stone
The Brit will energize Mom's body and spirit with a pumping new R&B CD. $18.99
9 Mika, Life in Cartoon Motion
Mika gets pulses racing with uptempo songs like "Love Today." $10.99
10 The Secret Power of Yoga
Nischala Joy Devi breaks down yoga principles for women with simplicity; www.barnesandnoble.com; $11.65
11 Quit: Read This Book and Stop Smoking
An updated version of this guide to kicking the habit, it's conveniently pack-sized to fill the void in any ex-smoker's pocket. $4.95
TRAVEL
LIGHTHOUSES
Illustrated by Wendy Edelson, this gorgeous pop-up book offers a 3-D look at some of the country's best-loved beacons; www.amazon.com; $24.95
1 Polaroid Digital Camera
Sleek and palm-sized, this 7.0-megapixel model is $199.99 at Target.
2 Isaac Mizrahi for Target Tote
Cheap and cheerful; www.target.com; 800-800-8800; $29.99
3 Viva Pedro: The Almodóvar Collection DVD Box Set
Eight of the Spanish director's woozily wonderful films. $117.95
4 Digital Photo Travel Clock
A handy alarm with room for 56 pictures; www.brookstone.com; $75
5 Putumayo Presents Women of the World Acoustic
Unplugged, chicks-only grooves from Colombia to Cameroon. $14.98
6 Patty Griffin, Children Running Through
An excellent journey through country, folk, blues and gospel. $15.99
7 The British Beat: Best of the '60s
A CD box set—featuring such U.K. bands as the Kinks—will really get you. $49.98
8 Wallpaper* City Guides
Books on 30 global hot spots; www.phaidon.com/travel; $8.95 each
9 1001 Gardens You Must See Before Your Die
Horticulture from Switzerland to South Africa. $34.99
10 Summer: A User's Guide
Tips from Suzanne Brown on clambakes and berry stains. $19.95
11 Beloved Audiobook
Read by author Toni Morrison, this classic is a moving road trip companion; www.amazon.com; $19.77
12 The Holiday DVD
A Yank (Cameron Diaz) and a Brit (Kate Winslet) each find love after house swapping at Christmas. $29.95
13 The Queen DVD
Majestic moms will love Helen Mirren as a beleaguered Queen Elizabeth. $29.99
HOT BEACH READS!
1 The Husband
Chill-seekers will love Dean Koontz's thriller about a gardener whose wife is kidnapped. $7.99
2 Off the Record
Hollywood reporter Allison Samuels dishes on celeb interviewees like Denzel and Tyra. $24.95
3 The Book of Fate
Twists abound in Brad Meltzer's paperback about a presidential assassination attempt gone awry. $7.99
4 Poolside
She can take a dip (literally) with this waterproof anthology of musings by writers like Amy Bloom and David Foster Wallace. $17.95
5 The Year of Fog
A gripping tale of a woman's search for her fiancé's missing daughter by Michelle Richmond. $20
6 Notting Hell
Rachel Johnson's delicious yarn follows two London busybodies who spy on their scandalous neighbors. $25
7 No! I Don't Want to Join a Book Club
A woman nearing her 60th birthday embraces aging—pensions! free pills!—in Virginia Ironside's wry novel. $24.95
8 Plum Wine
She'll lose herself in Angela Davis-Gardner's book about an American professor who falls for a mysterious Japanese potter while teaching in Tokyo. $13
SHOPPING & STYLE
WHAT NOT TO WEAR'S MAKEUP EXPERT CARMINDY (see item 12)
Makeup Must-Haves
1. Benefit Eye Bright concealer; www.sephora.com; $18. "An instant eyelift."
2. Classified Cosmetics Era Spray On Foundation; shop.classifiedcosmetics.com; $55. "You control the coverage."
3. Fresh Satin Luster Face Palette; www.sephora.com; $45. "Apply it under the brow, on the inside corner of the eyes and on top of the cheekbones for a youthful glow."
1 Living the Posh Mom Life
Jara Negrin and Amy Nebens's handy guide for trendy moms. $14.95
2 Crave Treats
Heavenly mini cookies to keep her shopping till she drops; www.cravetreats.com; $24 for three dozen
3 Oakley "Behave" Sunglasses
Stylish shades; www.oakley.com; $185
4 Red Hatboxes
Perk up her closet; www.katespaperie.com; 800-809-9880; $10 and $15
5 Malissa Flats
Sunny shoes to keep Mom spree-ready; www.aldoshoes.com; $69.99
6 Marie Antoinette DVD
A chic take on the doomed teen queen. $28.95
7 Dreamgirls DVD
Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson sing their hearts out in this handsome film. $39.99
8 Katherine McPhee, Katherine McPhee
R&B-flavored pop à la a young Mariah Carey. $18.99
9 Avril Lavigne, The Best Damn Thing
Punk-spiked pop-rock for a trip to the mall. $18.99
10 100 Years of Fashion Illustration
Cally Blackman traces the evolution of 20th-century styles. $40
11 Edie Factory Girl Warhol Tote
A whimsical shopping bag; www.karmaloop.com; 877-465-2762; $44
12 The 5-Minute Face What Not to Wear's
Carmindy on easy makeup tips. $19.95
13 Vintage Rock T-Shirts
An homage to concert tees; www.amazon.com; $19.77
14 Elegance
Some of the very first modern fashion photos in black and white. $40
15 BlackBerry Pearl
A hot red style with MP3 and flash camera; www.blackberrypearl.com; 800-331-0500; $149.99 with a phone plan
16 Shopaholic & Baby Audiobook
Sophie Kinsella's novel is the perfect partner for the drive to the boutiques. $29.95
ROMANCE
HEROES' ADRIAN PASDAR
Sweetest Gifts from Dad
"Dinner, a play—give her your time. [Once, for my wife, Dixie Chick Natalie Maines] I had my friend sculpt a beautiful marble bust of our 2-year-old son. It caught her breath."
1 Caetano Veloso, Cê
A seductive collection from the Brazilian singer. $18.99
2 Succulent Pink Orchids Arrangement
Say it with Mark's Garden flowers; they did the weddings of Heidi Klum and Gwen Stefani; www.marksflowers.com; 800-416-8761; $109.99 (includes shipping)
3 Norah Jones, Not Too Late
Jones's smoky sounds will help light a romantic fire. $18.99
4 Chocolates & Confections
Whip up sweets, or just drool over this decadent guide from the Culinary Institute of America. $65
5 Gerald Levert, In My Songs
The late soul man's passionate best. $18.99
6 Casino Royale DVD
Daniel Craig jump-starts the 007 series with his brawny energy and charm. $28.96
7 Dirty Dancing: 20th Anniversary Edition DVD
Could Patrick Swayze's pants be any tighter? Check them out in this lovers' classic. $29.99
8 To Catch a Thief DVD
Ex-burglar Cary Grant and heiress Grace Kelly set off fireworks on the Riviera in a 1955 Hitchcock thriller. $14.99
9 Ghost: Special Collector's Edition DVD
Even death can't keep pottery-loving Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore apart in this tearjerker. $14.99
10 Macy Gray, Big
The raspy-voiced singer gets help from Fergie and Justin Timberlake. $13.99
11 Godiva G Collection
A special Mother's Day sampler that's as much art as it is aphrodisiac; www.godiva.com; 800-946-3482; $65
12 Amy Winehouse, Back to Black
A heady cocktail of vintage '60s R&B. $13.99
ANIMAL LOVERS
3-D CAT CARDS
Each card in this standard deck of 52 features a different kitty in motion—plus 3-D pooches on the Jokers; www.patinastores.com; $8.95
1 Gramercy Pet Tote
A chic faux leather carrier; www.trixieandpeanut.com; $99
2 Symbolic Animal Adoptions
Sponsor an endangered creature for Mom; www.worldwildlife.org/gifts; adoptions of at least $50 include a plush toy of the animal
3 Positively Polar Boxed Notes
Cool cards; planetzoo.net; $13.95
4 Hummingbirds
Melanie Votaw's stunning pictorial of these tiny flyers. $9.98
5 Frog Bookmark
She'll hop to the right page. $3.50 at Borders
6 Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship
A sequel chronicling the real-life bond between a baby hippo and a tortoise. $16.99
7 True Blue Shampoo & Conditioner
Gentle canine hair care; www.wagwagwag.com; $14 each
8 Galapagos: The Islands that Changed the World DVD
Visit iguanas, boobies and other beasts in this documentary. $19.98
9 Charlotte's Web DVD
In this lovely film, a spider (Julia Roberts) helps a pig save his own bacon. $19.95
10 Little Dogs
Irresistible photos of pint-size pooches. $19.95
11 Happy Feet DVD
A tap-dancing penguin inspires his fellow birds in this Oscar-winning animated movie. $29.98
WELL-BEING
KELLY RIPA
The Best Gift to Pamper Mom
"A no-fail Mother's Day gift for a [busy woman] would be something she normally wouldn't do for herself, like hire someone to clean out her closets!"
1 I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids
Real-mom tales and tips for busy lives collected by Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile. $18.95
2 Soapdish Editions Waterproof Books
Tub-ready reads such as Clean & Serene won't wilt in that long bubble bath she deserves; www.amazon.com; $7.95 each
3 *GREEN
Dirt Candles
Chill her out with these lightly scented, 100% soy wax candles; www.dirtcandles.com; 866-436-3865; $24
4 *GREEN
K Studio Pillows
Add whimsy to a room with these accents made of eco-friendly fabrics and dyes; www.kstudiohome.com; $98-$132
5 Be Ugly T-Shirt
Brace yourselves, Ugly Betty fans: Not only is this tee adorable, the net proceeds benefit Girls Inc., a nonprofit group that empowers girls through social and educational programs; www.beugly07.com; $24.95
6 Oliver Throw
For a cozier couch; www.crateandbarrel.com; 800-967-6696; $79.95
7 Walking on Eggshells
Jane Isay's reflections on the lifelong parent-child bond. $23.95
8 "Girls Night In" DVD Box Set
Overdose on five chick flicks, including Reese Witherspoon's Just Like Heaven. $34.99
9 The Art of Aging Audiobook
Along with medical counsel, Dr. Sherwin B. Nuland shares the advice of spry seniors, aged 70 and older. $29.95
10 The Mother-Daughter Book Club
The 10th-anniversary edition of Shireen Dodson's book comes with updated reading lists and reading circle how-tos. $13.95
11 Carly Simon, Into White
The singer's mellow album of covers, including "Blackbird" and "Scarborough Fair." $13.99
ARTS & CRAFTS
EGGLINGS
These ceramic eggs already have seeds and soil inside. Just crack the top, water and watch in "awww" as they sprout; www.eggling.com; $9.50 each
1 *GREEN
Flower Notecard Book
Fabulous stationery made of postconsumer paper by Jill Bliss; www.blissen.com; $16
2 Women's Hi-Performance Gloves
Lightweight gardening mitts; www.smithandhawken.com; 800-981-9888; $22
3 Sproutables Art Cards
Affirmations to adorn her scrapbooks; www.eatyourpeas.com; $9.95
4 The Way We Garden Now
Katherine Whiteside's tricks for green thumbs and green gardeners alike. $29.95
5 Compact Thinning Shears
For trimming, floral arranging or fruit picking; www.smithandhawken.com; 800-981-9888; $17
6 Scrapbooking Kit
Preserve family photos with this all-inclusive "Cool Swanky" kit by Westrim Crafts. $19.99 at Target and Wal-Mart
7 Simple Sewing
Twenty-four step-by-step patterns for projects like tote bags and aprons. $24.95
8 The Beach Boys, The Warmth of the Sun
Their unmistakable harmonies shine on this radiant collection of the Boys' lesser-known tunes. $18.99
9 Baby Surprise Jacket DVD
Seam-sewing explained in this knitting how-to video; www.schoolhousepress.com; 800-968-5648; $18
10 Daisy Knitting Needles
Candy-colored rods range from $5.95-$12.50, depending on size and type; www.theyarnco.com
11 Colorful Yarns
Brighten her creations with green Cancun ($12.95) or pink Rondo ($10.95) by S. Charles, or multicolored Porto Cervo L.P ($8.95) by Filatura Di Crosa; www.theyarnco.com
12 Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Calling
Fine craftsmanship in this mix of country, folk and light rock. $17.99
COOKING
EVERYDAY ITALIAN'S GIADA DE LAURENTIIS
My Go-To Gifts for Moms Who Love to Cook
"A 10-in. Global chef's knife [www.amazon.com; $127.95]—it makes you feel like a pro. Or give Mom a break from the kitchen and treat her to a manicure and a paraffin wrap!"
1 Kitchen Confidential: The Complete Series DVD
A sitcom treat about a hunky chef on the job. $29.98
2 Patti Austin, Avant Gershwin
Elegant and modernized swing-era classics from the chanteuse. $17.99
3 Luncheon of the Boating Party
Novelist Susan Vreeland imagines the world behind Renoir's famed painting. $25.95
4 The Essential Baker
Carole Bloom's tome on oven-made sweets. $40
5 Alison Krauss, A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection
Bluegrass to stir her soul. $17.99
6 In the Kennedy Kitchen
Anecdotes, personal photos and food by Neil Connolly, Rose Kennedy's former chef. $35
7 Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook
Hunan flavors from Fuchsia Dunlop. $29.95
8 Le Creuset Round Casserole Dish
A kitchen staple in a new blue hue; www.lecreuset.com and 877-273-8738 for stores; $50
9 Everyday Pasta
Capellini to gnocchi made easy by Giada De Laurentiis. $32.50
10 *GREEN
Sky Coaster Set
These recycled-glass squares make drinks festive; www.bedrockindustries.com; 877-283-7625; $38 for four
11 Cookbook Stand
With an adjustable beech frame; www.crateandbarrel.com; 800-967-6696; $21.95
12 Seedling Salt and Pepper Shakers
Spice up her table; www.anthropologie.com; $28
13 Lucinda Williams, West
Plenty of food for thought on the country rocker's absorbing latest. $13.99
14 *GREEN
Organic String Bag
Forget paper and plastic! This $10 sack makes for eco-conscious grocery shopping; www.ecobags.com
NEW MOMS
GRETCHEN WILSON
My Go-To Gift for New Moms
"The Baby Einstein DVDs are amazing. [My 7-year-old daughter] Grace was doing her ABCs in Japanese when she was 3!"
1 Rockabye Baby! CD Series
Coldplay, U2 and the Beatles are among the bands winning new little fans with these lullaby renditions of their songs; www.babyrockrecords.com; $16.98 each
2 TooDee Uglydoll
Highly huggable; www.uglydolls.com; 866-439-8459; $20
3 New Parent Checklist
A list of everything Mom and baby need when leaving home; www.knockknock.biz; $6.99
4 The Brady Bunch: The Complete Series DVD Box Set
During those long nights feeding baby, watch all 117 episodes of the beloved '70s sitcom. $144.99
5 Stroll-A-Tune Stereo System
An MP3 player-compatible speaker for any stroller handle; www.stroll-a-tune.com; $29.99
6 *GREEN
Sling Tote in Pink Ogo
Waterproof and PVC-free, a carryall for eco moms on the go; www.fleurville.com; 866-510-8967; $150
7 You're Not the Boss of Me
Erika Schickel's hilarious essays of a mom who won't put herself last. $12.95
8 *GREEN
Organic Baby
Earth mamas will dig Kimberly Rider's tips on eco-friendly baths, baby food and more. $24.95
9 America's Funniest Home Videos: Motherhood Madness DVD
Two hours of messy mom moments. $9.98
10 Jane Eyre DVD
A governess falls for her grumpy employer (Orson Welles). $19.98
11 The Good Husband of Zebra Drive
Alexander McCall Smith's plucky female sleuth examines deaths at a Botswana hospital. $21.95
12 The Camel Bookmobile
A librarian sets up a mobile bookstore in Kenya in Masha Hamilton's novel. $24.95
13 Polaroid Digital Picture Frame
Catch cute moments, then display them as a slide show within the frame; www.target.com; $129.99
PLAY TIME
1 Deal or No Deal Electronic Game
Mom can play the addictive odds game anywhere; irwintoy.com; $24.99
2 Shrek Sweet Treats Cookie-Cutter Kit
Donkey and Gingerbread Man shapes and a cute book by Cindy De La Hoz just in time for Shrek the Third; www.amazon.com; $9.95
3 1 vs. 100 Board Game
Stage your own version of the game show. Bob Saget not included; www.boardgames.com; $24.95
4 Hot Granny
Mel Walsh provides lighthearted tips for being fabulous at 50, 60 and beyond. $12.95
5 American Idol Rock Songs Songbook & Karaoke CD
She can belt it out sans fear of Simon. $16.95
6 Lily Allen, Alright, Still
The wickedly fun debut by the British ska-popster. $12.99
7 BoomBucket iPod Music System
This $150 portable, water-resistant iPod speaker set is perfect for pool parties. (Release of this product has been delayed; for updates, check www.brookstone.com.)
8 Mamarama
Evelyn McDonnell's memoir of mommyhood as a 40-year-old music critic. $22
9 You Don't Love Me Yet Audiobook
A send-up of L.A.'s indie rock scene, as read by author Jonathan Lethem. $29.95
10 Nueve Puzzle Blocks
There's no solution, just endless hypnotic patterns to make; www.brooklyn5and10.com; $24.95
11 Martina McBride, Waking Up Laughing
The country star keeps it breezy on songs including "How I Feel." $18.99
12 Teeny-Weeny Martini Set
When Mom needs a little (and we mean little) break; www.walmart.com; $8.95
Saved by the Bell Reunion
The hookups, the meltdowns, the memoires
The case reveals what was really going on what they think of each other now!
