So, your wallet has more holes in it than the latest Indiana Jones plot and Mother's Day looms like an angry storm cloud, but fear not, we have the answer. Check out our guide to Mother's Day on a budget...

Finding the perfect (and affordable) Mother's Day gift really boils down to knowing a little bit about your mum — what are her hobbies; how does she spend her free time; and what does she never get around to buying herself?

A night in perhaps?

There are many book stores catering to buyers on a budget, and many bookstores have budget sections. With most books ranging in price from R20 upwards, Bargain Books is a good place to start searching. One person's trash is another person's treasure as the old saying goes, and nowhere does this ring truer than at a secondhand book store. Avoid the seriously dog-eared copies and be prepared to spend a little time finding the right book.

Most women love chick-flicks and mothers are no different. So, hop online or go to your local music and DVD store and snap up a DVD. Recommended picks are 'Chocolat', 'Music and Lyrics' and 'Hairspray'.

Do-it-yourself!

Remember the good old days of making breakfast in bed, homemade cards and flowers? As clichéd as it sounds, this is still a great option for those short on cash. So get those eggs, glue and cardboard ready!

Another gift idea would be to create your own spa hamper containing bath salts, face masks, bubble bath and homemade soaps if you're feeling creative.

If your mother has green fingers, however, painting and/or making your own pot plant containers is a unique and practical gift. A little rosebush is another ideal, yet cheap, gift that lasts a lot longer than your usual bunch of expensive roses.

Tickling the tastebuds

Instead of getting those expensive chocolates, why not try your hand at making a decadent delight such as chocolate truffles or a fruity citrus mango sorbet for your mother — even if they turn out a little flat or off-colour, it's the effort that counts… right?

If you're up to the challenge, cooking lunch on Mother's Day is an effort that will go a long way to ensuring a relaxing day for your mother; providing that you clean the dishes afterwards.

Out and about

Flea markets, such as the one in Green Point, Cape Town, are always a great stop when looking for cheap gifts. From beads and necklaces to that rare ornament selling for dirt cheap, you're bound to find something at a bargain price.

Another great option for the intrepid bargain-hunter is the factory shop scene. Sure, it'll mean venturing beyond the comfort of your local shopping mall and braving hordes of sale-seeking shopper, but you're bound to find something to find worthwhile.

A night out with your mother needn't be expensive, as is evident by the many shows and live events on offer. For the musically-inclined mother, 'Avalanche', at Montecasino, is a great musical with ticket prices starting at R70.

If that doesn't tickle your fancy, there are plenty of other options available at Computicket such as Pieter Dirk-Uys' 'Elections and Erections' at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town and 'Gatiepie Kry 'n Baby' at Carnival City.

While Indiana Jones fans may struggle to follow the latest film's storyline, you can be sure that you won't lose the plot when it comes to cheap Mother's Day gift ideas.