Hannah and Andrew Holliday walked into The Whitney Shop in New Canaan and headed straight for the Herend display cabinet. They were shopping for a special gift for Mother’s Day and knew just what they wanted: a pair of pink and blue owls. “Our mom collects Herend,” says Hannah, an 11^th grader at Greens Farms Academy in Westport. Andrew, who is in 9^th grade at GFA, says, “She told us which one to get so we know she’ll like it.”

If you still have no clue what to get for the moms on your shopping list, take a look at these stores. Who knows? You might find something to inspire you.

Flea (9), a tiny store tucked away behind the main drag in Rowayton, has some unusual gifts, like the bead-studded Moroccan leather box for $25, which is just right for storing a necklace or earrings. Check out the beach bags and floppy sun hats, too.

Scandinavian Butik, located on Route 7 on the Wilton/Norwalk line, imports housewares and foods from Denmark, Sweden and Norway. If you want to get your mom something practical – and a little different, check out the bottles with a removable bottom. They’re $39.95. Add your favorite fruit to the bottle and fill with water. You’ll also find interesting candleholders ($13 for the three-votive holder) and hi-tech cheese slicers.

The Whitney Shop in New Canaan is a place to go for more traditional gifts, like jewelry or a new serving platter. If you want something small, look at the tiny porcelain boxes. They all have a message on the lid and come in a range of prices.

At Kat Burki in Westport you’ll find lovely throws, scented candles and ocelot horn frames. I can’t think of a mom who wouldn’t love Kat’s organic soaps, and you’ll like the fact that some fragrances are on sale. Try the Sugar Magnolia or the Eau de Poire et Santal.

Are you buying your mom a practical gift that she can use in the home, like a picture frame or a platter? I’d love to know.