I loved the jewelry idea until I remembered that she would find me "the same thing" at Walmart because it was much more reasonable (I once picked out a specific rug at 10,000 villages, and that's what happened - the fiber content was completely different, but the colors were pretty close....)
then there was was the year we asked for a set of mugs from her potter nephew. I felt the need to write him and apologize....
I think I may have it licked - dh and I have been torn between dry walling the addition ceiling (hired out) or putting up pine paneling ourselves ($). He is going to try to convince her to buy the wood for the ceiling over the dining area (dropped, clearly defined), and send her an end cut to wrap for each of us. Then I can tell her the studio where I take classes has a whole new batch of potters tools, ranging in price from $2-$20. She can give dd a budget and a number of boxes and dd can buy me surprises for her (dd is at the studio 3-4 times a week)
the actual $ goal is always a secret - making this even more fun.
cross your fingers for my ceiling.