07/03/2015 : Thank you everyone for your suggestions and comments. Much appreciated:)
So here's what we are getting my mother:
A bird of happiness necklace. Gran likes it and I think I know why.Some birds are not meant to be caged. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure. My mother is the bird that flew away and left us behind…at least thats how my four-year self felt when she left me at Gran and Gramp's and walked away. I've moved on since then but I don't think that Gran has. It must be so hard to lose your only child , much harder than losing a mother.
My wife and I have chosen this necklace. I like it because it reminds me of how my life is now: bright, vibrant, full of colours,happiness and kookiness. I wanted to share some of that with her.
My wife described the circles in the necklace as "weird, mismatched but meant to be together just like us" :)The twins are making her a card : a "mixed medium collage" Not too sure what that means but they've inherited my mother's artistic sensibilities, so it should look good.
we've decided against getting her a travel voucher. She's doing quite well for herself in the art world. I doubt money is a problem for her.So we're going to donate the money to a charity/charities of her choice instead.
That's my mother's birthday gifts sorted. So why am I still going through the suggestions and trying to find where I can buy them from? o.O These things could sure come in handy if there ever was a zombie apocalypse… hmmm
As for those of you who suggested I get sex toys, sexy lingerie or pay someone to have sex with my mother…etc my mother issues pale in comparison to yours. So my biggest thanks goes to you, guys. You made me feel well-adjusted, sane and almost boring :b
The giftee
I don't really know her that well. She lives overseas. She is an artist and a social activist.She is often illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. She wants to save the world.She also happens to be my mother.
The gift
Something that is not too small or too simple. Something that is thoughtful, artistic and activisty (?) and will help her survive in a third world country . Something that says "you suck big time but I still like you" :)
The budget
Something that doesn't cost the earth, although the mrs is happy to chip in. So we'll say $2000.
Edit: She's turning 55 in April.
Edit 2: She lives the US.Her partner (husband?) is a photojounalist and they travel a lot
TL;DR : I'm looking for a birthday present for my mother. We're not close. She sucked big time as a mother. She is a passionate social activist who often travels to third world countries.
Such as? Any of those options ends well for me? o.O