Offering a creative and earth-friendly gift for mom doesn't have to mean backpacking through the rain forest. When gifting mom, remember to keep the ultimate mother in mind: Mother Earth. Here are some environmentally friendly ideas to consider.

• Create a green pampering experience: Mothers love body lotions, facial creams and other skincare items that can soothe and pamper their bodies. Choose items that are made from high-quality natural ingredients and limit the use of preservatives and oil-based substances.

• Put the green in spa treatments: Nothing says relaxing more than soaking in a warm bath or having a therapeutic massage. Whether mom wants to visit a spa or enjoy the luxuries of these treatments at home, taking the time to be eco-friendly can make the difference. Create an all-natural soothing bath by mixing sea salt with a few drops of organic essential oils, such as camomile or lavender. Also, many stores sell soaps that are made from natural ingredients.

• Rely on recycled or reusable containers: Did you know about 8 percent of the world's fossil fuels are used to produce new plastics? Instead, look for items that are packaged in postconsumer materials. Also, look for gifts that do not feature extraneous packaging or wrapping. Not only could you be spending more for this packaging, it's something that will simply end up in landfills.

• Be crafty with wrapping: Recycled materials shouldn't only be in the products you purchase, keep them in mind when wrapping, too. Use a piece of fabric as a gift bag instead of purchasing a new one, or wrap a box in a scrap of decorative wallpaper or newsprint.

• Recognize going green can be beneficial to the environment and to you: Mother Earth isn't the only one who benefits when earth-friendly ingredients are used. Generally these ingredients are safer for individuals, too.