BARBARA, arts, educational & cultural consultant: Think about giving a non-traditional gift to your mother this year. Consider things that promote good health and fitness.

Instead of taking her to a restaurant, pick up a gift certificate from a special store like Whole Foods Markets, Trader Joe's or your favorite produce store. Plan to go to the store the day she does, so you can spend quality time together. Your mom will find an amazing range of produce, meats, fish, cheeses and breads there. Skin care and beauty products are also available.

If your mom likes to garden, there are several suggestions. Give your mother a card that offers your services as a gardening buddy. Go with her to the garden store in the spring and purchase bulbs or perennials. Then, return to mom's and help her plant them. As summer approaches, help plant a bed of annuals. Once fall arrives, help mom select hardy mums, more bulbs, winter pansies and ornamental cabbages or kale. Place three to five bulbs under each cabbage. This will offer a nice surprise next spring when the bulbs bloom.

Gardening is a good form of exercise and the rewards of your shared labor will yield a bounty of gifts.

If your mom likes physical activity, sign her up for tai chi or water aerobics. Another suggestion is to participate in the annual Race for the Cure. Posted May 07, 2003 03:20 AM