The question: What do women want? Specifically, what do they want for Mother's Day?

Yes, it's that time again. The one day of the year set aside to honor mom. This year that's Sunday, May 13. Forget it at your peril.

I know that some men tell their wives that it's a contrived "Hallmark holiday." That is not a good strategy.

I also know men who tell their wives, "You're not my mother." That too is not a winning argument for failing to do something nice. She is the mother of your children. And what kind of example does that set for the kids? Let me answer that: poor.

So, with those lame excuses dispatched, let's return to the question I asked in a recent random survey of moms (and moms-to-be). It turns out that mothers are a selfless lot. No surprise there. Those I spoke with said that what they really wanted for Mother's Day was good health and the well-being of their families. But, when pressed, most came up with a thing or two that would make a welcome gift.

--By Ellen Warren, Tribune Senior Correspondent/ shopellen@tribune.com