If mid-century American advertising is to be believed, the way to your mom’s heart is through a toaster. “There’s no gift more welcome than an electric appliance,” reads a 1948 ad for Proctor toasters . Or take this gem : “Christmas morning, she’ll be happier with a Hoover.” Oh, no thank you! Don’t get us wrong, we’re passionate about kitchen gear, but unless your mom explicitly asked for a shiny new blender (or stand mixer or juicer), it’s best to steer clear of the appliance-as-present path, lest you risk sending the message that you’d like the mom in your life to do more cooking or cleaning for you. This Mother’s Day, show your mom, grandmother, the mother of your children—whomever you’re celebrating—that you appreciate her by gifting a little luxury that helps her treat herself.…