King Tut courtesy of AP IMAGES; others courtesy of Shutterstock

Don't be one of those guys scrambling around Ralph's the morning of Mother's Day. Salvaging a bouquet from the left-overs. Scrounging for an envelope to match your card. Swearing you're going to put more thought into it next year.
This year is last year's next year. Skip the guilt and start planning.

Here are some ideas you are free to steal, with different motifs to suit different moms.

Cultural
If the mom in your life loves learning, get her tickets to "King Tut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh" at the California Science Center, just south of Downtown Los Angeles.

Billed as the largest King Tut exhibition ever toured, it celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the discovery of the famous pharaoh's tomb. In fact, 60 of the 150 artifacts on display have never been shown outside Egypt. The exhibit promises glimpses of rings found on Tut's fingers, the gold sandals he was buried with and other jewelry.

The exhibit made its worldwide debut in late March to sell-out crowds, so plan to purchase tickets early. We haven't visited, but I know this will be on my wife's list of must-do summer activities.

"King Tut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh" runs until January 2019 when it moves on to Europe as part of its 10-city international tour.

Stylish
Time this right, and you could combine a visit to the King Tut display with brunch, cocktails or dinner at Perch in Downtown Los Angeles.

On Hill Street near Pershing Square, Perch is a unique LA destination that has made a name for itself with French small plates, unique cocktails and extraordinary views of the surrounding city from its rooftop setting.

Always popular, this one requires reservations if you plan to sit and eat. Don't be the guy that shows up without calling ahead and gets turned away.

For cocktails, you can squeeze in at the rooftop bar, order a well-deserved libation for the mother you're celebrating and gaze at the skyline.

Natural
The late rush of winter rain suddenly brought our Southern California hills to life, making a hike the perfect outing to celebrate a mom who loves the outdoors.

Treat her to some place new, like Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, to show you've made the extra effort.

Why Wildwood? Following an approximately two-mile loop will bring you to the Instagram-worthy Paradise Falls, which cascades about 40 feet into a deep pool. From there, you can continue the loop to check out Indian Cave perched on the face of a ridge.

The 1,765-acre park was a popular Hollywood backlot from the 1930s through the 1960s, taking a turn in "Spartacus" and "Wuthering Heights," along with "Gunsmoke" and "The Rifleman."

Finish your hike with brunch at nearby Chocolatine French Cafe. This delightful little find serves up delicious quiches, sweet and savory crepes, salads and grilled sandwiches. The owner is French, and don't be surprised if she is your server.
Hopefully one of these will work for you. If not, you can always fall back on "free hug" coupons.
Eric Harnish lives in Castaic with his wife, not his mom.

Take Her There!
California Science Center californiasciencecenter.org
Perch perchla.com
Wildwood Park insidescv.com/wildwood
Chocolatine French Cafe chocolatine.net