Uh-oh. Not again. It can't possibly have happened yet again. You swore to yourself you'd be better at this by now, just like you thought you'd have completely conquered other adult arts, like soufflé baking or hangover avoiding. You're out of excuses, although the element of surprise is close enough to one - no matter that it comes at the same time every year, that it's been staring back at you on your calendar, that stores seem to start anticipating its approach earlier each time. You managed to do it again, you golden child. You managed to totally and completely forget about Mother's Day.

Like mom would say, you got yourself into this, now you've got to get yourself out. As a fellow failure at holiday planning, I understand the guilt that comes with being extra disappointing the one day you're supposed to be extra wonderful to the woman who swaddled and coddled your ungrateful behind. Before that sense of anxiety has you making a mad dash to the nearest and blandest big box department store and grabbing an assortment of gifts that scream "generic," remember what momma taught you about letting cooler heads prevail. Slow down. Breathe in, breathe out. Realize all is not lost; there's still time to squeeze in a unique and thoughtful shopping experience, and take advantage of this guide as a starting off point.

Cotswald Marketplace (200 N. Sharon Amity Road)

More than 40 vendors contribute to make Cotswald Marketplace an ideal shopping spot, with fun gift possibilities at every turn.

My dad has told me over and over again that he is tired of the same ol' gifts. But as always, when asked what he wants, he replies, "Nothing." If any of you experience this, you know it gets exhausting. Well, enough is enough, we don't know his tips.

To help out all of you who are just as stumped as I am, here is a list of some choice gift picks from several Charlotte boutiques.

REVOLVE: Upscale Men's Consignment Store: Brand-new Bugatchi Polos are only $25-$69, with a broad selection of colors from bright to dark and choices between with or without a collars are available.

"These shirts just came in and are so nice,"said store owner Amy Pickard. "They're Egyptian cotton and light, perfect for summer."

1222 East Blvd.

704-817-7845

L.A. East: Stonerose shirts for $149 is a perfect Father's Day gift, according to one of the owners, Bob Thomas. These Miami-style shirts are lightweight to help keep your dad cool in the summer.

"I would definitely want one of these shirts for Father's Day," Thomas says. "The detailing is unbelievable. They are designed to be worn untucked for a casual look but could also be worn for a nicer occasion."

9852 Rea Road

704-341-5962

Buffalo Exchange: A wide variety of casual, dressy, short and long sleeve button-up shirts are only $9-$35.

"We have shirts for any occasion. They are good quality without the high price," says Olivia Vargo, one of the store's buyers.

1521 Central Ave.

704-372-2300

I guarantee you, if you still haven't found the perfect gift for your mom for Mother's Day, you'll find it at Paper Skyscraper (330 East Blvd.). But let me forewarn you: It's probably going to be packed in there.

Here are a couple of gift ideas the folks at PSky have suggested on their Facebook.

My Mom: Her Story, Her Words. Filled with questions to spark the memories of her life.

Blue Q Shoppers

I love Paper Skyscraper. Sure, during the holidays, it's crowded as a mofo in there and I'm scared to death I'm going to knock over a display, but that's just evidence that this is a great place to pick up last-minute gifts. This is their 20th year doing Christmas, so I think they've got a good handle on the holiday. Here are five random gifts that you can pick up from this East Boulevard gift store.

• The Screaming Flying Monkey. There I was, minding my own business walking toward the register when a stuffed animal flew across my path. Yes, it was the Screaming Flying Monkey — not screaming, though. This is a great gift for a kid. If they can maneuver a slingshot without poking their eye out, they'll be good with this.

• Chain wine bottle holder. Manly, yes? The picture says it all.

• Picture frame made using recycled magazines. Love lots of colors and it's environmentally friendly.

• Obama action figures. Never fear, Obama action figure to the rescue! They've also got two Michelle Obama action figures, in two different outfits. Because she's a fashionista, didn't ya know.

• Sushi sets. These exquisite-looking sushi sets come in all kinds of colors. Pretty!

For some gift ideas for the sneakerhead, I asked Black Sheep owner Josh Frazier and Niche owner Bobby Webster to help me out. Seeing as I'm currently wearing black flats with colored zippers along the side, I couldn't really come up with anything on my own.

Josh's list

• Vans Era Navy Suede or Black Suede. One of our all-time best-selling colorways from Vans Classic, this A casual shoe that always gets snapped up quickly. $49

• Nike SB Dunk Low (sail/ black)- nicknamed "top ramen/ un hemp. This Dunk is rumored to be part of a “Recession Pack” and takes its inspiration from the popular Top Ramen noodle soup that is a favorite among skaters, college students, and others on a budget. The shoes feature a nice blend of premium materials including suede, hemp and leather in bright orange, tan, and black respectively. $99

• Supra TK Society Gold/ Silver Foil. This color scheme first surfaced with the launch of the groundbreaking Skytop a few years ago, and blew up when Jay Z rocked them in the Rihanna Umbrella Video. We were the only store in North Carolina to carry the OG Gold/ Silver Skytops, and we still get phone calls from people looking for this shoe. Extremely limited release on these with less than 900 pairs available in the US. Black Sheep is one of only three stores in the Southeast to receive this Supra Quickstrike, so if you’re looking for something different, don’t sleep. ($150)

Bobby's list

• Jason Markk cleaner. We don't sell this but I have always thought it was a cool product and nicely designed. 98 percent natural cleaner that comes in a super cool package with a nicely designed brush. ($25)

•  Adidas Toronto Livestock. We are one of about 20 retailers under the Consortium account. Adidas Consortium partners up with artists and top tier stores for designs. The latest release we have received is the Adidas Toronto designed by Canadian boutique, Livestock. ($130)

•  Adidas x Ransom series. Once again Adidas and Canada are on the map. Ransom is a Canadian clothing line that has completely designed from scratch a line of Adidas that is outdoor-inspired. Like the above mentioned shoe, this line is extremely hard to find and is moving fast here! ($130-$225.)

Black Sheep and Niche are both located on the Camden block of Southend.

Ahh, college. Don't you miss it sometimes? Well, I guess you don't if you're still going, like our intern Nicole Pietrantonio. While she's not your traditional party-like-a-rock-star college chick, she's still pretty cool. Here is her list of holiday gift ideas for the traditional college girl or gal.

• N-Ice Rack Beer Pong Freezer Set: No one likes the taste of warm beer. The beer pong rack not only keeps brews cold throughout the game but helps hold the cups in place so they don’t get tipsy. ($19.99)

• Clocky Alarm Clock On Wheels: Can’t get your ass out of bed in the morning? These clocks will have you up and running in no time. You can hit snooze only once before the alarm sounds for a second time and rolls itself off of your desk. ($50)

• Violight Toothbrush Sanitizers: If you live in a dorm you can only imagine what your dorm mates will do with your toothbrush. Nasty. The traveling toothbrush sanitizer makes a great gift for college students who never know where their toothbrush might end up. ($30)

• College Party Fund Jar: Because it takes a decent stash to throw a crazy bash! ($14.95)

• Bar Games Drink Coasters: Who knew coasters could be used for something other than dust collectors? Hand your guests coasters as they walk in and choose from 30 games to play. Makes a good conversation starter and hey …  might even use it as a coaster. ($12.99)

Oh, Mustang Sally, mayor of Creative Loafing's sex and love blog Bangtown, is a dirty girl. Here are her five gift recommendations for those on your list who are a little more "bedroom-minded," if ya know what I'm saying. Enjoy!

• Santa’s Lil Helper Spot Vibe ($11.55) and Old Saint Prick Santa Vibe ($6.18). Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a Santa Claus vibrator — it's a fun way to make someone say "oh, oh, oh."

• Rudolph the Red Nosed Penis. [Men’s Reindeer Thong, $9.95, ] This gift will make the receiver view Rudolph with new joy and pleasure. You can best believe that hearing Rudolph on the radio will make her think of you.

• Clear Holiday Snowman Glass Dildo by RubyGlass21, ($24) from YourAdultTreasures.com. A glass dildo is the ultimate gift that keeps giving because you can share this sex toy with the giver as long as you keep it clean.

• Nothing shows more holiday spirit like this Nutcracker costume by Forplay. Available at The Red Door, in this costume, you can play out your most exotic holiday fantasy.

• For the book lover in your life, give Erotic French Postcards by Alexandre Dupouy, Philippe Jaenada, Serge Joncour, because the best sex starts in the mind.

Gift baskets ordered online are usually so humdrum and dry. A bottle of wine, some candies and a teddy bear. Yawn.

Well, ArtfuGiftBaskets.com, a local company, adds a touch of handcrafted goodness to your gift basket. Your order includes a personalized card, a carefully selected gift and a gift box, exquisitely wrapped and tied with organza ribbons. It's the little details that count. Here are but a few of the options they offer:

For deliveries in the Charlotte area, you've got unti Tuesday morning to put in your order to have your gift delivered by Christmas. Visit www.artfulgiftbaskets.com for more information.