The macaroni necklace that hangs to your waist. The lumpy ashtray — even though you don't smoke. The finger painting that rivals Picasso. These are gifts only moms could love.

Do you have a favorite from-the-heart, handmade gift from your little one? Maybe it was a poem you received for Christmas or a tissue paper bouquet for your birthday. Tell us about it and we'll publish our favorite stories and photos in the paper on Mother's Day, May 10.

Send your name, age, phone number, address and a description of your little one's gift to: Mother's Day, Island Life, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; or e-mail it to zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com with "Mother's Day" in the subject line. Include your child's name and age (today and when the gift was given). Submissions may be edited.

We welcome photos — original prints or high-resolution images — of your kiddies' creations, which may appear in print or online. Sorry, but original prints cannot be returned. The deadline is May 4.

OLDER AMERICANS

May is also Older Americans Month, which honors elders throughout the nation who have demonstrated dedication and generosity as volunteers.

To recognize our own Island kupuna, we'd like you to tell as about an elder who has made a difference in your life or in the lives of others.

Send your name, age, phone number, address and story to: Kupuna, Island Life, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; or e-mail it to zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com with "Kupuna" in the subject line. Submissions may be edited. The deadline is May 11.