With finals quickly approaching, many University students will not be home for Mother's Day. As a result, many of them have come up with creative ways to show their moms appreciation.

Some students plan to create cards or make phone calls, but others, such as Tim Bollier, senior in LAS, plan to run a half-marathon - 13.2 miles - on Saturday with his mother in Indianapolis.

Bollier said he will be running the marathon with his parents and his girlfriend and then going out to a restaurant afterward.

He said one of his favorite gifts he got his mother was a microwave.

"My mother loves practical gifts, so the microwave would be number one," Bollier said. "I know that is kind of silly."

He also said one of his favorite memories is just getting together with his family and spending time.

Tabitha Curran, junior in LAS, said she plans to call her mother since she would still be at the University for finals.

"Me and my sisters are going in together and getting her a ring," Curran said.

Curran said she feels it is the thought that counts more than the actual gift.

"Something like acknowledgement is good, you don't have to always give a gift," Curran said.

Other students, such as Vivian Zapata, freshman in FAA, used their artistic skills to create gifts for their mother in the past.

"I have made little things myself, since I am crafty." Zapata said.

In the past, Zapata said she has made cards, but this year, Zapata said she plans to give her mother a call for Mother's Day.

Zapata said she would be in Champaign for Mother's Day and she feels it is hard to be away from the family on this special day.

"Everyone wishes they could be with the parents, especially their mother on Mother's Day," Zapata said.

Lauren Smith, sophomore in LAS, said she plans to have a big party for Mother's Day when she gets home next week.

"Since I will be studying for Mother's Day, I plan to go home next weekend and have a Mom's Day Fiesta," Smith said.

She said Mother's Day can never be overrated and moms deserve their own special day.

"Moms should totally be appreciated," Smith said. "My mom does a ton for me."

Smith went on to say that gifts are not necessary for Mother's Day, but just showing care will be enough.

"I never got my mom a gift on Mother's day, but she never wanted one," Smith said. "I think you should just show your appreciation. That is what it is more about."