I've always liked the idea of using herbs, but haven't really known how to use them. A couple of years ago I started using herbs more often, and I love the flavor they add to dishes. As I am writing this, I am making chicken broth using herbs. I like to get a rotisserie chicken from Costco. I pull off the meat to use later. I put the carcass in a stock pot and cover with water. I then add some rosemary, thyme, chives, and celery and a couple bouillon cubes and simmer several hours. Take off the heat, cool, strain then use as desired. The herbs in the broth make whatever you are using the broth for so much more flavorful. Whatever broth I don't use immediately, I put in Ziploc bags and freeze. I like to measure 2 or 3 cups into a Ziploc bag so it's easy to use in recipes later. Write on the bag with a Sharpie before you add the broth. Put the date and how many cups chicken broth.
Planting a pot with fresh herbs is a great Mother's Day gift. It's simple, yet useful, and very beautiful.
The local nurseries and home improvement stores are brimming with herbs right now, and they are relatively inexpensive. Choose your favorites. Some of my favorites are Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Chives, and Basil.
Next choose a pot. Terracotta pots are inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes. Or you can choose a more decorative pot or planter. Make sure there is a hole in the bottom of the pot for drainage.
Put some potting mix in the bottom of your pot.
When you dump out one of the herbs from the nursery pot, take a look at the roots. Ideally they are loose and there is a lot of dirt around them. If they are tightly bound, break up the roots to loosen them up before planting.
Pack in several different herbs and fill in the spaces with potting soil. Voila! A beautiful gift for yourself or someone else. Either put in the tags from the nursery in the pot with the name of the herb, or write the name of the herb on a plant label stick.