animoto online video editing service Not to brag, but for a non-geeky girl I know my way around a computer.  I’m not even afraid to dive into code. But where it comes to video editing, I’m a complete dolt.

So when I created my very own free (free!) 30-second video at animoto, I was astonished at the results. Just upload photos, add a few text slides, choose music (or upload your own, but be mindful of copyright laws), and let animoto take care of the rest. And by rest, I mean wow, this is some professional looking video in just seconds. Then  email it to your mom, embed it, burn it to DVD — you name it, it’s all yours.

Full-length videos are a whole $3, which is about the price of a Hallmark card these days, or if you plan on making tons of them you can get an unlimited annual membership for $30.

There’s also an animoto iPhone app, so you can actually create an animoto video on your iPhone while you’re waiting for soccer practice to end. Take all those kid photos your mother’s been pestering you to send her and make a video, just in time for Mother’s Day. She’ll appreciate it way more bunch of overpriced mums. Although you might want to get those too. -Julie

Need a great last minute Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or birthday gift? Find free animoto video editing at animoto.com or download the animoto iPhone app