All she really wants is to spend time with you!
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Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the wonderful woman who raised you and show her how much she’s loved. This year, it falls on Sunday, May 11—and this time, we're determined not to let it sneak up on us. While a thoughtful bouquet or card is always appreciated, why not go the extra mile and plan a special Mother’s Day activity? Whether it’s an at-home spa day or a peaceful walk in the park, spending quality time together is a meaningful way to honor her and show how much you care.
You can never go wrong with classic ideas like a manicure, brunch, or a spa day. These timeless options are sure to make her feel loved and appreciated. But if you want to mix things up, try a unique experience, like a beach picnic or a personalized photo shoot just for Mom. And if what she truly needs is some quiet time to herself, embrace that by giving her the gift of alone time—whether it’s an empty house or a relaxing hotel stay to enjoy the peace and quiet. With May 11 just around the corner, start planning now to make this Mother's Day an unforgettable one!
Additional copy by Kate McGregor.
If your mom is a Turkey Trot fanatic, indulge in her beloved pastime and offer to join her on a run this Mother’s Day. The temporary exertion will be well worth her joy. Just be sure to follow up the run with a delicious brunch that'll give you time to catch up.
If the weather allows, spend some time outdoors and opt for a walk around a local park. This is a great way to spend quality time with the whole family that doesn't require planning a secondary activity. Also, you'll get to see a bunch of spring flowers at peak bloom.
Is your mom secretly (or not so secretly) an adrenaline junkie? If so, why not spend Mother’s Day as a family at a regional theme park. Or, if there’s one in particular that she’s been dying to visit, make a vacation out of the holiday.
Share in one of your mom’s favorite reads this Mother’s Day. A little family book club is a great way to spend the day, and your mom will feel loved knowing everyone is invested in her hobby.
While typically for little ones, a fort is a cozy place to spend a rainy Mother’s Day. Set up her favorite movie, read a book, or do a puzzle—once you’re inside, the possibilities are endless!
Whether your mom loves classic rock, classical music, or pop hits, take some time this Mother’s Day and learn to play her favorite song. Then, during brunch, you can serenade her with the tune. Bonus points if she’s musical and you can spend some quality time learning it together.
Let mom's competitive nature shine through, and give her the quality time she really wants, with a family game night complete with score boards. Mom is sure to be the MVP.
Take a step into the unknown and bond with Mom by learning a new skill together. Maybe it's woodworking, a new workout class, or a mindfulness activity. Take time out of the special day to do something unfamiliar.
An activity perfect for all ages, painting pottery is a great way to unleash your creativity and spend time together. Use your artistic ability to paint her a mug or a keepsake vase for her Mother's Day flowers.
Everyone has a favorite food—your mom included. Learn to cook her favorite meal or family recipe and present it to her as a Mother's Day gift.
Whether Mom is a horror fanatic or a rom-com buff, sit down after dinner and let her pick the movie this time. Then surprise her with her favorite movie candy as a late-night snack.
Set up a picnic on the beach with her favorite foods and family members. Then let her spend the day jumping in the waves, building sandcastles, or lounging on the beach with a book.
Surprise mom with an impromptu photo shoot set-up with a make-up artist and new clothes to make her feel like she's a star on Mother's Day.
If mom is a theater fanatic and still talking about when you saw Hamilton together treat her to a night on the town with tickets for an upcoming play or musical in your area. You can even take it up a notch by booking tickets now for a Broadway play in New York City in the future.
Growing up, your mother has always taught you the importance of sending a thank you card after you receive a present. This year, why not sit down and write mom a thank you card for all the wonderful gifts of wisdom she has given you over the years? You will both probably end up in tears.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Bring the karaoke session home and perform one of Mom's favorite tunes. And show her the latest TikTok dances to accompany her vocal skills. We promise Mom will enjoy a spirited performance from the whole family.
Create a basket full of mom's favorite things so she can enjoy a day of rest and relaxation just the way she likes it.
Get the tutorial at Room for Tuesday
One of the best ways to stay connected with your mom is by having a common interest, and you're guaranteed to stay in touch with a book club just for the two of you. Each month one of you can be responsible for choosing a new book, and you can discuss it over a cup of tea and dessert.
Grill mom's favorite kebabs and let her rest in the hammock all afternoon. Make it feel extra special by decorating the outdoors in her favorite colors and giving her a flower crown to wear all day.
It's no secret that most moms like to dance. In fact, she was probably your first dance partner. So sign her up for the grown-up version of a mommy and me dance class so you two can groove to her favorite tunes.
Angela Belt is the contributing Assistant Shopping Editor at House Beautiful. She's also an interior designer and is the host of her own podcast, The Mood Board. When it comes to design, she's an esteemed expert with some of her work also appearing in HGTV, Better Homes & Gardens, The Washington Post, and more.
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