Things to Do On Mother’s Day (To Make Mom Feel Special)

May 8, 2023

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Mothers make the world go round. None of us would be here without our moms, and most of us would be a lot worse for wear without her love and support. Mother’s Day is one day set aside in a year when we focus on our mothers and the love and support they give to us.

While we must honor, cherish, and respect our Moms every day of the year, Mother’s Day is the opportunity to do something a little more. It is important to spend quality time together with Mom. But it can be a challenge at times.

Every family is different, and every Mom is unique. Some people have a mother-like figure they look up to. Some have multiple Moms in their lives. So finding the perfect gift can be challenging.

That is where this deep dive into Mother’s Day gift ideas can help make it easier to find the perfect gift for the Mom in your life! Let's look at some fun ideas for how to have a fun Mother's Day this year with that special lady in your life. Here are some ideas for a Mother's Day activity everyone will love as you spend quality time with Mom.

Brief Look at Mother’s Day in History

As highlighted by The History Channel, “The official Mother's Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Following her mother's 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother's Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children.”

Being grateful for your Mother and her sacrifices can be something celebrated daily. But when Mother’s Day rolls around, it is time to kick it up a notch and go all out for Mom. Here are some ideas to consider to make this day extra special!

Things to Do on Mother's Day

Most Moms will tell you that the thing they love and cherish the most is spending time with their family. The hustle and bustle of life today gets in the way. It can be hard to find time to be together as a family. Dinner times, family games, and even just time to sit and talk are all harder.

Slowing down and keeping the focus on Mom and the family is a great way to ensure this Mother’s Day is perfect with a little pampering. Here are some ideas for activities you can do together with Mom and as a family to make her special day even better:

Stay at Home Day Off

Give Mom the break she needs. Let her sleep in, and have a day to do whatever she wants! This is a really low-budget/no-budget way to show Mom you care. She can take care of herself or anything else she's been putting off around the house. If Mom doesn't know how to rest, you can offer to pick up books from the library, bring over board games, or suggest some time outside.

Shopping Spree

If Mom likes to shop, you can treat her right with a shopping spree to the store of her choice. Bonus points if you make an event of it! You can encourage Mom to try on outfits, walk the (dressing room) cat walk, and meet her sartorial choices with lots of applause.

Farmer’s Market

Spring has sprung! That means that for many towns, Farmer's Markets are back in full swing. Check out the local market and take Mom to find something unique and special for her day. Don't let the name fool you. Farmer's Markets typically sell everything from fresh produce and spices to artisan treats and homemade home goods.

Camping Trip

Is Mom the outdoorsy type? Find a campground nearby! You can make a night of it or set aside a whole weekend. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the fresh air and great outdoors together as a family.

Go to the Movies

You can let Mom choose the movie she wants to see and make it a fun family night together. Nothing in theaters? You can check different streaming services to see what they offer or visit your local library. Libraries are fun ways to access classic movies that you might not be able to find anywhere else. If you do decide to watch movies at home, pop your own popcorn (bonus points if you melt extra butter to pour on top!) and swing by a convenience store to grab other sweet treats.

Fancy Dinner

Treat Mom like the queen she is and take her out to a nice dinner at a fancy restaurant. Maybe it's a restaurant she loves or maybe you look through reviews for options she hasn't yet tried. Just make sure you check the menu to find something Mom will want to order!

Massage Session

Show Mom what she means and give her special treatment with a back massage. While some people think of massages as out of their budget, many spas actually offer steep discounts online. Sometimes, you can get bonus gift cards by making an online purchase. In the case of other spas, you might find a hefty savings on Groupon or other discount platforms.

Spa Day

Help Mom look and feel her best with the finest spa day! Sometimes a day at the spa comes with a hefty price tag. The good news is that many spas bundle their services to help you save. You might find additional discounts on Groupon or similar sites.

Hair and Nails

If Mom likes looking her best, then a session to get her hair and nails done by professionals is a smart gift. To make it a day to remember, consider going with her! Then, you can catch up together at the same time.

Visit a Park

You can take Mom to the local park to show you love her and have a special day together. As an extra bonus, many area photographers offer mini sessions in the spring. You can get Mom's kids and grandkids together and have someone capture the springtime beauty at the park. This will make a wonderful keepsake for years to come.

Concert or Show

If you know Mom’s favorite musician or artist, then tickets could be a unique gift idea for a special day. Can't find a show she wants to see? Consider doing karaoke or incorporating her favorite music in another way. You can plan an at-home event (DIY manis or a decluttering session) and create the perfect playlist to accompany it.

Virtual Brunch

If your Mom misses her friends from out of town, then a virtual get-together could be what she needs. Set up a Zoom link, share it with her friends, and surprise Mom with a chance to reconnect.

Stay-Cation

Having a good time with Mom at home and enjoying family time is also an option for Mother’s Day fun. Visit your local library for museum passes. Or you could think about all the touristy things that visitors do in your town that you might have previously overlooked.

Family Movie Night

Grab some popcorn and a movie and enjoy a family movie night to make your Mom feel special. Surprise Mom with her favorite treats. And if you really want to up the wow factor, you can make it a Dinner and A Movie Night. Prepare Mom's favorite meal to enjoy before the show starts!

Book Reading Session

Give Mom her space and some time to curl up with her favorite book for some personal reading. To create a cozy reading nook at home, you can also offer to lend some muscle to rearrange some furniture. Or you can take Mom to a coffeeshop or to the library for some reading time too!

Watch Old Home Videos

Bring back memories and share good times together by watching old home recordings. Earn some bonus points by preparing the movies in advance or putting together a photo slide show.

Plant a Garden

If your Mom enjoys plants, then consider gardening together. Maybe you make an entire veggie garden or just set up a windowsill herb garden. Perennial plants also make lovely gifts that keep on giving!

Have a Family Picnic

Whether to the backyard or the park, picnics can make Mom feel extra special. This can easily turn into fun for the whole family, especially if there are grandkids involved. Pick a spot by a playground to see how many memories you can make over the weekend.

Make Dinner Together

Let Mom see what it is like to have someone else cook dinner and let her relax for a change. Want to really treat her? Look for a copycat recipe of a dish from her favorite restaurant. Or dig through old family recipes and bring a fan favorite to life!

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas to Buy From the Whole Family

Gift-giving is a time-honored tradition for moms everywhere. Sometimes Mom can be hard to buy gifts for. Mother’s Day can present a difficult challenge, especially for Moms who seem to have it all already or who answer the question of what they would like with “I don’t know, I don’t really need anything.”

A lot of pressure is put on families, mostly by society and cultural norms, to ‘get it right’ with the gift. So, if you are struggling to find the perfect gift in the store, here are a few ideas that might get the juices flowing for you:

Skin Care Basket

Buying Mom a basket tailored to her beauty and personal care can be a great gift for today. You can also put together new favorites for her to try. Not sure what to choose? Consider taking Mom to the mall for a beauty consult. Oftentimes, companies will do free consults or mini makeovers in the hopes of selling products at the end.

Favorite Perfume

Buying Mom that special perfume she loves and always looks forward to using is an option to consider. Too many choices? Many brands sell samplers. These mini bottles give Mom the chance to try out many different scents. As an added bonus, they make great travel sprays!

Special Day at Home

Make it easy for Mom to relax with no phone calls, alarms, or kids for a relaxing day at home. This might take a little coordinating in advance. But mom is sure to appreciate the peace and quiet!

Favorite Flowers

You can surprise Mom with a beautiful bouquet of her favorite flowers to brighten her day. Worried that flowers fade fast? Consider a beautiful plant or herb that with grow for a whole season. You could also explore Lego options as well!

Favorite Candy

Treat Mom to her sweet tooth cravings with some decadent chocolate or other candy treats she’ll love. Make an adventure of it by visiting an old fashioned candy store. You can find throwback treats from her childhood! Candy wax bottles anyone?

Scented Candles

If Mom has a favorite scent, find it in a candle and let her enjoy it anytime and anywhere she wants. You can also order a candle kit online or visit a local craft store. Then, you can customize the scent!

Personalized Jewelry

Commemorate this special day with personalized jewelry that Mom will love to wear every day. Plan ahead and consider some of the Etsy options. You can turn kids' handwriting or artwork into wearable pieces with some advance notice!

Purse or Wallet

Help your Mom look great with fashionable accessories such as a new purse or wallet. Not sure which to choose? Take her to the mall and let her pick her favorite.

Journal or Diary

If your Mom likes writing and journaling, that can be a unique gift for Mother’s Day celebrations. You might also consider writing your own note to start the journal or ordering a custom-made creation for her.

Clothes or Shoes

Let Mom upgrade her closet with some new clothes or shoes, maybe even ones personalized for her. Is Mom reluctant to shop? Consider a subscription service that will pair her with a stylist!

Bird Feeder

Let your Mom watch nature from the comfort of her home with a new birdfeed setup. Bonus points if you build or paint the bird feeder together!

Fancy Dish Set

You can celebrate Mom with a special dish set that can be used on her special days. Mom isn't big on cooking? Consider a piece that she might use for hosting. You can also buy a vase and fill it with flowers as a surprise.

New Sheets and Bedding

Let Mom feel great even when resting with some luxury sheets or bedding sets. Springtime is a great time to upgrade home linens. Check a few stores to see what's on a sale. And remember to shop with Mom's tastes in mind!

Wall Art or Home Décor

If you know Mom’s favorite art style then get her a nice framed art piece for her room. You can also frame her favorite artwork from your childhood. Stores now also sell shadowboxes that make it easy to change out art. If she has a grandchild who is a prolific artist, this can be a fun way to display their art.

Favorite Coffee or Tea

Help Mom relax and unwind with her favorite flavor of coffee or tea just for her. Give her a fancy set and then make sure to brew her a cup to enjoy.

Scrapbook Supplies

Buy Mom her arts and craft supplies, whether that is scrapbooking or something else. Are you having a hard time picking out supplies? A gift card to her favorite craft shop also making for a thoughtful gift.

Photography Supplies

When Mom is a shutterbug, buying her photography supplies could be a great gift idea this year. You might also consider getting her a gift card to Shutterfly or another company that will allow her to bring her photos to life.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas to Make for Mom

Few things will tug at Mom’s heart like a homemade gift. The best Mother's Day isn’t about the fancy things and a lot of pomp. It is about the simple, beautiful, and personal things. Making something special and unique for Mom is a great way to make her day special and show her how much you love her. She will love the time and thought you put into the gift.

She will treasure, use, and enjoy it for years to come. Here are some ideas for things you can make for Mom this time around to show her what a special lady she is:

Handmade Card

Few things will warm Mom’s heart the way a nice handmade personalized Mother's Day card will. You'll be sure to win extra points if you get all of Mom's kids and grandkids in on the cardmaking.

Nice Letter

Let Mom know just how you feel and how much she means to you by writing a nice letter. You can share your favorite memories and things you admire about Mom. Think about all the things we tend to leave unsend. A real gift is making time to save them.

A Flower Pot

Personalize a flower pot or vase or make one yourself if you know how for a unique gift idea. Looking for a shortcut? Buy a terracotta pot from your local home improvement store or flower shop. Then, use paints, permanent markers, or paint pens to personalize it.

Woodworking

If you are good with wood and working with your hands, make Mom a one-of-a-kind gift. Blanket ladders, raised planters, or even garden beds make really practical and thoughtful gifts. As a bonus, they're great for people who are just getting into woodworking!

Book Binding

Make Mom a book of stories and memories that she can read and enjoy over and over again. Etsy offers beautiful family journals or you can put together your own keepsake.

Picture Collage

Take some of Mom’s favorite family photo album pics and make a collage that she can always enjoy. You can use Shutterfly or even a local drugstore like Walgreens if you're pressed for time.

Video Montage

If you are good with videos and movies, make Mom her own video montage of precious memories. Worried that you're not tech savvy? iMovie and other software will create amazing video montages with just a few clicks of a button.

Mother's Day Activities to Try With the Whole Family

You can definitely get creative when it comes to celebrating Mother’s Day. You can find plenty of places, not even that far away, that could be great for an afternoon or day trip. Spending time out having fun with Mom is a great way to celebrate her and all she does for the family.

You can find local attractions and events that Mom will love. Make arrangements and see what local places you can take Mom to. Here are a few fun and popular ideas to consider to get the creative juices going. From mother-daughter events to outings for the entire family, you have plenty of options. This will help you prepare for a fun day as you spend quality time with the best Mom in the world:

Mini Road Trip

Traveling close to home for a day trip can be a great way to show Mom what she means to you. No need to worry about overnight lodging. Instead, plan a trip that's no more than a few hours, making sure to stop several times along the way.

Local Park

Visit Mom’s favorite park or quiet getaway spot and enjoy some relaxing time together as a family. Remember to consider your crew when making these plans. Do you have a lot of little kids who will be tagging along? Pick a park with a playground. Would your family be game for a game? Choose a park with soccer goals, a baseball diamond, or even just an open field.

Museum or Art Gallery

You can take Mom to the museum or art gallery to see her favorite artists or the latest exhibits. If there are grandkids involved, you could also check out a children's museum. These museums often have art galleries where Mom can roll up her sleeves with the kids–while leaving the set up and mess behind!

Hiking or Camping

If Mom is a fan of the great outdoors, take her camping or on her favorite hiking trail. You could also surprise her with a new-to-her hiking spot. To get started, find your local forest preserve online. Their website should share plenty of hiking trails and other sites to explore.

Local Zoo or Aquarium

A fun day with cute animals is a great way to spend time with your Mom and have fun. Libraries often have day passes that you can reserve in advance. If it's a place Mom loves, you might consider a membership. Many zoos and aquariums allow you to deduct the cost of the visit from the yearly membership cost.

Botanical Garden

For the plant-loving Mom, a trip to the local gardens is a great way to celebrate her special day and plan ahead. With the price of admission, you may come out ahead by purchasing a membership. Memberships often give members discounted access to dozens of other gardens and arboretums. Additionally, the membership is often tax deductible!

Favorite Restaurant

If dinner is on the list for Mom, let her choose her favorite place and enjoy her favorite meal. Is Mom someone who waffles back and forth? Do some research for her ahead of time. Print out a few different Yelp reviews to help make her decision even easier.

Surprise Trip

Whisking Mom away for a surprise visit to her favorite spot or her dream destination is also perfect. You can check out Hopper, Travel Zoo, or other last-minute travel sites for deep discounts.

Concert or Theater

Making the day all about Mom with a theater or concert trip is another way to make her feel loved. You will probably start with top concert halls in the area. But don't discount nearby colleges or community theater options as well. This can be much more affordable and just as much fun.

Mom’s Choice

There’s no better way to let Mom know she is loved than letting her pick the activity for the day. Are you worried that Mom won't know what to pick? You can take a cue from TikTok and do the index card options. Plan out six things that Mom enjoys, writing each on a notecard. Then, have her choose between two options without looking. If you want to continue the Mom's choice theme, you could add a third card that says Mom's choice!

Unique Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day With Quality Time

The wonderful thing about Mother’s Day is it is unique to each Mom and family that celebrates. You can make it as simple or as fancy as you want. You know your mom and what she likes. The day is all about finding the perfect gift and a special way to make Mom feel special. You can make it unique and special, just like your mom. All it takes is a little planning, and you can find many unique ways to celebrate Mom this year. Here are some ideas to help you get started with your planning to make this the best Mother's Day ever with the whole family:

Local Food Tour

Check the local bars and diners and see if there are any food tours and bar hops going on Mom may like. TripAdvisor offers truthful reviews to make sure you're in for a treat. You can also search Groupon or other online sites for ideas and discounts.

Cooking Classes

Consider taking a cooking class with Mom and learn a new recipe you can make together at home. Does this sound good but you don't know where to start? You can check out Sur La Table, Weber Grill Restaurants, or do a Google search for your area.

Art Class

If Mom is the creative type, look at an art or other virtual class to attend together for a fun afternoon. You can also look at different YouTube channels for inspiration.

Dance Lessons

You can make Mother’s Day special for Mom with a fun dance class session for everyone. Browse your park district for offerings. You might also find some fun options online. If you can get YouTube on the big screen in your house, move the furniture out of the way and get to dancing.

Wine Tasting Event

Surprise Mom with the finer things in life with a fun wine-tasting event at a local winery. Is wine not her thing? Check out a brewery or even a tea shop.

Bungee Jumping

If your Mom is a thrill seeker and adrenaline junkie, this could be a unique experience for her. If you're looking for something a little tamer, you can try a reverse bungee jump. With this bungee style, you're catapulted into the air while staying safely harnessed. A cushioned air pillow breaks your fall.

Breakfast in Bed

Treat Mom right and make her breakfast in bed. This is a classic Mother’s Day gift that never gets old. A homemade card and flowers makes this a really sweet throwback.

Online Class

Let Mom focus on her education and bettering herself by getting her an online class she’ll love. You can check out options through local community colleges or even library offerings. Of course, you could also gift Mom access to MasterClass or similar online offerings.

Private Yoga Class

If your Mom enjoys meditation and relaxing, she may find a yoga class very enjoyable. As an added bonus, many yoga studios offer free trials so she doesn't need to make a long-term commitment. Is the weather looking nice? Libraries, park districts, and other neighborhood groups might also host outdoor yoga sessions!

Go Swimming

Whether it is a pool, lake, or ocean, swimming can be a fun and relaxing activity for Mom to enjoy. Worried about the weather? Check out your park district and others nearby. There's a good chance one of them has an indoor people with an open swim on the weekend. Bonus points for finding one with a hot tub!

Volunteer Together

Find a cause Mom cares about and find a way to give back by volunteering your time together. Reach out to your community center, church, library, or local schools for ideas and ways to help.

Make A Personal Memory Book

Work as a family and make Mom a unique memory book she can treasure for years. Check out Shutterfly or similar companies. Many of them do the heavy design lifting for you.

Professional Photoshoot

Treat Mom like the queen she is and buy her a session with a professional photographer. This gets extra special when you can get other family members in on it!

Puzzle or Game Night

Keep it simple and all about the family with a family game night focused on your Mom. Do you want to do something really unique? You can have a puzzle created out of one of her favorite photos.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do on Mother's Day

Every Mom is special, and every family is unique. Finding your own special way to make Mom feel loved is what the day is all about. Whether it is a one-on-one special day with Mom or a celebration for the entire family, you can find plenty of ways to make her feel loved.

From places to go, things to see, gifts to make, and experiences to share, you and Mom can make this Mother’s Day one to remember! Try a few of these Mother's Day activity ideas for yourself.

Come up with something fun and unique of your own. Just remember to keep the focus on Mom and what Mom loves. Let her shine on her special day this year!


What do you think of these things to do on Mother's Day? What would you add to the list?

Please let us know in the comments below.


Andy Hill

Andy Hill, AFC® is the award-winning family finance coach behind Marriage Kids and Money - a platform dedicated to helping families build wealth and happiness. With millions of podcast downloads and video views, Andy’s message of family financial empowerment has resonated with listeners, readers and viewers across the world. When he's not "talking money", Andy enjoys being a Soccer Dad, singing karaoke with his wife and relaxing on his hammock.
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