40 Mother’s Day Activities That Are Better Than Giving Her Another Candle
40 Mother’s Day Activities That Are Better Than Giving Her Another Candle
Mothers are the ultimate givers: of love, life, lessons, and more. And on their dedicated day, there is no better way to show your appreciation than with something truly meaningful. But what do you give a person who gives endlessly? (Hint: She doesn’t need another candle.) So this year, rather than opt for another candle or a terry cloth robe, instead go with heartfelt experiences and thoughtful expressions. Something that she is sure to remember long after the day ends. This year, pull out the Mother’s Day decorations and get creative with at-home activities and adventures fit for a queen.
1) Check Something Off Her To-Do List
If your mom’s love language is an act of service, there’s nothing she will appreciate more than you doing that one pesky task she can’t seem to get to. Whether it’s finally hanging that family photo, or taking that pile of clothes to Goodwill, be proactive this Mother’s Day.
2) Watch Her Favorite Movie
Quality time is an age-old way to express your appreciation and love. Even if you and your mom have differing tastes in humor or Oscar winners, she’ll no doubt love the fact that you’re taking time out of your day to watch with her.
3) Go for a Hike
Is your mom an outdoors lover? Take her out of her comfort zone this Mother’s Day with a new hiking trail, perhaps in beautiful nearby national park. Not only do you get to experience some new scenery together, you can also relish in all of the endorphins that exercise releases.
4) Learn a New Skill Together
Whether it’s knitting, making bread, or painting, spend time with your mom and find your new favorite hobby together. A fun activity is a great way to connect and grow closer.
5) Take a Yoga Class
Having a stressful week (or month) and in need of a rest? Get out of the house, and practice mindfulness and presence with your mom this Mother’s Day by taking a restful yoga class.
6) Complete a Home-Decor Project
If mom hasn’t had the time to hang that wallpaper, paint the powder room, or mount a gallery wall, volunteer yourself or make it a joint effort. The quality time spent and stunning results will be like two gifts in one.
7) Spend Sunday Morning at the Farmers’ Market
Gather up your tote bags and head to your local farmer’s market this Mother’s Day. Load up on fresh veggies, eggs, and herbs and head home to whip yourself up a glorious Sunday brunch.
8) Visit Your Local Botanical Garden
Sure you can give flowers, but why not surround yourself with them? Take Mom to your local landscape arboretum or botanical garden to celebrate the spring season.
9) Top a Cake With Fresh Flowers
Mom’s favorite flowers turn a cake into a delightful and delicious treat. No matter if you bake it from scratch or buy it from the store, it will be a stunning sight to be seen and eaten.
10) Plan a Wellness Retreat
Whether you’re traveling to a secluded location or just to the backyard, a DIY yoga retreat will make your mom’s day. Pick a practice, pack your mats and healthy snacks, and enjoy a full day of scrubs, soaks, and masks.
11) Sip and Paint by Numbers
Re-create those oh-so-popular art classes that are made better by delicious wine. Get a few of mom’s favorite bottles, order paint-by-number kits, and make a Mother’s Day masterpiece to remember.
12) Host a Spring Dinner Party
Now that staying in is the new going out, make it even more exclusive with spring flowers, light wine, and tasty bites. Mom will love it.
13) Wrap a Bouquet
Of course a bunch of flowers are beautiful on their own. Adding a graphic wrapping paper and handwritten note make them heartfelt and extra special.
14) Create a Floral Tablescape
Give your mom her flowers in a floral-adorned tablescape filled with artfully composed arrangements. Host your whole family for a gorgeous meal in her honor.
15) Host a Wine Tasting
If a vineyard trip is not possible, hosting a wine tasting at a local shop or even at home can be just as memorable. Invite your deserving mother’s closest companions and enjoy. Cheers!
16) Take On a Jigsaw Puzzle
Make new memories while piecing together old ones. Choose a puzzle of mom’s favorite landmark or have one custom made with an image that’s dear to her heart.
17) Serve Up a Glam Mother’s Day Breakfast
Mother’s Day is best celebrated with a pretty-in-pink breakfast. Roses at each seat, pink table linens, and even pink bows make a tablesetting extra special.
18) Get Outside and Garden
If you’ve got a green-thumbed mom, this Mother’s Day enjoy the warm May weather with a peaceful day of gardening. Head over to the nursery and stock up on her favorite florals—you can even spoil her with some new garden tools. And if all that planting works up an appetite, it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy lunch in the great outdoors.
19) Throw a Mother’s Day Crafts Party
If you’re feeling extra crafty, channel your creative side with a fun activity that brings together all of your favorite mothers. A crafts party—complete with delicious drinks and tasty treats—is sure to make mom melt with love while honoring all the great women in your life.
20) Host a High Tea
There’s nothing more relaxing than a charming high-tea moment, and celebrating mom with this sweet event is a fail-safe way to make mom slow down and enjoy some well-earned pampering. Opt for a cheerful palette of green and purple, like this setup by Art de Fete, and serve up some classic tea treats.
21) Create Your Own Gift Basket
Sure, you can buy a premade gift basket, but you know your mom far better than a company does—so consider making one instead! This darling gift basket includes everything to help a mom relax: wine, flowers, a lilac bath milk, and a sugar scrub.
22) Arrange Creative Place Settings
For Mother’s Day brunch, a mud-cloth placemat can make a playful, happy anchor for place settings. Pair it with gold flatware, colorful cups, and a DIY bow folded napkin.
23) Color-Theme Breakfast in Bed
To elevate this classic Mother’s Day indulgence, create a color story with your mom’s favorite hue. If she loves blue, for instance, make sure the serving pieces, teapot, and card follow a blue theme—you could even buy an elegant set for her to keep after her breakfast in bed.
24) Bake Heart-Shaped Cookies
What could be sweeter than a batch of pretty iced cookies? Better still, make them together.
25) Set Up a Bubbly Bar
Toast to just how spectacular your mom is by treating her with her very own at-home mimosa bar. Simply set out the bubbly, juices, fruit, and floral pieces for an extra touch of elegance. This is also a great party idea for celebrating motherhood with your mom friends.
26) Combine Dessert with Breakfast
If you’re debating whether to serve your mom dessert or breakfast for her special day, why choose? Set out pies paired with waffles (topped with edible flowers and Froot Loops), and ta-da! You have the sweetest food spread and Mother’s Day gift.
27) List All the Reasons You Love Her
Sure, this Mother’s Day idea may be a throwback to elementary school, but trust us—your mom will appreciate it just as much now that you’re an adult. Pick a colorful paper that evokes the hues of spring and pair with her favorite blooms.
28) Dress Up the Dining Table
If your mom prefers to stay in on Mother’s Day, make her home Instagram-worthy. A giant pink balloon, window hangings, and a floral tablecloth can work wonders on an everyday table—and make your mom feel extra special.
29) Treat Her to Donuts
Let’s be honest: As fancy as eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce sounds, a beautiful spread of donuts is bound to please your mom just as much. It’s a treat she likely doesn’t indulge in herself that often.
30) Add Photos to Small Bouquets
If you’re throwing a brunch for your mom friends, arrange a photo of each attendee with their little ones into a small bouquet for a touch of personalization.
31) Arrange a Row of Exuberant Vases
Your mom deserves something more special than a plan ol’ glass vase for her Mother’s Day bouquet. Line up these colorful vases with blooms in her bedroom or use them as a luncheon centerpiece.
32) Host a Garden Lunch
Whether you’re throwing an outdoor garden party for your mom or for your mom friends, this lavender-tinged setup is bound to charm every attendee.
33) Personalize a Bar Cart
Fill a bar cart with Champagne, flowers, and take-home goodies for your guests: sleeping masks! It’s exactly the R and R every mom deserves on her special day.
34) Mix Her a Drink
...or toast your mom friends with one! This juicy spring cocktail takes just five minutes to make and tantalizes with flavors of cranberry juice, pear nectar, pear slices, and Prosecco. Get the recipe in the link below.
35) Design Your Own Stunning Centerpiece
A centerpiece with a bounty of your mom’s favorite blooms and plenty of vines will have your brunch table—and your mom— blushing rosy pink.
36) Make Heart-Shaped Raspberry Shortcakes
Shortcakes are designed to delight! Following a classic shortcake recipe but shaping the cakes into hearts will let your mom know just how special she is to you. This is also a good option for any mom who wants to indulge in a sweet treat that’s still light and fresh.
37) Arrange a Garden Table Centerpiece
Bring a breath of fresh spring air to your Mother’s Day celebrations by using a planter as your table’s centerpiece. If your mom loves it, she can keep it to grow her favorite blooms!
38) Host an Ice Cream Social
For the mom who can’t get enough of her favorite ice cream (and really, can you blame her?), let her know she’s just as cool as her favorite sweet treat. Serve her a tray of these goodies tied with ribbon and accompanied by sprinkles—and don’t forget to top it with a colorful spoon.
39) Fruit-Topped Naked Cake
It may be a trend, but it’s a trend we (and surely your mom) love! Naked cakes topped with the bounties of spring are the perfect way to treat the moms in your life who have a sweet tooth.
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Celebrate mom with these creative mother's day ideas that nod to everything the amazing women in your life do every day.