In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. It was first observed nationally in 1914 and became an official holiday in 1972. The day celebrates motherhood and all that mothers do for their children.
Mothers are often thought of as a source of unconditional love, support, and comfort to their children. Mothers make sacrifices every day for their kids and families, which can often go unnoticed. There has been a lot of focus on the role of motherhood the past few years due to the pandemic showing the lack of support and care systems in place to help mothers. From paid parental leave, to affordable childcare, the wage gap, and even mental health issues, it’s clear we can do more to support mothers other than simply giving gifts on one designated annual day. While we continue to raise awareness about these issues, there are many thoughtful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day, and we compiled a list of ideas you might want to take into consideration.
Share a passion for food
If you’re looking for a way to show your mother some extra love this Mother’s Day, consider baking her a cake. For those who decide to celebrate the occasion with a Mother’s Day cake, there are many options for how you can plan this surprise. Choose a simple cake, you can order it for the occasion, or you can incorporate the process of cake making into the celebratory experience. Baking a cake is a fun and easy activity to do with your mom. In addition, attending a cake decorating class together can be a fun bonding experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, choose an exotic recipe and prepare it together. No matter what you do, baking a cake or cooking a special meal is sure to make your mother feel special on her day.
Take her on a shopping spree
Another way to show your mom how much you care is to take her on a shopping spree. If you’re not sure where to start, try asking her friends or family members for recommendations. There are a number of online retailers that offer free shipping, and will also ship multiple sizes so you can get the right fit. Perhaps this could be a good option for the mom who has a busy schedule. Giving your mom a wardrobe makeover is sure to brighten her day.
Give her a day of pampering
Moms get so occupied by taking care of others that they often forget to take care of themselves as well. This can be challenging to change, but it’s important to make an effort to do so. One way to pamper your mom this Mother’s Day is by giving her a day at the spa. This will allow her to relax and rejuvenate, and it will be a much-needed break from her everyday routine. If you’re on a budget, consider giving her a homemade spa day instead. You can prepare some simple treatments for her to enjoy, such as a facial or manicure. Whatever you do, make sure your mom knows that she deserves some time to relax and feel spoiled on her special day. It’s important to show moms that they deserve some time for self-care not just on Mother’s Day, but throughout the year.
Do something memorable together
Another great way to show your mom how much you care is by doing something together that she’ll never forget. This can be anything from going on a hike to visiting a new city. Think about your mom’s interests and passions. This should give you some ideas of activities that she would enjoy. Enjoying an experience together can often be more memorable and last longer than any gift. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it’s something that you’ll both be able to look back on and cherish for years to come.
Learn your mom’s life story
It’s easy to forget that our moms had a life before us, and that there may be so much about them we don’t even know! Mother’s Day could be a great opportunity to spend quality time with her and learn more about her life journey. Go through some old photos, talk about journals from years past, and ask your mom what her ambitions and passions are in life. There might be some things about her that will surprise you. It’s a great exercise for us all to remember that mother’s don’t just occupy the “mom” role, but that they are full human beings with desires, needs, interests and passions that often get hidden away to prioritize their families. Give your mom permission to be her full self today and every day.
Plan a picnic
Planning a picnic can be fun, enjoyable and relaxing. This can be done in your backyard or at a local park. Maybe even find a new location to explore for the first time. Pack your mom’s favorite food and beverages, and lay it out. In addition, don’t forget to include some of her favorite activities, such as reading or playing games. Make it a day of fun outdoors that the whole family can enjoy while celebrating Mother’s Day.
Get her something she wants
We’ve all seen the same tired commercials and promotions for Mother’s Day – chocolates, flowers, beauty products etc. But is that what your mom really wants? Why not get her something that she is actually interested in. If gift-giving is the option you go for this Mother’s Day, put some thought into it and go above and beyond the empty trends and social media algorithms. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to be thoughtful.
Don’t forget to tell her how much she means to you
One of the best ways to show your mom how much you care is by telling her how much she means to you. This can be done in person, over the phone, or in a letter. Whichever way you choose, make sure you’re expressing your feelings from the heart. Communication is one of the most important things all family members should keep in mind, and by voicing your emotions toward your parent, you are letting them know that they are appreciated.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity, you can come up with something sure to make your mom feel loved and appreciated.
