Mother’s Day is May 11, 2025. To celebrate the important woman (or women) in your life, we share 10 unique activity ideas. These suggestions help you spend quality time together whether you’re already living in the same household or at a distance. We also share 5 thoughtful Mother’s Day gift ideas that will let them know how much you care about and appreciate them.
Fun Mother’s Day activities
- Share a favorite meal
Make plans to share a special meal with the special woman in your life. Pick a restaurant you both love and a date and time to go. If going out is not feasible, you could order their favorite meal via takeout meal delivery service or cook their favorite homemade dish and maybe some table decor as well. - Decorate her yard
If you live in the same area, a fun thing to do is to make some big Mother’s Day signs or giant cards and put them in her front yard. - Enjoy nature together
Getting some fresh air feels especially good after a long winter. Go for a walk if possible or sit together on the porch or in front of an open window and enjoy nature together. If you’re not in the same household, do this virtually via video call or telephone. - Celebrate with music
Another experience you could enjoy together is to listen to music or watch a concert on YouTube. - Reminisce with Photos and Stories
Gather old photo albums or home movies and spend time looking through them together. Encourage her to share stories and memories associated with the pictures. If you’re far apart, scan some photos and create a digital slideshow to watch together over a video call. - Create a Craft Together
Engage in a simple and enjoyable craft activity. This could be anything from decorating a flower pot to working on a scrapbook page or even just coloring. The focus is on the shared experience and creating something together. - Have a Relaxing Spa Day at Home
Pamper her with a gentle hand massage, a soothing foot soak, or a refreshing facial. You can create a calming atmosphere with soft music and aromatherapy if she enjoys it. If you’re not nearby, send her a curated spa gift basket and schedule a time to chat while she enjoys it. - Play a Gentle Game
Choose a low-key game that you can both enjoy, such as a simple card game, a board game she likes, or even a gentle word puzzle. The goal is to have fun and engage in lighthearted interaction. - Tend to the Garden (or Indoor Plants)
If she enjoys gardening, spend some time together tending to her plants, whether outdoors or indoors. Even just watering and chatting amongst the greenery can be therapeutic. If distance is a factor, send her a new plant or gardening tool and have a virtual “gardening session” where you both care for your plants. - Read Aloud Together
Offer to read her favorite book, poems, or even just articles from the newspaper or magazines. This can be a comforting and intimate way to spend time together, especially if her eyesight isn’t what it used to be. You can even do this over the phone.
Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
- A Cozy Comfort Basket
Create a basket filled with items that promote comfort and relaxation, such as a soft blanket, warm socks, soothing tea, and perhaps a lavender-scented eye mask. - Personalized Photo Gifts
Consider creating a photo album, a framed photo collage, or a custom-made calendar featuring cherished family pictures. These tangible memories can bring joy and comfort. - Subscription for Enjoyment
Think about a subscription service tailored to her interests, whether it’s for flowers, magazines, audiobooks, or even a meal delivery service that caters to her dietary needs. - Helpful Household Services
If she needs assistance with tasks around the house, consider gifting her a few hours of help from a cleaning service, a handyman, or even a grocery delivery service. This can alleviate stress and make her daily life easier. - The Gift of Your Time
Sometimes, the most valuable gift is simply your presence and undivided attention. Plan a visit (if possible), schedule regular phone calls or video chats, and let her know how much you cherish your relationship.
Remember to tailor your activities and gifts to your mother’s individual preferences and abilities. The most important thing is to show your love and appreciation on Mother’s Day and every day.
Source: By Paula Hill, Family Caregiver & Staff Writer for Family Caregivers Online
We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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