Generation after generation, mothers around the world reliably demonstrate the countless reasons they deserve a holiday of their own. Anna Jarvis campaigned successfully to make Mother’s Day an official holiday after the death in 1905 of her mother, known as Mother Jarvis, who organized to aid mothers in Appalachia. Anna later expressed regrets that Mother’s Day had become commercialized, and her wish that the day would prioritize more personal celebrations amongst families.
Most people do indeed celebrate Mother’s Day in the spirit intended by Anne Jarvis, while wisely choosing gifts and Mother’s Day activities that are centered on Mom’s favorite things. Sometimes though, we come up empty for ideas, and a few suggestions make a big difference. Flowers and candy are traditional gifts that a lot of moms look forward to, and they’re a great way to mark the day, since they’ll be enjoyed for days or weeks after you celebrate. We’ve compiled a list of Mother’s Day ideas to make the day memorable for the quality time with Mom, because we agree with Anne Jarvis, this day should be all about Mom.
Fan-Favorite Mother’s Day Activities
Game Night
A lot of busy moms wish they had more time with family, and if that’s the case, a game night is a great Mother’s Day activity to reconnect by doing something purely fun. Lean on your mom’s need for quality time with the whole family and host a (mandatory) game night! Either crack into your collection of board games, or explore the plethora of online games you can play as a group. Check out a classic twist on charades and play Fishbowl.
Learn a Skill Together
Is there something Mom has mentioned wanting to try? Try it with them! The great thing about this Mother’s Day idea is you can choose to sign up for a live class or workshop, or you can find one online that you and Mom can do at your own pace without worrying about the outcome. Either way, learning something together will last a lifetime, and what better kind of gift is there?
Make a Meal using a Family Recipe
There are a couple of ways to approach this one. If your mom lives in the kitchen, making most of the meals, ask them what family recipe they would love to resurrect, and make it for them. Pour them a glass of wine and ask them to keep you company. You might learn why that recipe is special to them. Or if Mom loves to spend the day cooking, do it together and ask for the duties they prefer not to do. And of course, when it comes time to clean up, take charge. Don’t let Mom lift a finger!
Have a Karaoke Party
If your mom loves music, this is a winner. She’ll love to see everyone expressing themselves and you could even sing her old favorite songs. You can either pick up a karaoke mic from most party stores, and put the lyrics up on the TV, or rent a decked-out room at a karaoke bar. For at-home karaoke, put up decorations, make plenty of snacks, and sing your hearts out!
Throw a Big Cookout
Did you grow up in a party house? Was your front door a revolving door of friends and family? Invite all your mom’s favorite people over for a backyard cookout, but don’t make her cook or clean a thing. Local parks often have grills and pavilions to rent if you don’t have the space at home. This could be a blast for a whole neighborhood of moms!
Host a Mini Book Club
With busy schedules, it’s easy for favorite activities like reading to fall by the wayside. Start a mini book club with Mom this Mother’s Day—let her pick the book, grab copies for both of you, and enjoy a day of bonding over a good read.
Movie Night with Mom
Is there a movie out that your mom keeps saying they want to see? Make it happen, with popcorn, candy, and a few gourmet treats, since it’s a special occasion. There are plenty of great options in theaters and at home that you can choose from!
Volunteer Together
In the true spirit of Mother Jarvis, celebrate your mom’s passion for community and giving. Most cities have festivals and other public celebrations on Mother’s Day. Schedule a volunteering shift for both of you to work together, and enjoy the event the rest of the time.
Plan a Gallery Hop
Make a list of galleries open on Mother’s Day, or plan it on the Saturday before, if more are open then. After you’re done enjoying local art, make a reservation nearby to round out the day.
Take a Boat or a Train Ride
Many cities offer scenic boat rides or historic train tours that showcase the area’s natural beauty, landmarks, and hidden gems. Look for special Mother’s Day tours that include brunch or dinner, and treat Mom to a fun, educational, and relaxing day trip.
Visit a Local Museum
Local museums are full of fascinating exhibits, and we often overlook the ones where we live. Spend a day at the museum of your mom’s choosing, or visit a few, and make sure to hit one that has a nice bistro for lunch!
Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane
Dive into the family videos and crack open the scrapbooks. This is such a fun activity with close family members and truly lights up everyone involved. You could even digitize and back up all your important photos and videos as a gift for your mom, ensuring your keepsakes stay extra safe.
DIY Spa Day
Transform your living room or bathroom into a spa! Create a calming atmosphere with essential oils, light some candles, and give Mom a manicure or pedicure. You can also indulge in DIY face masks and scrub treatments.
Create a Memory Jar
Gather a few family members and have everyone write down their favorite memories with Mom. Put them in a jar and let her pull one out each day after Mother’s Day for a year of lovely surprises.
Design a Themed Tea Party
Set up a delightful tea party with finger sandwiches, scones, and of course, tea. You can go for a classic British style or make it unique by choosing a theme (like a flower garden tea party).
Create a Home Movie
Record messages from all family members about what they love most about Mom, then edit them together into a heartfelt video she can watch anytime.
Visit a Nearby Historical Site
Whether it’s an old mansion, a historic battlefield, or a charming local town, you can both learn something new while spending quality time together.
Organize a Family Cookbook
Gather your family’s favorite recipes, write them down, and create a custom cookbook. It’s a great way to share family traditions with future generations.
Take a Yoga Class Together
If Mom enjoys yoga or mindfulness, attend a class together. Whether it’s in-person or virtual, yoga is a great way to relax and bond. There are other themed classes like goat or puppy yoga!
Write a Letter to Your Future Self
Sit down and write a letter to yourselves to be opened in 5 or 10 years. Include hopes, dreams, and memories from this year’s Mother’s Day celebration.
Master an Escape Room
For a more adventurous and interactive activity, try an escape room! Solve puzzles and work together as a team to “escape” before time runs out.
Take a Dance Class
Whether it’s salsa, ballroom, or even swing dancing, sign up for a dance class and enjoy some laughs and lighthearted fun.
Go to a Local Festival
Check out any festivals, fairs, or parades happening in your area. Enjoy the live music, food trucks, and all the activities with Mom by your side.
Attend a Play
Support local talent by attending a play or musical together. Many theaters offer family-friendly performances that can make for a great afternoon or evening out.
Help Redecorate Mom’s Home
Find a small home renovation or decorating activity your mom has been putting off, and knock out the project together.
Mother’s Day Activities for Foodie Moms
Cook a Family Recipe
Ask your mom what nostalgic family meals she misses from growing up, and you can approach this gift from two angles. First, you could surprise her with the meal or second, you could ask to make it together. And of course, when it comes time to clean up, take charge. Don’t let Mom lift a finger!
Organize a Chocolate Tasting
This is the perfect Mother’s Day activity for a chocoholic mom. Curate different chocolates yourself, or order a chocolate tasting box from a chocolatier like Godiva. Check your local area for small batch chocolatiers nearby.
Take a Cooking Class
If you both enjoy cooking, sign up for a class together, whether it’s making pasta from scratch, mastering sushi, or baking something new. It’s a hands-on way to spend time together and learn something new.
Make a Brunch Waffle Bar
This is a perfect activity when young children want to express their love on Mother’s Day. Their little hands can be kept busy mixing batter, arranging fruit toppings, and setting the table. Don’t forget to arrange the best Mother’s Day flowers in the middle of the table.
Head To the Farmers’ Market
Start the day with a trip to the farmers’ market, picking out fresh ingredients and treating Mom to her favorite goodies. Head home to cook a delicious meal together, making sure to whip up some refreshing drinks, and enjoy the feast without letting Mom do the dishes!
Visit a Winery
Many states you wouldn’t naturally think of as wine country have well established vineyards and wineries with local color and history. Make a day or a weekend of it, and enjoy local wines with regional cheeses, meats, fruits, and vegetables while soaking in the bucolic scenery.
Mother’s Day Activities for Outdoorsy Moms
Go on a Hike
If your mom enjoys the outdoors, plan a beautiful hike or nature walk. Secure the necessary permits, and bring enough snacks to fuel your adventure.
Stroll Through a Botanical Garden
Botanical gardens are in full bloom during the spring, and many feature stunning indoor gardens that are just as captivating year-round. Spend the day exploring the gardens at your own pace, stopping to admire whatever catches Mom’s eye, and enjoy a relaxing lunch along the way.
Route a Scenic Drive
Take a leisurely drive through the countryside, along the coast, or anywhere beautiful. Pack some snacks, play some tunes, and enjoy the view.
Stargazing
Find a quiet spot away from city lights, bring some cozy blankets, and enjoy the night sky. You could even bring a telescope to explore the stars and planets together.
Plant a Tree Together
Commemorate the day by planting a tree in your mom’s honor. Choose a tree that will thrive in your area and watch it grow over the years, just like your relationship.
Spend Time in the Garden
If your mom loves spring, spend the day helping her in the garden by visiting a local nursery to pick out new plants. Head home to design the garden layout and plant colorful flowers, whether in the ground or containers. After all the hard work, enjoy some lavender lemonade and shortbread cookies with edible flowers as a refreshing treat.
Go on a Mystery Picnic
Some companies offer mystery picnic experiences, where you follow clues to different local spots to pick up food for your picnic. It’s an exciting and unique way to explore your area!
Mother’s Day Activities for Crafty Moms
Craft Personalized Stationery
Make personalized stationery or greeting cards together using stamps, watercolors, and calligraphy. You can then use these cards to write heartfelt notes to friends and family.
Learn How to Knit or Crochet
Spend time learning how to knit or crochet with your favorite color of yarn. This is a vessel to spend time together and keep your hands busy. You’ll always have the scarf or beanie you made together to keep you warm!
Take a Flower Arranging Class
With both in-person and virtual options, this is an activity you and your mom can enjoy, no matter where you live. If you opt for a virtual class, make sure to order flowers ahead of time. The Bouqs has a wide variety of blooms available, so plan ahead to find the perfect Mother’s Day flowers.
Make a DIY Craft Kit
If Mom is crafty, gather supplies for a fun DIY project you can complete together, whether it’s knitting, pottery, or creating custom home décor.
Assemble Handmade Jewelry
Gather some beads, charms, and wires, and make a piece of jewelry together. Mom could wear it as a keepsake of your special day.
Take a Taxidermy Class
This is definitely out-there, but if your mom is a little quirky, this could be a very interesting skill to learn! It will definitely be a memorable experience.
Collage a Vision Board
Help Mom set intentions for the upcoming year by creating a vision board together. Gather magazines, scissors, and glue, and let your creativity flow as you both envision your hopes for the future.
Craft a Scrapbook
If Mom loves photography, spend the day making a scrapbook together. Gather photos from past trips, events, or family celebrations, and spend the day reminiscing.
DIY a Terrarium
Create a miniature ecosystem together by building a DIY terrarium. Fill it with succulents, moss, or air plants to bring a little greenery into the home.
Make a Family Tree
Research your family history and create a family tree together. It’s a wonderful way to learn about your ancestors and create something meaningful.
Go Thrifting
Find a memorable one-of-a-kind treasure at local vintage shops. It’s always a unique experience, and will make the day unpredictable and interesting.
Personalized Puzzle
Take a family photo and have it made into a puzzle. Spend the afternoon piecing it together while reminiscing about the moment the photo was taken.
DIY Candle-Making
Set up a candle-making station and let Mom create her own personalized candles with different scents and colors. It’s a fun and relaxing craft you can do together.
Plan a Photo Shoot
Pick out some matching outfits, go to a beautiful location, and take a series of fun photos. It’s a great way to make memories and create keepsakes.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a Bouquet from The Bouqs
Mother’s Day and flowers just go together, since the first official Mothers’ Day celebration in 1908. In fact, Mother’s Day traditions around the world include flowers in addition to their unique local celebrations. If you need some help choosing the best flowers for Mom, you’re sure to find them in our selection of sustainably sourced bouquets. If you can’t be with your mom this May, you can always send your love with a Mother’s Day bouquet with Bouqs’ help. Our floral experts have curated the brightest, happiest flowers to express your gratitude and care through a fresh arrangement.
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