It’s about this time every year that I text my siblings to ask, “What are we doing for Mother’s Day this year?” I always like to coordinate on gifts ahead of time, but for me, planning how we’re going to spend the day is even more important. Mother’s Day is our chance to show our moms how loved and appreciated they truly are, so planning something special to celebrate is a must. Of course, you could go with something classic—breakfast in bed and a bouquet of colorful flowers are always appreciated. But if you’re tired of doing the same thing year after year, we’ve got some ideas on how you can switch it up and make Mother’s Day extra special. Whether you want to surprise her with a grand gesture or just spend some meaningful quality time together, here are some unique ways to celebrate Mother’s Day this year:
1. Cook her a special dinner
For your entire life, your mom has been there to cook you meals and make you feel taken care of. Give that act of kindness back to her and invite her over for a special home-cooked meal. She will love the treatment (and will probably have to force herself not to step in and help). Show off your cooking skills with a recipe you’ve perfected or throw it back to a classic family recipe!
2. Plan a day around her favorite things
Moms are often in the business of making everyone else happy, so this is your chance to make the day all about her. To make her feel truly seen and appreciated, plan a whole itinerary around her favorite things. Make it super specific to her tastes with a meal at her favorite restaurant (or her favorite dish cooked at home), her favorite weekend activity (whether that means hiking or an appointment at her go-to nail salon), and a screening of her favorite show or movie to cap off the day. Not only will she get to spend the day doing all the things she loves, but she’ll appreciate sharing it with you even more.
3. Have a craft day
If your mom loves to get crafty, plan an afternoon to create something fun together. You could each attempt a specific craft (like DIY wreaths), learn a new skill together (like crocheting), or go the choose-your-own-adventure route with a bunch of supplies for an activity like scrapbooking or jewelry-making. Whatever you choose to make, set the vibe with a fun playlist, a spread of snacks, and something to sip on while you work.
4. Go plant shopping
Spring is prime planting season, so help her get a jump on her garden this year. Take her to your local garden center and let her pick out all the flowers and greenery her heart desires. Then get your hands dirty and help her get everything planted accordingly. This is a great opportunity to soak up some sun and do something fun together, while also checking a big task off her to-do list.
5. Take family pictures
Now that my siblings and I are all adults, we rarely get photos all together unless someone gets married. I know my mom would love nothing more than to fill her picture frames with updated photos of the whole family, and Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to make it happen. Whether you hire a professional or just set up a tripod in a scenic spot, get the whole family together to take some photos that your mom is sure to treasure.
6. Coordinate with friends for a mother-daughter gathering
Get your circle of friends together and share the hosting duties as you plan a fancy dinner or weekend brunch for your moms. Whether they’re meeting for the first time or catching up as old friends, it’s a fun opportunity to let your moms feel a part of your tribe. Make reservations early at your group’s go-to restaurant or host it at home for a memorable way to celebrate with all your best gals.
7. Take a class together
If you and your mom are always talking about learning a new hobby or skill, make it happen this Mother’s Day. Search around for local classes and sign up for one that you can take together—you might be surprised how many options there are! You could try a cooking class, a beginner’s pottery workshop, a paint-and-sip night, or even a fun new workout class. It could turn out to be the beginning of a new passion for you both, or maybe just a one-time experience that will have you laughing for years. Either way, jump in!
8. Do something nostalgic
Is there something specific from your childhood that you and your mom used to share? Bring those memories to the forefront and plan a little nostalgic activity for Mother’s Day this year. Go to the café you two always used to sit in, take a bike ride along an old familiar route, or watch the movie you both still love to this day. I personally could watch You’ve Got Mail a thousand times with my mom, and it would never get old!
9. Tackle a project for her
Whether she needs help hanging wall art, clearing junk out of the garage, or repainting a room, taking a project off her plate might just be the best Mother’s Day gift you could give her. Determine which project you’re going to tackle, get clear instructions, and then let her fully kick back while you do the work.
10. Book a mother-daughter trip
Some of my very favorite vacations have been trips shared with my mom. While schedules in May might be pretty snug, planning a weekend getaway for you and your mom would be an unforgettable way to celebrate. You could either plan your travels to coincide with Mother’s Day or surprise her on the day of with plane tickets or road trip plans for a later date. Whether you want to hit up a charming town a few hours away or finally make it to a bucket-list spot you two have always dreamed about, treat yourselves for a couple of days, have endless conversations, and create memories together.
11. Surprise her with a trip home
If you and your mom don’t live in the same city, make this Mother’s Day a memorable one and surprise her with a spontaneous trip back home. She will love seeing you, and that extra step of thoughtfulness and planning will make her feel very loved. Just imagine the joy on her face when she greets you at the door!
12. Spend the day shopping
If you and your mom share a love of shopping, plan a day to hit up the mall or your favorite boutiques. Browsing in person is so much more fun than shopping online anyway. Whether you are getting that summer wardrobe ready or just window shopping, it will be a day filled with lots of gabbing and a chance for you both to live out your best Carrie Bradshaw life.
13. Make it a family day
For many moms, family is the most important thing. Take a day to simply get the whole family together and be with each other. Play your favorite board games, share a picnic in the park, or have a good old-fashioned family dinner at home. Even if you don’t do anything that extravagant, she will love the simple joy of having her whole family in one room.
14. Plan a girls’ night out
Get your mom out of the house for the night for a fun evening on the town. Book tickets to a comedy show, theater production, or concert near you, then snag a reservation at a nearby restaurant beforehand. She’ll love the excuse to get dressed up, do something outside her normal routine, and maybe stay up a little past her bedtime.
15. Write her a handwritten note
If all else fails, be sure to let your mom know just how special she is. A handwritten note shows great thought and is so very personal. Share with her how thankful you are and just how much she has helped you become the woman you are today. A text is nice, but a letter written by hand can mean so much more.
Ashlyn Elliott, Contributing Writer
Ashlyn Elliott is a contributing writer who has written for The Everygirl since 2019.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
Feature graphics images credited to: Sarmad Hashmi | Dupe, Letícia Alvares | Pexels, Cora Pursley | Dupe, Rachel Milton | Dupe, Molly Clayton | Dupe, Mariana Silva | Dupe
Moms deserve more than a last-minute grocery store run for a card and some flowers. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, planning a special brunch spread, or just looking to spend some quality time with your mom, here’s your guide to pulling off a Mother’s Day that will make her feel seen, appreciated, and genuinely celebrated.