12 Mother's Day Ideas That Will Show Her How Much You Care
These ideas double as gifts.
Joy D'Souza— The Huffington Post Canada
Finding the perfect gift for Mom is a monster task — nothing ever seems good enough and when you finally find something semi-worthy, it's usually out of your price range.
So what do you get the woman who's given you pretty much everything (including life itsself)? According to a survey by online marketplace Retail Me Not, 23 per cent of moms just want a nice meal, while 13 per cent would simply be happy with a day off. Other desirable gifts include the classics like flowers, jewelry and chocolate.
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But we can all agree the one thing Mom does want in her life is spending more time with her kids. And if you haven't hung out in a while, this is your time to treat her.
Below we rounded up 12 Mother's Day ideas that are beyond just the gifts — and simply about getting to know her better as a friend. Let us know, what are you plans for Mother's Day?
Coding Workshop
Ladies Learning Code is a non-profit that runs workshops on topics like HTML and Wordpress, for both adults and children. This year for Mothers Day they’re running mother-daughter workshops in multiple Canadian cities — it’s a great chance to spend time together, support a good cause, and gain a valuable skill.
Spa Day
Spending some time at a spa together is a classic choice for a reason, because who would turn down a chance to relax and beautify with Mom? Spas around the country will be offering specials on and around Mothers Day, like Interlude Spa in Halifax, which has a variety of packages, both to share and to give Mom some time on her own. As well, WaySpa.com gives you access to over 100 spas from across the country, and is currently offering 15 per cent off gift cards in honour of Mother's Day.
Yoga Class
Exercise and relax together by teaming up for a yoga class — maybe as a way to burn off some of your Mother's Day brunch? There are studios in B.C., Quebec, Toronto, and Calgary that offer a variety of mother-daughter classes from babies on up, but you could also just pick a favourite style and book you and Mom in.
You could see any variety of theatre shows with your mother on the second Sunday in May, but if you’re in the Kingston area, one event in particular sounds great. The city’s Grand Theatre is hosting an event on Mother’s Day that invites locals to get on stage and celebrate their own mothers, which should make for a personal and varied afternoon. Not nearby? Check local listings for large or small-scale productions that suit your mom's tastes.
Volunteer
How about spreading some love around on Mother's Day by teaming up with your mother and doing some good work in the community? Many organizations could use a hand, so think about a cause that speaks to you both and make some calls. If you have the ability, you may even consider volunteering abroad together as a long-term project, like this mother-daughter duo did in Kenya. If you’ve got children of your own, this is a great way to expose them to the value of helping others.
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Adventure
If you and mom are the outdoorsy types, you’re probably not going to want to spend the day getting pedicures. How about taking the chance to explore some of the natural beauty in your area instead by booking in a day tour? For example, in the St. John’s area you can go on day-long tours to visit nearby outport communities or see local birds — but in a country as vast as Canada, your options are endless.
Do A Run
How about spreading some love around on Mother's Day by teaming up with your mother and doing some good work in the community? Many organizations could use a hand, so think about a cause that speaks to you both and make some calls. If you have the ability, you may even consider volunteering abroad together as a long-term project, like this mother-daughter duo did in Kenya. If you’ve got children of your own, this is a great way to expose them to the value of helping others.
Go To The Zoo
Oogling mother-baby animal combos is fun no matter where in the country you are, but if you’re in Saskatoon you have a chance to add some value to your Mother’s Day visit to the zoo, across the generations. The Saskatoon Zoo Society offers the chance to follow along with the feeders, followed by breakfast.
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Watch The Ballet
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s final performance of the season happens to fall on Mother’s Day this year, which makes it a great chance to both soak up some of the country’s best culture and give Mom an unforgettable Mother’s Day.
Get Geraniums
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The Mom: Traditional The Flower: GeraniumsMake It Stand Out: Geraniums are also seen as "traditional" flowers at most garden centres. To make your gift stand out, try putting your geraniums into a hanging basket.
Purple Orchids
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The Mom: Modern The Flower: OrchidsMake It Stand Out: If your mom is all business, buy her a vase of purple orchids. She can keep these outside or at her desk at work.
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New Mom
The Mom: New momThe Plant: Baby tears Make It Stand Out: If there's a new mom in the family, all the attention is usually paid to the new baby. Baby tears have tiny little petals (that look like baby tears), and looks the best in terrariums or in a backyard rock garden.
Wild Momma
The Mom: The wild mom The Flower: Columbine Make It Stand Out: If your mom loves bending the rules and lives with a free spirit, columbines will help make any of her spaces stand out.
The Super Busy Mom
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The Mom: Busy momThe Flower: Sedums Make It Stand Out: Sedums are low in maintenance and need little water. To surprise the mom who does it all, leave her a vase at work or at home.
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The Athletic Mom
The Mom: Mom who loves staying active The Plant: A veggie plant Make It Stand Out: If it was Mom who drove you to all your soccer games and still manages to keep up with her yoga schedule, she'll appreciate a minimal care veggie plant that she can devote her "free time" to.
The Hugger
The Mom: For the mom who can't stop hugging youThe Flower: Forget-me-nots Make It Stand Out: We have huggers and then we have HUGGERS. If Mom is the latter and gets super emotional every time she seems you, make her love you even more with a pot of forget-me-nots.
Grandmothers
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The Mom: For the g-maTHE Plant: African violet Make It Stand Out: A classy flower for a classy lady. Buy your grandmother a bouquet of African violets this Mother's Day.
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For The Travel Lover
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The Mom: For the mom on the go THE Plant: FernMake It Stand Out: If she loves to travel or spend her time at the family cottage, give her a gift that she can bring with her. Pro tip: Get a glass terrarium.
The Mom Seeking Happiness
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The Mom: Mom who has been through it all The Flower: Sunflower Make It Stand Out: If 2013 was a tough year for Mom (maybe she lost someone or maybe she went through a divorce), brighten up her day by leaving her breakfast in bed with a bunch of sunflowers.
For The MIL
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The Mom: The mother-in-law (who can take a joke)The Plant: SansevieriaMake It Stand Out: Sansevierias are basically flowering plants. If your MIL can take a joke, buy her a pot of these and label them, "mother-in-laws tongues".
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The Cook
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The Mom: Mom who loves to cookThe Plant: Chives Make It Stand Out: Chives are ideal if your mom loves to get creative in the kitchen. She can also cut up the chives and use them in her next meal.
The Spiritual Mom
The Mom: Spiritual The Flower: Lilies Make It Stand Out: If your mom is religious, spiritual, or just trying out meditation for the first time, lilies symbolize passion.
The Budget Lover
The Mom: Mom who stays on budget The Flower: HydrangeasMake It Stand Out: Hydrangeas can last forever (well, for the most part) with proper love and care. If you (and your mom) love fresh flowers but don't like the price that comes with them, opt for pretty purple hydrangeas in a glass vase.
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The Gardener
The Mom: Mom who loves her garden The Plant: Panicum Make It Stand Out: If Mom already has her green thumb, she'll obviously know that panicum (a species of grass) was crowned Perennial Plant of the Year. Regardless, she'll appreciate your garden knowledge.
Daily Reminder
Your mom might pretend she doesn't like the sentimental stuff, but give her this pillow and just see how proudly she displays it on her couch. From $40, Overstock.com.
If your mom is more of a traveller, then she needs a place to keep her precious jewels safe while journeying around the world. This gorgeous envelope will do that — and double as a clutch in a pinch.Morelle & Co. Audrey Jewelry Envelope, $23.99, Gilt.com/canadamom
Custom Watch
A family photo grinning back at your whenever you check the time? Any new mom would love that, especially since the selections can come from her Instagram account.May 28th, $44US.
Mom might be the ultimate hostess, but even she can't make white wine instantly cold — but this gizmo can, which she'll appreciate for both quiet time and party time.Ravi Instant Wine Chiller, $38, Amazon.ca.
Mom is obviously the best cook you know, but if she likes testing her boundaries, there's no better opportunity than following along with award-winning chefs (or at the very least, staring at their recipes' photos).The James Beard Foundation's Best of the Best, $43, Amazon.ca.
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Everything In Its Place
If your mom has a vanity table, or even a really lovely hallway table, she'll appreciate this stunning mirrored tray that will make even the random stuff from your pockets look great.American Atelier Round Mirror Tray, $30.30, Gilt.com.
No Slipping
Whether Mom's doing headstands or just starting out in yoga, she'll love some more gear to help with her practice. Socks that ensure non-slippage (gloves are available too) will keep her warm in the winter months as well.Jogi Yoga Socks, $10, Real Canadian Superstores.
Getting Hot In Here
If Mom's saute pan is getting a little dinged up, a new one will be greatly appreciated, especially when it's of Le Creuset quality.Saute Pan, $200, Le Creuset.
If your Mom has a taste for colourful housewares and a penchant for mint tea, this Moroccan-inspired tea set will be right up her alley.Moroccan Tea Set, $76, Overstock.com.
Flowers That Last
Who doesn't love flowers — especially the kind that will never wilt? These fabric beauties will make Mom smile whenever she sees them.Fabric tulips, $51, Etsy.
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Bagged
It's time for Mom to put away her winter purse and start enjoying something a bit more summery. This tote will take her from work to the weekend, easily able to carry all her essentials.Candy Cross Tote, $165, Over the Rainbow.
Considering how rarely people write these days, doesn't it seem worthwhile to have a pen you really love? Acme Studios makes a wide variety of options, like this Norman Moore "Paint Splash" pen, to make a statement.Acme Pen, approximately $95, Stylus Fine Pens.
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Phoning It In
How often does it happen where your mom's mobile rings, but she has no idea where it is? Ensure she'll always keep track of her phone with this cute carrying case (complete with a strap she can hang on to).Foley & Corinna City Mirror Phone Case, $61.86, Gilt.com.
Whale Of A Time
If your mom loves animals and has a bit of a quirky sense of style for the house, this papier-mâché marine sculptures could be just the thing she's been seeking for over the fireplace.Papier-Mâché Animal Sculptures, from $110, West Elm.
Toned Water
If your mom keeps insisting she doesn't want anything, bring her this low-budget ombre pitcher, the perfect accessory for outdoor entertaining that she won't be able to resist.PC Ombre Pitcher, $9, Real Canadian Superstores.
If Mom has a growing family, but doesn't want to invest in a ton of new furniture, a pouf could be everything she wants to help create more chairs for her loved ones — plus, it will give the room a real pop of colour.Small Round Pouf With Varied Hand Embroidered Motifs, $79, Artemano.
Could there be a more ideal frame for a child's (or grandchild's) handiwork? Mom will love the handmade feel of this (but appreciate that it doesn't fall apart when she lifts it up).Colorful Pencil 5x7 Picture Frame, $35, Overstock.com.
Bounce With Me
We know, we know, giving someone exercise equipment as a gift can be interpreted as an insult, but if Mom has been talking about how much she'd like to tone her arms (and not as a way to get compliments), this is an easy piece of equipment she'll love to have around.Jogi Gym Ball With Straps, $20, Real Canadian Superstores.
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Memo Board
Magnetic Chat Board, from $175, Ziggy's At HomeBecause mom needs a place to doodle, pin up pictures and occasionally, take down a message.
Wine Fridge
Koolatron Compact Wine Cellar, $115, CostcoBecause mom will love a place to store her bottles at the right temperature.
Terrarium
Drop Glass Tillandsia Kit, $40, ShopTerrainBecause a beautiful, hard-to-kill plant will look gorgeous in mom's house.
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Throw Blanket
Softest Throw, $49, West ElmBecause even if mom doesn't need this for herself, she wants to make sure her family will be warm if they do.
Double-Walled Glass
Bodum
PAVINA double wall glass, $18 for 2, BodumBecause not all tea drinkers want to be sipping out of a mug.
Yoga Mat
Manduka PROlite® Mat 79'', $88, MandukaBecause surprisingly, not all yoga mats are comfortable — but this one is.
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Speaker Cube
Blucube marrakech, $52, Bergo DesignsBecause mom wants her tunes around her at all times, with a nice-looking design to match.
Salt Tequila Glasses
Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses, from $34 for 4, Uncommon GoodsBecause she needs an opportunity to show off what she learned at that tequila tasting course.
Monogram pillow, from $98, K Studio (allow 2-3 weeks for delivery).Because let's face it — monogrammed stuff is just cool, particularly when it has your family letter on it.
Google Nexus 7, $229, GoogleBecause mom isn't afraid of the newest technology, and in fact, could show you a few tricks.
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Vintage Monopoly
Vintage Bookshelf Monopoly, $39, Restoration HardwareBecause mom can appreciate the aesthetic, the neatness and the chance to finally whoop your butt in this game.
Winter whites never looked so good. Tommy Hilfiger’s White Wool Mittens, $14.50, available at Tommy Hilfiger
Classic Fire Striker
Imagine Childhood
Your outdoorsy friends may think it's a cheat, but we know there will be others who appreciate the ease of this one. Classic Fire Striker, $15, available at Imagine Childhood.
The hostess with the mostest will love these for parties, and just for display too. Nate Berkus Elephant Place Card Holders, $9.99 for set of 2, Target.
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I'm The Winner
Future Shop
Artisan Collection Sports Trophy Mini Desktop Clock, $19.99, Future Shop.
Taking the headphone splitter to the next level, this doodad helps multiple people listen to the same song at once. Music Branches, $12.50, available at Chapters Indigo
The perfect amount to satisfy a last-minute chocolate craving. Green & Black's Organic Milk Collection, $9.99, available at select Target and Loblaws locations.
Danesco 12 Muffin pan with decorative tops, $14.99, available at Linen Chest.
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Vintage Puzzle
Future Shop
For that snowy Christmas day activity with Gramps, it doesn't get much better than this. Eurographics Titanic Jigsaw Puzzle, $16.98, available at Future Shop
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