If you want to celebrate Mom but not break the bank, we've rounded up seven ideas to help make Mother's Day special.
1. Write a letter
A handwritten letter is a loving gift that lasts a lifetime. Go further and make it into a keepsake if you like: Use beautiful stationery, roll it and tie it in a ribbon.
2. Make a video
What once required skills and equipment can now be done by anyone with that digital device you carry in your hand! Make a video or share a story of what Mom means to you.
3. Plan a special walk
Enjoy the physical benefits of walking while you connect emotionally with meaningful conversation, which will flow more Select a location that is beautiful or has a special meaning. Walk at sunset or by the water. Hike together in the woods, or go to the N.C. Arboretum.
4. Take a picture
Gather family together to join in or just take a picture of the two of you. Make it your wallpaper on your mother’s phone, computer monitor or print it on your home computer.
5. Shower her with love
Reach out to people in your mom’s circle and ask them to share their thoughts on why your mom means so much to them. You can collect those thoughts and share them with your mom in a card or you can round up people to call her all day to shower her with love. Get all the love of a family reunion without the expense of travel.
6. Help Mom
While this gift might not be fancy like a day at the spa, doing a special spring cleaning projects at your mom’s house can be a huge help—a real gift. Clean out her fridge. Help her declutter the garage. Collect books or magazines for her that she’d like to donate. Mow her lawn or do some weeding or gardening. Help with the every day stuff so she can have time to do something she loves.
7. Cultivate Meaningful Conversation
Do you and your mom get time--uninterrupted--just to chat? Make some tea, put those beeping phones away and sit down together for a deep chat. In the busyness of life we sometimes forget the power that conversation can have on our happiness and how much it means to mom (and you). Play cards, scrabble, hang out and read together, or just catch up and talk.
This Mother's Day share what Mom cares about most--love from the kids (and grandkids!)
Okay, not all FREE but …
BONUS: 8 Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day with Your Mom
- Have brunch or lunch at your Mom's favorite restaurant. Grab the check before Mom has a chance to pay. If your Mom lives far away, consider a gift card from her favorite restaurant.
- Host a Mother's Day lunch or dinner at your house or a local park. Invite the extended family and ask everyone to bring something to share.
- Celebrate together with Mom's favorite activity. Attend a church service or visit a local winery, public garden, or walking trail. Give Mom tickets to a favorite venue if she lives far away.
- Make a special card or buy one that says just what you want it to say. Whether you choose sentimental or funny, make the card suit your mom.
- Put together a photo album or scrapbook with favorite photos of Mom with her kids or grandkids.
- Frame a favorite family photo for Mom to hang on the wall or display in her home.
- Say it with flowers. Choose your Mom's favorite flowers and plant a Mother's Day garden or pick up a hanging planter and garden hook.
- Check the Macaroni Kid calendar for local events to enjoy with Mom on Mother's Day weekend.
BONUS: 8 Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day with Your Kids
- Have your significant other or a friend take the kids shopping or help them make a card.
- Sleep in and let the kids surprise you with breakfast in bed. Whether they serve cereal and toast or a 5-star meal, the memories will be special.
- Enjoy a meal out at your favorite kid-friendly restaurant. Make reservations or plan for call ahead seating if available.
- Pack a picnic lunch and head to your favorite park. Celebrate your inner child by playing with the kids on the playground after lunch.
- Celebrate beauty together. Visit your favorite art gallery or public garden with the family.
- Remember the day with family photos. Ask a friend to capture some candid shots or take some crazy selfies.
- Spend the day outdoors at the nearest lake or river or your favorite hiking or biking trail.
- Check the Macaroni Kid calendar for local events to enjoy with the kids on Mother's Day weekend.
