Moms deserve magic, not just mugs. Being a mom is incredible, exhausting, heart-bursting work. Whether it’s juggling toddlers, teens, or texts from grown-up kids, moms are the magic, the muscle, and the heart of it all.
And if Mother’s Day somehow snuck up on you this year (don’t worry, it happens to the best of us), skip the usual flowers-and-card routine. Instead, try something fun, heartfelt, and totally doable—even if you’re planning it the day before (or the morning of).
Here are 7 cute, creative, and actually practical ways to celebrate Mother’s Day.
1. Brunch, But Make It a Backyard Picnic
Ditch the reservations, skip crowded restaurants and host a backyard brunch instead! Throw down some comfy blankets and poofs and make a spread of favorite brunch items (chocolate croissants or lox n’ bagels? Yes, please!). You could even make a festive “Mom-osa” bar, setting out fresh-squeezed juices (orange, mango, peach) and pop the prosecco or champagne. No matter how you brunch, it’s a thoughtful way to celebrate your own mom.
2. Host a DIY Spa Day
Host a DIY spa day with your mom, kids, or the whole “mom squad” (and invite their kids too)! Ignite those aromatherapy candles, slap on hydrating face masks, and break out the nail polish, inviting moms for a well-earned day of bliss. Perfect for a mommy-and-me play date or party for all the girls in your life. Plus, a spa day always pairs nicely with brunch too!
3. Build an Emergency Self-Care Kit
For the days she can’t slip away, give her a little luxury right at home. Fill a box or tote with favorite items and treats, ones that bring them absolute joy. Think: a bottle of wine or box of tea, bath bombs, luxury hand creams, or even a light and feel-good book like a cozy romance. The ideas are endless! Once it’s assembled, attach a cute note like “Break in Case of Drama” or “Permission to Pause: Granted.”
4. Sweet Handwritten Letters
Cards are nice. But a handwritten letter or note is a heartfelt and personal touch. If you’re a mom yourself, give a hint to your partner or kids, asking them to write a note or letter about what they love most about you. Help inspire them with prompts and topics like “Open this letter when you need a laugh” or “Open when you’ve had a hard day.” You can also do the same for your mom! And you might be surprised how far a handwritten paper gift can go. Moms might even have a good cry.
5. Create a ‘Mom’s Bucket List’
Moms do so much for others that they often forget to make time for themselves. So, help remember what that free time is best used for by creating a bucket list! Brainstorm and gather a list of all the activities and little things that you or your mom have always wanted to do—possibly even together—and make plans. Whether it’s taking a trip together, cooking a handed-down family recipe, binge-watching a TV series, or seeking thrills like skydiving, penciling it in and make a pinky promise together.
6. A Cameo from Her Fave Celeb
Know a mom that’s obsessed with a celeb or show? Give them a cameo shoutout! Through platforms and sites like Cameo, you can select a TV character, musician, author, or reality queen to surprise her with a personalized video shoutout. We’re not saying you can find Pedro Pascal there (yet!), but there’s many icons and celebrities to choose from, including more heartthrobs, empowering women, and talented actresses. Go for gold and send it in a surprise text in front of everyone at brunch!
7. Text Bomb Her with Love
Set an hourly timer and send her a new message every hour with something you appreciate: a photo, memory, inside joke, compliment, or even a GIF that screams “mom vibes.” It’s unexpected and will make her feel seen all day long.
Say “Yes” to Something Just for You
Moms give all year long. So, this Mother’s Day, make sure to say “yes” to something for you. Give yourself that thing you’ve wanted all year, whether it was a massage you’ve pushed off, that trip to see your long-distance bestie, or those sexy shoes you’ve had your eyes on.
And, however you celebrate Mother’s Day—with your mini-me or the entire tribe, grandmothers included—we hope you have a Happy Mother’s Day!
