18 Traditional Ideas for What to Do on Mother’s Day This Year

Blonde boy holds flowers behind his back to give to his mother.
There are many things you can do on Mother's Day this year to put a smile on Mom's face. (Image: Famveldman via Dreamstime)

There are many ways to celebrate Mother’s Day, from the simple and traditional to the more elaborate and creative. For those looking for an easy, yet heartfelt way to show their appreciation for everything that mothers do for us year after year, here are some simple yet meaningful ideas for what to do on Mother’s Day.

1. Take a road trip

One of the best ways to show Mom how much you appreciate her is to spend some quality time together. And what better way to do that than to go on a road trip? Pick a destination that’s within driving distance and make a day or weekend out of it. Along the way, take the opportunity to chat and catch up with each other. This is also a great opportunity to create new memories together!

2. Make a photo album

Another thoughtful and simple idea for Mother’s Day is to put together a photo album for Mom. This can be either a physical album that you put together yourself, or an online album that she can access and flip through at any time. Include photos of all her favorite people and moments, and be sure to write heartfelt captions for each one. This is a gift that she’s sure to treasure for years to come.

One thoughtful and simple idea for Mother's Day is to put together a photo album for Mom.
One thoughtful and simple idea for Mother’s Day is to put together a photo album for Mom. (Image: Spotmatik via Dreamstime)

3. Cook her dinner

If you’re looking for a way to show Mom how much you care, why not cook her dinner? This doesn’t have to be anything fancy – a simple home-cooked meal will do. Just the fact that you took the time to make something special for her will mean the world to her. If cooking isn’t your thing, you could also take her out to eat at her favorite restaurant. Either way, spending some quality time together over a meal is sure to put a smile on Mom’s face.

4. Take a shopping trip

Is there something that Mom has been wanting but hasn’t gotten around to buying? This Mother’s Day, take her on a shopping trip and help her get what she wants! Whether it’s a new piece of jewelry, a new handbag, or something else entirely, she’s sure to appreciate the gesture. And who knows, you might even have some fun yourself.

5. Enjoy the outdoors together

If the weather is nice, one great way to spend Mother’s Day is by going for a hike or a walk outdoors. It can be just the two of you or you can go with your whole family. And if it’s not warm enough to be outside, consider taking Mom out for a day of fun at an indoor activity center instead. No matter what you choose to do, spending time together in nature is sure to create some priceless memories.

A hiking trail through the aspen trees near Vail, Colorado, in springtime.
If the weather is nice, one great way to spend Mother’s Day is by going for a hike or a walk outdoors. (Image: Ricardo Reitmeyer via Dreamstime)

6. Treat her with alone time

If you’re looking for a way to show Mom how much you appreciate her, why not give her some time alone? This could be anything from taking the kids out for the afternoon so that she can relax and unwind by herself, to arranging for a babysitter to stay with them overnight so that she can enjoy a night out. Either way, spending some quality time doing things that make Mom happy is sure to put a smile on her face this Mother’s Day.

7. Have a picnic

One great way to spend time together outdoors is by having a picnic. This can be either at a park nearby or even in your own backyard. Either way, it’s sure to be a fun and memorable experience. Be sure to pack all of Mom’s favorite foods and drinks, and don’t forget the blanket!

8. Go for a bike ride

Another fun outdoor activity that you can do together is to go for a bike ride. If you don’t have bikes of your own, you could always rent them for the day. This is a great way to get some exercise while spending quality time together. And who knows – you might even discover some new places along the way!

9. Have a spa day at home

If you’re looking for a way to pamper Mom this Mother’s Day, why not set up a spa day at home? This can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like it to be – just do whatever feels right for both of you. Set up the bathtub with bubbles and candles, give her a manicure and pedicure, and don’t forget lots of snacks! The point is to have fun together and make her feel special.

Beautiful woman with a towel on her head lying down and touching her face with lit candles on one side of her and bamboo on the other.
If you’re looking for a way to pamper Mom this Mother’s Day, why not set up a spa day at home? (Image: Subbotina via Dreamstime)

10. Go on an adventure together

Another great idea is to go on an adventure together. You could head out into the wilderness for some hiking, or simply choose a new city nearby that neither of you has been to before. No matter what you choose to do, venturing out into the world together is sure to create some lasting memories.

11. Make her coupons

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to show Mom how much you care, why not make her coupons? This can be something as simple as “One Free Hug” or “I’ll Take out the Trash Tonight,” or it can be just about anything else that Mom might enjoy. Just put together some coupons she can use at some point in the future, and have her redeem them whenever she wants!

12. Give a Mother’s Day card

Of course, one of the simplest but most effective things you can do is just give Mom a card. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy – even a homemade card would be appreciated. Just take some time to write down your thoughts and express how much she means to you. It’s sure to make her day.

13. Take some family time

One great way to spend Mother’s Day is by taking some time as a family. This could be anything from having a big family dinner to going on a fun outing together. Whatever you choose to do, spending quality time with your loved ones is sure to create some cherished memories.

14. Plant a garden together

If you’re looking for a fun activity to do together, why not plant a garden? This is a great way to spend some time outdoors while also getting your hands dirty (literally!). Plus, it’s a great way to show Mom your appreciation by giving her something that she can enjoy for years to come.

Asian mother and daughter plant a garden together.
If you’re looking for a fun activity to do together, why not plant a garden? (Image: Khunaspix via Dreamstime)

15. Serve breakfast in bed

Another simple but effective way to show Mom how much you care is by serving breakfast in bed. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy – just whip up her favorite breakfast foods and enjoy some quality time together. It’s sure to put a smile on her face!

16. Bake a cake together

Another great way to show Mom your appreciation is by baking her a cake. This can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like it to be. Whether you’re making something from scratch or using a pre-made mix, baking together will be a lot of fun and is sure to make Mom’s Day extra special. So why not give it a try?

17. Host a celebration

If you want to go all-out this Mother’s Day, why not host a celebration? This can be anything from having a big family dinner to throwing an epic party with all of Mom’s friends. No matter what you choose to do, hosting a special event is sure to create some lasting memories that both you and Mom will cherish for years to come.

18. Just be together

If you’re not sure what to do this Mother’s Day or just want to keep things simple, why not just spend time together? This can be as simple as watching a movie or playing games together, or even going out for dessert. No matter what you choose to do, the point is that you’ll get to share some quality time with your mom. And isn’t that what Mother’s Day is all about?

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  • Raven Montmorency

    Raven Montmorency is a pen name used for a writer based in India. She has been writing with her main focus on Lifestyle and human rights issues around the world.

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