50 Ways to Make Your Mum Feel Great on Mother's Day
More than gifts, mums usually want your company and/or help at home. So, whether you do something for her this week or next, make it count
This Mother’s Day, plan a surprise or an adventure for your mum that she’ll remember for the rest of the year. It could be something as exciting as skydiving, as luxurious as cruising or simply be an offer of extra help around the house. Whether you do something together or not, plan an experience for Mum that will make her feel loved and appreciated. Here are some ideas for her special day – in fact, there are 52; enough to do on every weekend of the year between this Mother’s Day and the next.
5. Love letter
Write Mum a love letter. This is guaranteed to be one of the best things you can do for her come Mother’s Day and won’t make a scrap of difference to her if you can barely write, or even seem too old. If you miss Mother’s Day, don’t worry, just pen her a note any other day of the year – it will be just as meaningful.
6. Nature does nurture
Some mums love nature, but rarely get to go out to enjoy it with the family once children get past a certain age, often around the mid-teens. If your mum loves the great outdoors, then you can be sure you’ll put a smile on her face if you suggest an impromptu hiking trip or even an overnight camp where she can spend quality time with her loved ones.
Write Mum a love letter. This is guaranteed to be one of the best things you can do for her come Mother’s Day and won’t make a scrap of difference to her if you can barely write, or even seem too old. If you miss Mother’s Day, don’t worry, just pen her a note any other day of the year – it will be just as meaningful.
6. Nature does nurture
Some mums love nature, but rarely get to go out to enjoy it with the family once children get past a certain age, often around the mid-teens. If your mum loves the great outdoors, then you can be sure you’ll put a smile on her face if you suggest an impromptu hiking trip or even an overnight camp where she can spend quality time with her loved ones.
7. Laundry love
Do the washing for the whole family. Or the ironing. And stay around to bring it in, fold it and put the lot away. Offering to do a domestic chore, such as washing, is an excellent way to show busy mums (and dads, for that matter) how much you love them. It will free up a little relaxation time for a busy mum, who is often working and taking care of family at the same time.
8. Vintage market day
For the bohemian mother, organising a day out scouring vintage markets or stores with her will be a real winner. Especially if you manage to take her to a new vintage store she doesn’t know about. If you haven’t a clue where to go, enlist a friend in the know or do research online.
Do the washing for the whole family. Or the ironing. And stay around to bring it in, fold it and put the lot away. Offering to do a domestic chore, such as washing, is an excellent way to show busy mums (and dads, for that matter) how much you love them. It will free up a little relaxation time for a busy mum, who is often working and taking care of family at the same time.
8. Vintage market day
For the bohemian mother, organising a day out scouring vintage markets or stores with her will be a real winner. Especially if you manage to take her to a new vintage store she doesn’t know about. If you haven’t a clue where to go, enlist a friend in the know or do research online.
9. Morning tea
Prepare a morning tea party for your mum and her friends. After all, who doesn’t like all those dainty cakes, warm scones and chicken and cucumber sandwiches? Bake and prepare these yourself, or buy the festive fare then dress up as a waiter and serve with a smile and a song.
10. Music concert
Surprise your mum with much-coveted tickets to a music concert you know she’d never have the patience to wait online to buy for herself.
Host a tea party at home
Prepare a morning tea party for your mum and her friends. After all, who doesn’t like all those dainty cakes, warm scones and chicken and cucumber sandwiches? Bake and prepare these yourself, or buy the festive fare then dress up as a waiter and serve with a smile and a song.
10. Music concert
Surprise your mum with much-coveted tickets to a music concert you know she’d never have the patience to wait online to buy for herself.
Host a tea party at home
11. Wine-tasting
If your mum appreciates the finer things in life, or just enjoys the occasional quality tipple, then here’s a fun idea with a difference: Research the nearest wine-tasting area in your region and book a short ‘mystery’ holiday for your mum and a significant other. Clue in Dad or Aunty May or Mum’s BFF with the itinerary details to take her on the merry jaunt, or drive her there yourself.
12. Hike for health
For a healthy but fun bonding experience with your mum, join a local walking tour together. Not only will this be great exercise for her (and you), but you’ll likely meet lots of new, interesting people.
If your mum appreciates the finer things in life, or just enjoys the occasional quality tipple, then here’s a fun idea with a difference: Research the nearest wine-tasting area in your region and book a short ‘mystery’ holiday for your mum and a significant other. Clue in Dad or Aunty May or Mum’s BFF with the itinerary details to take her on the merry jaunt, or drive her there yourself.
12. Hike for health
For a healthy but fun bonding experience with your mum, join a local walking tour together. Not only will this be great exercise for her (and you), but you’ll likely meet lots of new, interesting people.
13. Clean
Anything. Rigorously, spotlessly, perfectly. Doing this will never fail to show your mum just how much you appreciate all she has done for you.
14. Family tree
Do you know where your parents grew up? Take your mum on a nostalgic trip back to the suburb or town where she lived as a child. Allow her to point out the sights and any places that hold fond memories. It’s a wonderful way to get to know your mum better and to learn about your family background.
Unsung spring-cleaning jobs
Anything. Rigorously, spotlessly, perfectly. Doing this will never fail to show your mum just how much you appreciate all she has done for you.
14. Family tree
Do you know where your parents grew up? Take your mum on a nostalgic trip back to the suburb or town where she lived as a child. Allow her to point out the sights and any places that hold fond memories. It’s a wonderful way to get to know your mum better and to learn about your family background.
Unsung spring-cleaning jobs
15. Get up-skilled
Has your mum ever mentioned that she’d like to learn a new skill, such as pottery or Thai cookery, but hasn’t ever signed up to a class? Chances are she doesn’t want to turn up alone. Enrol both of you in a short course. She’ll be ever so grateful.
16. Surprise visit
Focusing on the things your mum likes to do will make her happy, but you could also surprise, and hopefully delight, her by taking her somewhere in your city or town that she’s never been to before. It could be a vintage market, a hip neighbourhood, a suburb that has undergone radical change, or a new cultural centre – put your thinking cap on.
Has your mum ever mentioned that she’d like to learn a new skill, such as pottery or Thai cookery, but hasn’t ever signed up to a class? Chances are she doesn’t want to turn up alone. Enrol both of you in a short course. She’ll be ever so grateful.
16. Surprise visit
Focusing on the things your mum likes to do will make her happy, but you could also surprise, and hopefully delight, her by taking her somewhere in your city or town that she’s never been to before. It could be a vintage market, a hip neighbourhood, a suburb that has undergone radical change, or a new cultural centre – put your thinking cap on.
17. Book signings
These can be fun events. If your mum is an avid reader and has a favourite Australian author, find out when the writer is doing their next in-store signings or, alternatively, take your mum to a writer’s talk. The latter may even be part of a writers’ festival, which means that a book-loving mum can see numerous authors speak.
18. Seeking celebrity
If mum loves to follow the lives of the rich and famous, you might be able to arrange for her to rub shoulders with them, well … one of them. Check out upcoming charity functions and see who is a guest speaker. The tickets might be pricey, but you’ll know your money is going to a good cause and that mum might even have the chance to talk to her idol.
These can be fun events. If your mum is an avid reader and has a favourite Australian author, find out when the writer is doing their next in-store signings or, alternatively, take your mum to a writer’s talk. The latter may even be part of a writers’ festival, which means that a book-loving mum can see numerous authors speak.
18. Seeking celebrity
If mum loves to follow the lives of the rich and famous, you might be able to arrange for her to rub shoulders with them, well … one of them. Check out upcoming charity functions and see who is a guest speaker. The tickets might be pricey, but you’ll know your money is going to a good cause and that mum might even have the chance to talk to her idol.
19. Farmers’ market
Plan a shopping trip to a farmers’ market with your mum, choosing the produce she likes from a list of ingredients you have jotted down for a recipe you could cook her later that day. This is a great way to thank your mum for everything she’s cooked for you over the years.
20. Make jam
Not a cook but want to make a present for your mum? You can rarely go wrong with making jam or lemon spread. Search for a recipe online. Once made, be sure you put it in a clean, airtight glass jar and dress it with a pretty ribbon.
Plan a shopping trip to a farmers’ market with your mum, choosing the produce she likes from a list of ingredients you have jotted down for a recipe you could cook her later that day. This is a great way to thank your mum for everything she’s cooked for you over the years.
20. Make jam
Not a cook but want to make a present for your mum? You can rarely go wrong with making jam or lemon spread. Search for a recipe online. Once made, be sure you put it in a clean, airtight glass jar and dress it with a pretty ribbon.
21. Fix the fence
Arrange for a handyman to fix a fence or tidy the garden at your mother’s house or, better still, do some odd jobs for your mum yourself. If you work Monday to Friday, choose something you can do in a weekend, such as painting a door, cleaning out gutters or oiling a timber deck.
22. You’ve got mail
Send your mum a mother’s day card. It’s always nice to get something in the post.
Updating a tired old fence
Arrange for a handyman to fix a fence or tidy the garden at your mother’s house or, better still, do some odd jobs for your mum yourself. If you work Monday to Friday, choose something you can do in a weekend, such as painting a door, cleaning out gutters or oiling a timber deck.
22. You’ve got mail
Send your mum a mother’s day card. It’s always nice to get something in the post.
Updating a tired old fence
23. Green thumb
If mum is spritely but living in an apartment, she may like to do a spot of gardening on a larger scale than what she’s been used to, likely just watering a few balcony pot plants. Working in a large communal garden may be just the ticket. Find out where there is one in mum’s neighbourhood and take her along to the first dig.
24. Family snaps
Sit together and go through a family photo album. Even if you’ve seen the pictures all before, it’s fun to reminisce. Ask your mum what she’d like to look at; perhaps ask her to show you her wedding album or snaps from her own childhood outings, or ask to see the pictures and home movies she took of you and your siblings.
If mum is spritely but living in an apartment, she may like to do a spot of gardening on a larger scale than what she’s been used to, likely just watering a few balcony pot plants. Working in a large communal garden may be just the ticket. Find out where there is one in mum’s neighbourhood and take her along to the first dig.
24. Family snaps
Sit together and go through a family photo album. Even if you’ve seen the pictures all before, it’s fun to reminisce. Ask your mum what she’d like to look at; perhaps ask her to show you her wedding album or snaps from her own childhood outings, or ask to see the pictures and home movies she took of you and your siblings.
25. Home help
Undertake a home task at your mum’s place that is a once-in-a-while type job. Choose something that may well be at the bottom of your mum’s priority list, but is nevertheless most likely to bring happiness to her day – do something that will sparkle, like polishing the cutlery, cleaning windows or buffing chrome fixtures in the bathroom.
26. Footy fun
Take mum to a popular sports event, like a league or football game. Even if she doesn’t want to barrack for a particular team, she might love the rowdy atmosphere.
Undertake a home task at your mum’s place that is a once-in-a-while type job. Choose something that may well be at the bottom of your mum’s priority list, but is nevertheless most likely to bring happiness to her day – do something that will sparkle, like polishing the cutlery, cleaning windows or buffing chrome fixtures in the bathroom.
26. Footy fun
Take mum to a popular sports event, like a league or football game. Even if she doesn’t want to barrack for a particular team, she might love the rowdy atmosphere.
27. Out to sea
Between long-sea voyages, some ocean liners take paying passengers out to sea for a weekend cruise, or sometimes to another port city further up or down the coast. You will need to book in advance, but it’s well worth the effort to see Mum enjoy the luxuries a cruise provides without being away from home for too long.
28. Lunch cruise
For an even shorter experience of life at sea, consider taking your mum on a luncheon cruise on the harbour, or a river. Let mum sit back and feel the fresh breeze blow through her hair while sipping champagne and feasting on fine fare.
Between long-sea voyages, some ocean liners take paying passengers out to sea for a weekend cruise, or sometimes to another port city further up or down the coast. You will need to book in advance, but it’s well worth the effort to see Mum enjoy the luxuries a cruise provides without being away from home for too long.
28. Lunch cruise
For an even shorter experience of life at sea, consider taking your mum on a luncheon cruise on the harbour, or a river. Let mum sit back and feel the fresh breeze blow through her hair while sipping champagne and feasting on fine fare.
29. Barbecue bash
This is an oldie but a goody: Prepare an outdoor barbecue lunch for the whole clan. It’s simple to do and everyone will enjoy the occasion, especially the mums in attendance.
30. Massage magic
What woman doesn’t like to feel pampered? Treat your mum to a relaxing professional massage, rejuvenating spa or beauty treatment.
Hosting the ultimate barbecue
This is an oldie but a goody: Prepare an outdoor barbecue lunch for the whole clan. It’s simple to do and everyone will enjoy the occasion, especially the mums in attendance.
30. Massage magic
What woman doesn’t like to feel pampered? Treat your mum to a relaxing professional massage, rejuvenating spa or beauty treatment.
Hosting the ultimate barbecue
31. Retro picnic
Is your mum cool? Charm her with a retro take on an old favourite – the picnic. Hire some Vespas or a Kombi and take your mum (and perhaps others in your family) on a picnic in a pretty waterfront location. Pack a gourmet lunch and set up ‘a table’, complete with tablecloth – even if it’s just on the grass!
32. Sporty spice
If your mum has a competitive streak, why not organise a sports-themed day out with the extended family. French cricket or badminton is always fun and easy to set up. This could be combined with the picnic, see above.
Ingredients for a perfect picnic
Is your mum cool? Charm her with a retro take on an old favourite – the picnic. Hire some Vespas or a Kombi and take your mum (and perhaps others in your family) on a picnic in a pretty waterfront location. Pack a gourmet lunch and set up ‘a table’, complete with tablecloth – even if it’s just on the grass!
32. Sporty spice
If your mum has a competitive streak, why not organise a sports-themed day out with the extended family. French cricket or badminton is always fun and easy to set up. This could be combined with the picnic, see above.
Ingredients for a perfect picnic
33. Reading out loud
If you are a mum yourself and have children, get your kids to read to your mum, their grandmom. You could also hint to your kids that you’d like them to read you a story too. Choose a book you know is one of their favourites, making sure dad or an older sibling is around to help out if he or she gets stuck.
34. Be creative
Sing a song for your mum, write her a poem or capture a silly family moment on film.
If you are a mum yourself and have children, get your kids to read to your mum, their grandmom. You could also hint to your kids that you’d like them to read you a story too. Choose a book you know is one of their favourites, making sure dad or an older sibling is around to help out if he or she gets stuck.
34. Be creative
Sing a song for your mum, write her a poem or capture a silly family moment on film.
35. Opening night
Does your mum love theatre? By all means take her to a blockbuster show, but also consider something unique or quirky, such as a celebrity debate, night of ‘improv’ or amateur night comedy routines. You could even put on your own show at home.
36. Showtime with puppets
If there are little ones in the family, a puppet show night will not only delight them but possibly give your mum as many laughs as she would have had at the comedy club (see above). If it goes wrong, it will still be a fun night!
Does your mum love theatre? By all means take her to a blockbuster show, but also consider something unique or quirky, such as a celebrity debate, night of ‘improv’ or amateur night comedy routines. You could even put on your own show at home.
36. Showtime with puppets
If there are little ones in the family, a puppet show night will not only delight them but possibly give your mum as many laughs as she would have had at the comedy club (see above). If it goes wrong, it will still be a fun night!
37. Give her some ‘me’ time
Leave Mum alone for a bit. She’ll love it.
38. Art and history tour
Mums who love art will enjoy a trip to a significant art gallery or museum exhibition with you in tow. You could also investigate an historical tour, especially if the tour is one of discovery and in a place your mum and you might be familiar with, but are unlikely to know the area’s past.
Leave Mum alone for a bit. She’ll love it.
38. Art and history tour
Mums who love art will enjoy a trip to a significant art gallery or museum exhibition with you in tow. You could also investigate an historical tour, especially if the tour is one of discovery and in a place your mum and you might be familiar with, but are unlikely to know the area’s past.
39. Extreme sports
Some say that extreme activities such as sky diving and bungee jumping should be tried at least once in a person’s lifetime. For the adventurous mums out there, consider signing her (and you) up for an extreme experience. Abseiling anyone?
40. Flying high
Something less physical, but just as thrilling for your mum (although, obviously more expensive) might be a balloon or helicopter joy ride.
Some say that extreme activities such as sky diving and bungee jumping should be tried at least once in a person’s lifetime. For the adventurous mums out there, consider signing her (and you) up for an extreme experience. Abseiling anyone?
40. Flying high
Something less physical, but just as thrilling for your mum (although, obviously more expensive) might be a balloon or helicopter joy ride.
41. Paddle power
For a mum who likes the water, you can’t go past sailing or kayaking. Alternatively, take Mum to a not-so-crowded beach and take a long walk along the beach and over the headland. If she is elderly, sit on a bench and watch the waves roll in. In all cases, finish off the day with locally bought fish and chips. Yum!
42. In the swim
Can your mum swim? There’s nothing more pleasant than floating about in the water. As the month of May is a little cool for the beach, find a nice indoor venue mid-week and go practise breaststroke with her.
For a mum who likes the water, you can’t go past sailing or kayaking. Alternatively, take Mum to a not-so-crowded beach and take a long walk along the beach and over the headland. If she is elderly, sit on a bench and watch the waves roll in. In all cases, finish off the day with locally bought fish and chips. Yum!
42. In the swim
Can your mum swim? There’s nothing more pleasant than floating about in the water. As the month of May is a little cool for the beach, find a nice indoor venue mid-week and go practise breaststroke with her.
43. Escape to the country
As new places are always exciting, a short trip to the country might be just the thing to show your mum how much you care. Get her to choose a place she’s never been and ask her to navigate the drive there. If you end up somewhere else, who cares? Remember, it’s the journey that counts.
44. Flower power
Get out of the car and take a walk down country lanes. Gather flowers and natural grasses and when you get back home, arrange them in a vase for your mum as a memento of the trip.
Flowers that bow to ikebana
As new places are always exciting, a short trip to the country might be just the thing to show your mum how much you care. Get her to choose a place she’s never been and ask her to navigate the drive there. If you end up somewhere else, who cares? Remember, it’s the journey that counts.
44. Flower power
Get out of the car and take a walk down country lanes. Gather flowers and natural grasses and when you get back home, arrange them in a vase for your mum as a memento of the trip.
Flowers that bow to ikebana
45. Make a reservation
You could book a meal at a restaurant your mum’s been hinting about, or look for a new place with a style of food she’s not familiar with. Remember, busy mums might not have the chance or financial option to get out much and try new dishes, so this is bound to impress.
46. Shop ’til you drop
If your mum likes to shop, then arrange a fun shopping spree in a district of your city (or town) that she likes best. Your mum will love the fact that you went through so much trouble to take her somewhere you think she’d like, even if you just end up window shopping.
You could book a meal at a restaurant your mum’s been hinting about, or look for a new place with a style of food she’s not familiar with. Remember, busy mums might not have the chance or financial option to get out much and try new dishes, so this is bound to impress.
46. Shop ’til you drop
If your mum likes to shop, then arrange a fun shopping spree in a district of your city (or town) that she likes best. Your mum will love the fact that you went through so much trouble to take her somewhere you think she’d like, even if you just end up window shopping.
47. Binge TV
Do you know a television series your mum would love, but hasn’t seen? She may not know how to access the series on either a streaming network or via DVD. Take some time to select something you think she’ll like, then set it up for her so all she has to do is to sit back, and press a button on a remote or computer.
Do you know a television series your mum would love, but hasn’t seen? She may not know how to access the series on either a streaming network or via DVD. Take some time to select something you think she’ll like, then set it up for her so all she has to do is to sit back, and press a button on a remote or computer.
48. Garden goodness
There are many open garden events throughout the year, as well as public garden displays that welcome visitors at any time. Take her for a stroll around and enjoy the serenity.
There are many open garden events throughout the year, as well as public garden displays that welcome visitors at any time. Take her for a stroll around and enjoy the serenity.
49. Herb garden
This idea is really a gift, but is still something you can have a hand in creating. Buy a long pot plant and fill it with a variety of herbs that you know your mum uses on a regular basis. Busy mums who cook like to have everything at hand, so make sure the pot is able to sit comfortably in her kitchen near the stove or prep area.
This idea is really a gift, but is still something you can have a hand in creating. Buy a long pot plant and fill it with a variety of herbs that you know your mum uses on a regular basis. Busy mums who cook like to have everything at hand, so make sure the pot is able to sit comfortably in her kitchen near the stove or prep area.
50. Enough said
Read more:
Mother’s Day Gifts That Last All Year Long
Mums, What’s on Your Ultimate Design Wish List?
Tell us:
Do you have any plans on how you will spend time with your mum this Mother’s Day? Share your ideas in the Comments section.
Read more:
Mother’s Day Gifts That Last All Year Long
Mums, What’s on Your Ultimate Design Wish List?
Tell us:
Do you have any plans on how you will spend time with your mum this Mother’s Day? Share your ideas in the Comments section.
Serve your mum a cuppa in the sitting room in a way that will make her feel like a five-star guest at a swanky hotel. Go all out and dress the best tray you have with fine linen napery and small decorative touches such as flowers. Serve the tea in fine bone china and add a sterling silver spoon. If you don’t have a pretty cup or spoon, see what you can pick up at a local charity store.
2. Go live on TV
What kind of television show appeals to your mum? Is it home makeovers, cooking competitions, quiz shows or is politics more her style? Whether it’s NDTV talks show or many other TV productions that require a studio audience, reserve your seats to give mum a fun experience.