How to Make Your Mom Feel Special on Mother's Day

Co-authored by Malori Maeva

Last Updated: November 22, 2022 References

A mother is a gift to cherish. Although the best way to honor your mom is to show her you love her every single day, Mother's Day is the one special day when you can really let her know how much she's loved and appreciated.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Sharing Your Sentimental Side

1
Create a homemade letter or Mother's Day Card. This should be a genuine, heartfelt display of gratitude and appreciation. Think about why you love, respect, and appreciate your mother and what you hope she knows on this special day.^{[1]
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- Be specific about actions for which you are thankful, such as her driving you to school daily or preparing your favorite dish every weekend.
- Brainstorm your favorite memories or qualities that you wish to pass along to your own kids.
2
Make Mother's Day Coupons. Hand-craft a coupon book full of favors which your mom can cash in at any time. For instance, one coupon could offer to wash the dishes while another could be for a free car wash.^{[2]
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- Include chores and actions that you are sure your mom will appreciate and that she will actually use. For example, don't include a coupon for taking the trash out if that is already your chore.
- Get creative as you craft your coupon book. Use different colored papers, markers, glitter, or other crafting materials that will demonstrate your effort.
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3
Gather photos as a gift. Both scrapbooks and collages are all about preserving memories by creating an organized layout of photos and other items with sentimental value.^{[3]
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Research source} The main difference between the two is that scrapbooks usually have lots of pages while a collage is one page or a poster-size cutout.
- Locate old pictures around the house. If all you have are digital copies, you can order prints online from places like Walgreens or Shutterfly. You can also create and ship digital collages online
- Find other items with sentimental value. For example, a ticket stub from your first concert together or a birthday card your mom gave to you when you were younger.
- Embellish your project by using patterned paper, stickers, ribbons, or other accessories to really make your creation sparkle.^{[4]
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- If scrapbooks or collages seem too common, there are plenty of other DIY gifts that can incorporate personal photos: coasters, clocks, lamps, phone cases and many more.^{[5]
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4
Cook for her. Whether it's breakfast in bed or a family dinner, give mom a rest by cooking her favorite items. Take it a step further and clean the kitchen post-meal so mom has nothing else to do but relax.
- Get creative with your food choices. For example, instead of buying her a bouquet of flowers, why not make her one out of beautiful cupcakes?
- If your cooking skills aren't that great, try organizing a potluck where all of her loved ones volunteer to bring a dish.^{[6]
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5
Compliment her. Saying something nice seems like such a simple gesture, but it can really add happiness to your mother's day. Try compliments that are both original and heartfelt.
- Compliment her parenting. Talk about the lessons you've learned from her or how she has helped you grow as an individual.
- Compliment her taste. Does she have an eye for fashion? Is her food delicious? Whatever your mom does well, feel free to tell her so.
- Compliment her strength. Sometimes moms have the hardest job in the world. Show your appreciation for her ability to be a superwoman and tackle everything including motherhood.
6
Spend quality time with her. Plan an entire day with her. Go shopping, watch a movie, or simply stay home and play some indoor games. What you do is not important; what's more important is reconnecting with your mom and spending quality time with her.^{[7]
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- Try doing something you've never done before: create an ice cream bar, sign up for cooking classes, become a tourist in your own town, plan a picnic.^{[8]
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  Research source} Your mom will truly think that it's the thought that counts.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Spoiling Her with a Special Gift

1
Create a "favorite things" basket. Determine what your mom enjoys and create a themed basket based on her likes. This is much more personal than a pre-made gift basket or a gift card.^{[9]
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Research source} Personalize it even more by adding a framed photo and add some flowers for a lovelier appearance.
- If your mom needs to relax, create a "spa" basket that includes items likes soaps, lotions, perfumes, and other personal care items.
- If your mom has a sweet tooth, create a basket that has all of her favorite candies or snacks.
- The cost of the basket will depend on the items you include so go as big or as small as needed based on your budget.
- Throwing in something with sentimental value always adds a nice touch.
2
Pamper her. Indulging your mom will make her feel good both inside and out.^{[10]
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Research source} Spa treatments such as manicures, pedicures, massages, or salon days are likely to bring a smile to your mom's face.
3
Take her on a date. Treat your mom to a day or evening of new activities that are based on her likes. Scheduling a new and exciting adventure will show your mom that you care enough to plan an amazing experience.
- Try taking her to a new restaurant she's been wanting to try.
- Get dressed up and go to the ballet or opera.
- Try something neither of you have tried before. For example, instead of giving a bouquet of flowers, why not make one together?^{[11]
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4
Buy personalized jewelry. Instead of buying a plain, generic piece of jewelry, try having something custom made to suit your mom's personality and taste. You have to not only think about her jewelry preferences (bracelets, rings, gold, silver, etc.), but you also have to keep her interests in mind.
- For example, charm bracelets offer a lot of personalization because many jewelers have charms to represent everything including religion, sports, music, dance, and more.
- If you have siblings you can purchase a piece that includes the birthstones of all her children.
- Shop at smaller farmer's markets or online to find one-of-a-kind pieces; some can even be hand-pressed and personalized.
5
Give her flowers. It may seem cliche but many women still enjoy receiving flowers as a sign of appreciation. The hardest part will be determining what type of blooms your mother would best enjoy.
- Visit a florist to determine the florist style, specialties, to ask questions, and to see the bouquets in person.
- No flowers really "clash" with each other so don't worry about choosing "ugly" flowers. Instead, choose blooms based on your mother's favorite colors or smells.^{[12]
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- When in doubt, nothing beats lilies, tulips, or roses for Mother’s Day!
- Bouquets normally only last 4-5 days so be prepared to put in a little work to make them last longer. Change the water daily, make sure the stems are cut at an angle, and add sugar or aspirin to the water to extend the life.^{[13]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Planning a Party for Her

1
Choose a venue. There are plenty of options for where you choose to host your party: at home, at a restaurant, at a ballroom. Keep in mind both the guest count and budget when deciding where to host the event.
- House parties are more cozy and intimate, and definitely cost a lot less. You can try hosting a backyard brunch, or a formal dinner with a few of her closest family and friends.
- Many restaurants accept reservations for large parties, and some even have "party rooms" available to rent. Determine the headcount for the party and call your mom's favorite restaurant to ask about reservations and space available to accommodate your party.
- The price of ballroom rentals varies greatly based on location. For example, your local ballroom may be cheaper than a ballroom at a hotel. Also, some don't allow outside food or drinks so shop around to determine what fits your budget and your needs.
2
Invite guests. Consider who your mom would enjoy sharing her special day with, and determine whether the party will be a surprise or not.
- You can invite guests in many ways including online (Evite), by printed paper invitations, or just through word of mouth.
- Remember to keep the number of guests appropriate to the size of the venue.
3
Put together a menu. The food menu is not only determined by the time of day, but also by your mom's personal taste. Be sure to serve your mom's favorite dishes to show that you have put thought into the planning process.
- If you're unsure what your mom's favorite dishes are, ask others who are close to her or ask her months in advance. Search for recipes online if you're anxious about preparing a dish.
- Homemade isn't always better. Don't feel bad about purchasing pre-made food, especially if your mother enjoys it. You can always purchase from a grocery store or order take-out from her favorite restaurant.
- Catering is also an option. The cost of catering varies greatly depending on the type of food and the company. Most caterers charge by the person at either a fixed priced per dish, or tiered pricing (where the smaller the party the more the item costs). On top of this, caterers may also charge taxes and travel fees.
4
Plan fun activities. Not only do Mother's Day games help you to entertain guests, but it also helps to build great memories for mom on her special day.
- Put on a play or skit for your mom. Have family members reenact memories that are special to your mom, or even tell her life's story. Not only is it fun and entertaining, but she'll be thrilled to have a play hosted in her honor.
- Play a version of "The Dating Game" where pairs of mothers and daughters (or sons) have to answer questions about each other, and determine which team can get the most answers correct.^{[14]
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Chose a theme and decorations. Does your mother prefer flowers and butterflies or football and motorcycles? Determine her interests in order to put together a party that reflects who she is, and what she enjoys. The theme will have an impact on everything from the decorations to the activities.
- For example, a tea party themed brunch might be appropriate to celebrate your mother. Decorate with centerpieces and flowers, and serve various teas and finger foods to keep mom and guests satisfied.^{[15]
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- Try a garden inspired luncheon complete with flower centerpieces, fresh fruit, and mimosas.^{[16]
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6
Toast your mother to show her your appreciation. As the party gets underway, toast your mother to show her that this is her special day. Remind her why she deserves to be honored. Don't be cliche in reminding her of all of her wonderful attributes; instead, dig deep and think of all the wonderful things she has done for you.
- For example, think of all of the macaroni necklaces she had to wear over the years. Think of how many times she had to drag herself out of bed on a Saturday morning for ballet practice. Remind her that she is deserving of all the praise on this day.
- If you have a gift for words or music, sometimes writing a poem or song can help to better get across these sentiments.^{[17]
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- Say "I love you." Very simple, but very effective.

Community Q&A

Question

What if I have already given my mother all the suggested gifts?

Community Answer

Come up with a similar idea and make it your own. She will love anything that comes from your heart.
Question

How do I write a letter?

Community Answer

Write about some fun things you remember doing together and tell her all the things you love about her.
Question

What is the meaning of "coupon book"?

Community Answer

You create and put together a number of 'coupons', each with a different thing you can do for your mom (e.g., clean the house, do something she likes together with her), and she can redeem each coupon whenever she likes.