Mother’s Day is Sunday! It’s time to celebrate moms for everything they’ve done for us. Unfortunately, this year is different for most people. Many people are still sheltering in place so they can’t go to a restaurant or have a family party. I know many moms are feeling especially taxed this year with the extra work of staying on top of school at home while working from home. Others have faced layoffs or cutback hours and are feeling the stress of lost income. But all is not lost. We can still celebrate mothers this weekend, even if those mothers have to plan it themselves!
I’ve put together a list of fun things you can do for mom (or mom can plan herself) to make the day fun. I know that not all of these are possible for everyone but I hope there’s something that suits your situation.
21 Ways To Celebrate Mother’s Day During a Pandemic Quarantine
1. Get takeout and have a car picnic
Many restaurants are still open for takeout. If you can’t dine in for Mother’s Day, take it to go! If you’re in an area where parks are still closed then consider having your meal in the car. Make it fun by playing her favorite music and parking somewhere with a great view. You might even consider having her share stories from her childhood or tell funny stories of motherhood. Everyone has a few good ones!
See, even royalty have a car picnic every now and then!
2. Plan an outdoor socially distant gathering
If you have enough space outside you can set your patio chairs at least 6′ apart in a circle and socialize with mom and family. Have everyone bring their own food and when they need to use the bathroom it’s time to head home! You can keep everyone else’s germs out of your house that way. This is a great way to see mom or grandma!
3. Go for a walk on the beach
Before you scream, I know that many beaches are not yet open. But if you do live in an area with open beaches like here in San Diego, grab your mask and take a family walk! Plan ahead so you know if the parking lot or facilities are open.
4. Take a hike
Hiking with little kids (or big kids) can be lots of fun! Check with your local governments to see what trails are open or closed. Taking a walk out in nature is good for all ages. If you can stay socially distant and masked up you can even invite grandma along. Getting outside is especially good for kids right now. Being cooped up inside for months can be detrimental to their mental health.
If you aren’t used to hiking you’ll want to search for reviews of local hikes so you know how the difficult the trails are. Don’t get stuck on a trail that mom has to carry someone because it’s too difficult! Read our tips for hiking with kids.
5. Make a Mother’s Day playlist for mom
Take some time to put together a music playlist that mom will love. Consider putting songs on it that tell her how you feel about her. Or even songs that bring back memories.
6. Organize a whole family Zoom meeting
The school kids are all used to video conferencing right now. Your parents might not be as savvy but anyone can figure out how to set up a Zoom meeting. Talking on the phone is great but being able to the grandkids live on video is way better. If you get the whole family on the zoom call it can be a lot of fun!
7. Send cards in the mail to mom
Get working on this now! Make or buy a greeting card and mail it to mom and grandma so they get it in time for Mother’s Day. Don’t forget that mail is slower right now so get on this quickly.
8. Get mom gift cards for her favorite spa or stores for when they open up again
A great way to support your local economy is to buy gift cards to businesses that are currently closed. Get online and buy a gift card to a spa or your mom’s favorite store. She can use it when it opens again.
9. Make mom breakfast in bed
Breakfast in bed is the most traditional Mother’s Day meal. If you live with someone who is a mom you can organize the rest of the household to make her favorite breakfast. If you’re a single mom consider helping your kids plan it and teach them how to do it themselves. They’ll enjoy doing it for you!
10. Decorate mom’s lawn or front door
Have you seen all the great lawn decorations for kids’ birthdays right now? Consider making a Happy Mother’s Day lawn sign or decorate mom’s front door so she can come out and see how much she’s loved!
11. Watch her favorite movies together or through a Netflix party
If you’re with mom then grab a blanket and some popcorn and watch her favorite movies. If she’s in her own house you can set up a Netflix Party so you can sync your Netflix to watch a movie at the same time. That way you can chat on the phone during the movie and you’ll be watching the same thing. Learn how to have a Netflix Party.
12. Organize a virtual cocktail party for her and her friends
Text mom’s friends and organize a virtual cocktail party for them on Mother’s Day. Set up the time and deliver mom the cocktails! She’ll have a great time catching up with her friends. Not all Mother’s Day activities have to be about mom hanging out with her kids!
13. Give her a manicure
If you’re with your mom then go pick up her favorite nail polish and give her a manicure. You don’t have to be an expert here! But if you have time to make a scrub for her hands then do some cuticle moisturizing and painting! Anyone can do this. Men, do not be afraid of this! Try on yourself first if you have never done it before. Grab a manicure kit to make it easy.
14. Set up a backyard or park picnic
Set up a table and chairs or picnic on the ground! Make this fun. Get creative for mom. Don’t forget a table cloth and some tasty food. If you’re in the yard you can make mom a cocktail.
15. Set up a front porch photoshoot
Find a photographer or a neighbor to take your family’s photo in front of your house. You can stay socially distant from the photographer and get a great family photo that you’ll remember forever. You can look on Pinterest for front porch family photo ideas if you need to. Or just gather everyone in their pajamas and capture an image of how life has really been!
16. Send an online greeting card
Remember when e-cards became popular about 20 years ago? I feel like they’ve lost some excitement over the years. But they’re still there! You can still send an e-card to mom and grandma. There are lots of different greeting card companies that do e-cards as well.
17. Put together a home movie slideshow
If you’re like me you probably have years and years of videos you’ve never done anything with. Take the time now to put together a slideshow or a family video. There are so many easy apps to use to make videos. Mom will love it, even if it’s short!
18. Get takeout from her favorite brunch restaurant and go for a Sunday drive
Another vote for takeout! Grab brunch and go for a Sunday drive. Find a scenic drive and enjoy the sights. If you’re new to your area now is the time to explore new places. If you’ve lived somewhere a long time then take mom to her favorite places!
19. Play a game together over video chat
There are lots of games you can play over video chat. Some of our favorites are:
- Heads Up: everyone needs to download the app
- Battleship: the classic game is perfect for video chat!
- Outburst: you just need one game
- Quiplash: a madlibs style party game
- Bingo
- Scattergories: Use the free game generator and send everyone the link
- Charades
20. Donate to her favorite charity in her name
A donation in mom’s name is always a nice gift. Especially now. Consider donating to a charity that is helping people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic.
21. Deliver a Mother’s Day gift basket to local single mothers
I love this idea! Grab a basket or bucket and put some fun things in it for your favorite single mothers. Then drop the basket on their doorstep so they’ll have a fun surprise! Here are some fun ideas for their gift basket:
- Home Manicure Kit
- Facial Sheet Mask
- Bath Bombs
- Her Favorite Cocktails/Wine/Beer
- Fuzzy Slippers
I’m sure the ideas are endless! Enjoy your Mother’s Day this year!
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