Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1908, and we continue to recognize the day to honor mothers and those we have a maternal bond with. It is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, which is May 11 for 2025. There are many ways to make your motherly figures feel seen. We’ve gathered 8 ways to celebrate Mother’s Day to give you some inspiration.
1. Take Them to Their Favorite Museum
What fascinates your maternal person? Maybe they love art or history. Or, they might be an animal person. Whatever their interests, there’s sure to be a museum, zoo, planetarium, botanical garden, or other institution near you. Buy the tickets in advance and plan a day trip. Make sure you have everything in hand so they don’t have to worry about a thing. And be sure your phone or camera is charged up and ready to take photos of them in their favorite place. Don’t forget the group selfies!
2. Stay in to Celebrate
Is your maternal figure more of a stay-at-home, relax kind of person? Have they been asking you to watch a movie or show with them? Plan out a relaxing day at home. Make sure all of the housework is covered. Prepare meals and snacks or bring the food in from their favorite restaurants. Have their favorite treats ready to go. Then sit down with them and binge that show! And make sure they don’t have to lift a finger.
3. Celebrating with Kids
If you’re parents have kids, then you should absolutely include them in preparing for and celebrating Mother’s Day. Ask the kids what they think Mom would like. If the ideas are good, run with them. Otherwise, gently explain why some variation would be better. Include handmade cards and gifts. Just about every parent loves to receive gifts made with love.
Make sure to take on the household duties for the day and have the kids help out. Mom shouldn’t have to do any work today. And include the kids in preparing dinner or baking a cake (or whatever their favorite dessert is). It’s the day to celebrate the maternal person, so make it all about them.
4. For the Crafter
Does the maternal figure in your life love to make things? This is a great chance to join them in their hobby. Take them to their favorite craft store. Or have all of the supplies on hand to do a project together. By showing interest in something they love, they’ll feel understood and seen. And, don’t forget to take care of all of the cleanup after the crafting is done!
5. Have a Photoshoot
How long has it been since your family has been all together for photos? This is a great idea for Mother’s Day when you and your siblings are all grown and don’t visit very often. Hire a photographer or ask a friend who’s good with a camera. This way, all of you can be in the photos together. Go to a park or gather at home if they still live where you grew up. Create some photo memories, then give them a frame to put the photos in after they’re printed. They’ll appreciate spending time with you and having the keepsake afterward.
6. Spend Time Outdoors
If your maternal figure is most at home in nature, take them to their favorite place and spend Mother’s Day there. It could be hiking and a picnic. Or maybe they prefer to ride a bicycle on trails. Birdwatching can be fun, especially since spring has made them all so active. Do they like to fish? Are they a fan of camping? Whatever their favorite outdoor activity, make it all about them and spend every moment together. If it isn’t something you normally do, ask questions about everything. They’ll be thrilled that you want to learn about the thing they love.
7. Treat Them to a Spa Day
Is your maternal figure the sort that just loves the treatment you get at a spa? Are facials, massages, and manicures their favorite way to treat themself? Then this is your go-to. Schedule a day of pampering at their favorite spa. Don’t forget to include yourself. It’s about spending time with them and showing them how much they mean to you. Then treat them to dinner at their favorite restaurant. It’ll be a day to remember.
8. Have a Virtual Celebration
It’s not unusual for families to be all spread out across the country or even the globe. If this is your family, then a virtual celebration will bring you all together. Arrange it with everyone so your parents and siblings can all join in. Everyone can ship gifts ahead of time so your maternal person can open their Mother’s Day presents during the celebration.
Everyone could even prepare their maternal figure’s favorite foods, so you can have the same meal or dessert. If everyone likes online games, you could play together. Go around and have everyone share a favorite memory with them. And don’t forget to take a screenshot with everyone on screen!
Wrapping it Up
Every family is unique. Your maternal figure could be your mother, one of your fathers, a grandmother, a good friend, an auntie, or any of many identities. No matter the makeup of your family, taking the time to recognize the maternal person in your life is important. Let them know how much they mean to you. And celebrate in the way that makes the most sense for your family. But always with love and kindness.
