Many of us who celebrate Mother’s Day are wondering how this year’s holiday will unfold. Foregoing the usual family get-togethers or outings can leave us feeling at a loss of what to do. Here are some simple, classic ideas with a social distance twist:
Yard and Garden:
Many moms love tending to their spring gardens. Surprise mom with a few hanging baskets, gardening supplies or plants left on her front porch, the night before or morning of Mother’s Day. Be sure to sanitize your hands, any plant pots or supplies prior to drop off. Calling mom from the car or sidewalk, so she gets to see you, makes for added joy. And If mom is in as assisted living community, call them in advance to let them know you’ll be dropping something off.
Does mom love a pretty yard but she or her usual landscaper is not able to tend to it right now? Packing up your mower, weed eater and fertilizer and heading to mom’s to do the job yourself at a social distance is a great way to show mom how much you care.
Personalized Coupons:
What child didn’t make mom coupons for Mother’s Day when they were young? This traditional gift can be used for everything from dinners out to helping fix a fence when social distancing lifts. Feel free to get creative with this too! Using online formats, personal pictures or even crafting supplies with the grandkids to make the coupons extra special. Mailing these in advance, so mom can quarantine them for the few days prior to the big day helps reduce exposure risk.
Flowers:
Local florist deliveries are always a hit, be it a cut arrangement or a potted plant. Edible fruit arrangements are also a fun way to celebrate the day from afar. Visit edible arrangements' website here and be sure to take advantage of the 15% off for Mother’s Day coupon, when you place your first order.
Care Packages:
Do you prefer to send a special care package of your own? Adding in items that are a bit harder to find and keep mom well, like vitamin-C packets, masks, gloves and hand sanitizer are a thoughtful addition to any personalized gift.
Meals “Out”:
We may not be able to take mom out for her favorite meal on May 10th, but we can send her favorite meal to her! Deliveries from Grub Hub, Uber Eats, Door Dash and local restaurants are great ways to give mom a much-needed day off from cooking. Even if her favorite restaurant isn’t offering delivered meals during this time, many are selling gift certificates that make great card-stuffers.
If mom is in an assisted living community, make sure you let them know about any food deliveries, or gift card drop-offs ahead of time.
Local Businesses:
Buying mom a gift certificate from her favorite local businesses is a lovely way to brighten both her and the business owner’s day. Some fantastic service-oriented options are massage, pedicure, facial and housekeeping services. Or if mom has a flair for the creative arts, passes for local theaters, museums and art studio classes like hand painted pottery or group painting events are great options.
Mother’s Day, on Another Sunday:
While no one really knows when social distancing restrictions will be completely lifted, we do know that eventually we will be able to see each other in person again. Much like some families celebrate Christmas in July to ease the strain of the winter holiday season, offer to celebrate Mom the first Sunday after the distancing is lifted! Setting a date for a fun, planned, (maybe even themed?!) gathering in the future gives hope for today. Giving her something to look forward to, is an excellent way to give back to the woman who gave you so much.
Celebrating mom safely, and at a distance gives us all a chance to look forward to many more Mother’s Days to come, together.
