The coronavirus pandemic has changed the world, and our lifestyles, in myriad ways. While some of the changes are temporary, for many people it has brought what’s most important into stark relief. This differs for each individual, but it often boils down to their health, family and friends, making Mother’s Day a more treasured time than ever.
But in a time of physical distancing, how do you celebrate and make your mum feel valued and loved? We’ve got some inspiration to help you along, with a list of creative and innovative ideas.
DO
- Virtual picnic or brunch. This is where technology comes in handy. If you usually take your mum out for brunch, lunch or a picnic, you could re-create that experience with a video call. Why not decorate your living room with flowers and fairy lights for an extra special touch? You could even press the flowers afterwards and pop them in the post.
- Cook together. Do you like to treat your mum to her favourite meal on Mother’s Day? If you’re a whiz in the kitchen or have a signature dish, consider having a virtual cooking session where you both create the same meal over Zoom or FaceTime. Afterwards, you could share photos of your finished culinary creations and see how they differ.
- Drop off a care package. If you live close enough to stop by, you could prepare your Mum’s favourite meal or dessert and drop it on her doorstep. You may not be able to share it with her in person, but she’s sure to love the thought and care behind this gesture.
MAKE
- Inter-generational artwork. Create a keepsake that she’ll treasure forever, using yours and your children’s handprints. There are lots of nifty and creative ways to do this, including cutting out shapes, painting and embroidering the prints onto a pillow.
- Photo or recipe book. In the absence of seeing you in person, send your mum a recent family photo or a digital photo frame – but if you choose the digital option, be sure to include a USB stick loaded with some beautiful family shots! If you have the time, consider creating a photo book using sites like Momento or Snapfish. If your creativity shines in the kitchen, you could make a recipe book instead, complete with favourite recipes across generations – your favourite meals of your mum’s, and your children’s favourite recipes of yours.
- Gratitude postcard. There’s nothing as meaningful as heartfelt words on a page. Why not post your mum a card telling her why you love and appreciate her?
GIVE
- Tea time. If she’s a tea connoisseur, consider sending her a parcel of her favourite teas, with a note promising to take her for a real-life high tea when restrictions are lifted. Alternatively, you could send her some coffee beans or bubbly – whatever beverage or ‘quarantini’ she would most enjoy!
- Book lovers. Does your mum love to read? Consider a monthly book subscription from a local book store, or an online option like Bookabuy. Here, you can select from fiction, non-fiction or mixed genre, and they will handpick a book each month tailored to your mum’s reading tastes. You can even add on extra items like tea, chocolate or candles, ensuring she’ll receive a monthly bundle of joy in her mailbox!
- Music lovers. If she adores music but hasn’t got around to downloading a streaming service yet, why not pay for a premium Spotify subscription or add her to your family account? Be sure to curate a few playlists with her favourite tunes. In the same vein, you could consider an Audible subscription, giving her access to audiobooks and exclusive podcasts.
- Say it with flowers. Surprise your mum with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, or an indoor plant to bring some colour into her home. A gift hamper of goodies is also sure to delight. This is a great time to support businesses in your local area but if you choose to purchase online, a company like Byron Bay Gifts is the gift that gives twice. They’ve partnered with Seeds of Change, and every sale contributes to the planting of a tree.
- Craft box. If your mum is craving new ideas and ways to use her creativity, arrange for a unique craft box to be delivered to her door. The options from Class Bento are almost endless, and each box comes with instructions, materials and tools. Choose from pottery, screen printing, jewellery making, terrarium, pet painting and more!
PLAN
- Adventures post-pandemic. Remember that these physical distancing restrictions are temporary and won’t last forever. Start planning what you would most like to do with your mum when you can see her again. Maybe even write a letter to that effect, with some ideas for days out you can enjoy together soon.
