Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and busy-bee moms may not have time or energy for anything too extravagant. If this is you, or your mom, then it may be nice to look for something more low effort this year. Gifts are always great, but choosing an activity to do can be overwhelming.
Now, low effort doesn’t mean you don’t care; it just means you don’t have to travel far or do anything too strenuous to have fun. From spending the day at home to doing a little window shopping, it doesn’t take much to celebrate motherhood.
But let’s spice it up just a little! Here are some effortless but forever fun Mother’s Day activities.
No need to head to an exclusive, posh tea room in the middle of the city when you can do it all at home. But if you’re looking for a little extra-sophisticated oomph, set aside your Celestial Seasonings and Oreos for the day and instead order a "high tea" set. High tea, otherwise known as afternoon tea in its more casual form, is an English tradition that originated with the Duchess of Bedford in 1840. It's often associated with the finer things in life, such as delicate porcelain china and exquisite finger cakes.
You can get tons of these kinds of sets during the year, from Eid kits to wine hampers. The British Hamper Company has a huge selection of high tea hampers and other kits that deliver to the US. The classic Afternoon Tea selection is a great starting point, but there is a wide range of Mother’s Day hampers filled with teas, cookies, candles, and more. Grab your favorite crockery, fill the room with flowers, and have a good old natter.
'Say Yes' Day
OK, so this one may take a little extra effort than the other activities on this list, but it’s an exciting way to spend the day. A "Say Yes" day — or a "Can’t Say No" day — is exactly what it sounds like. The person being celebrated makes a request, and the guests have to do it. Say you want to get an expensive manicure; there’s no ifs, ands, or buts — that’s your activity. If mom wants to have a whole cake to herself, it’s hers.
You can also make it more of a dare day, where mom has to do something she normally wouldn’t do, such as get a spray tan or new haircut, sing karaoke, or go out dancing. Obviously, try not to force your elderly mother on a roller coaster if she's deeply afraid, but there’s something to be said for getting out of your comfort zone — in a low-effort, fun way, of course. You can even do this without leaving the house: mom’s choice of movie, dinner, party game — anything, really.
At-Home Spa Day
An oldie but still a goodie. But not any spa day — make it personal to the mother of the moment in her own home. Gather your favorite skin care products, music, incense, beverages, and dressing gowns and spend a day cleansing and relaxing. You can also hire a professional for some extra luxe. Or ask a friend to act as masseuse or beautician for the personal touch.
There are tons of ways to have an at-home spa day; just pick the one that fits your and your mother’s needs best. Are you struggling with tense muscles? Stress? Blocked pores? Dry skin? There are tons of quizzes out there that’ll help you pick a good regimen and what treatments/products to use specifically if you’re unsure. At the end of the day, all you really need to do is sit comfortably, slap on a face mask, do a manicure, and chit-chat.
Make a Memory Book
Making a memory book is a great way of keeping your fondest past moments readily accessible. Most of us have tons of photographs hidden away on an old phone somewhere, or old birthday and anniversary cards concealed in a drawer. Making a Mother’s Day-specific memory book filled with photos from her life, Mother’s Day celebrations cards, and ticket stubs will be the gift that keeps on giving for years to come.
It’s a particularly fun activity for younger kids, as it challenges their artistic side, so they’re learning and celebrating at the same time. You can even make it digital these days. If you’re not the crafty type, simply spending the day looking through old photos and taking some new selfies is just as sentimental.
Mommy and Me Shopping Spree
Whether it’s a relaxed at-home online shopping spree or a casual stroll down to the local outdoor mall, nothing beats a bit of shopping. Like with the yes day, try not to be too frugal if you can help it. Mother’s Day is a day for celebration, luxury, and self-love, so if you want that second slice of cake, get it. If you see your dream cross-body bag and think it’s a silly waste of money, hunt down a sale, coupon, or just say, hey, I want it; I got it.
Being money-savvy is a great life skill, but every once in a while there’s nothing wrong with splashing out on something that’ll make you happy. So get your mother that bracelet she’s always wanted, or let your kids treat you to that three-course meal. You all deserve it.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, LittleThings.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
