What to do for Mother’s Day - and how not to mess up!
Here's one of life's biggest truths: You never really stop needing your mum.
From the moment you land in her arms, she becomes your constant—your therapist, biggest cheerleader and midnight ice cream partner. She’s the shoulder you need to cry on, the reassuring smile you need to get back on your feet and the hug that makes everything okay, even when nothing is.
But here’s a little secret, one we realise only after we’ve become parents ourselves: what mums want most isn’t fancy.
It’s you.
Time with you. (Even when you’re moody, monosyllabic, or in peak eye-roll mode—although we’d prefer it if you didn’t.)
So, when Mother’s Day rolls around, sure, a fancy Dyson or spa day is nice—but what she secretly wants (and would like along with that Dyson!) is some good old-fashioned time with her babies.
Not the kind with diapers and pacifiers, but the kind where you sit down, look her in the eye, and remind her she’s still your person. Because in her heart, you’re still that squishy little bean who stared up at her at 3 a.m. with milk-drunk eyes.
So, this Mother’s Day, give her what really matters: your time, your attention, and a reminder that you still need her—because let’s be honest, you do.
Here are some of our favourite Mother’s Day activities to make it special.
Know your mama
The first rule for doing Mother’s Day right? Know your mama!
You have to know what Mum loves and then spoil her accordingly! Does she prefer a quiet spa day, or would she rather spend time hiking with her family?
Not sure how to treat Mum? Then go ahead and ask!
And if she’s not sure either, here are some Mother’s Day activities to find some inspiration:
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Things to do for Mother's Day: Activities she'll love
1. The no-brainer: Treat mum to a spa day
If anyone deserves a little “do not disturb” energy, it’s her.
Whether it’s a fancy spa with robes and cucumber water or just a DIY setup at home with candles, calming music, and you on towel duty, give her the gift of rest. Real, uninterrupted rest!
She’s spent years putting everyone else first—this is the day she gets to melt into a massage chair and remember what silence feels like.
2. Paint and sip class or wine and dine session
Take mum out where the vibes are high and the wine is flowing—because she’s not just a mum, she’s a fun mum.
A paint-and-sip class is perfect if she’s into creativity (or just wants to laugh at how badly you draw), and a cosy dinner out is ideal if her love language is good food and uninterrupted conversation.
3. Make candles together
Why not learn a new skill with Mum?
Skip the store-bought stuff and make something together, like your very own custom-scented candles.
You could book a local workshop or break out a DIY kit at the kitchen table, this activity is the perfect mix of hands-on fun and cosy bonding time.
Think of it as aromatherapy with a whole lot of mess-ups and oopsies!
Grandma, mum and the kids all leave with something beautiful! But more importantly, with a memory that smells like eucalyptus, vanilla, and love. It’s creative, calming, and just the kind of intentional quality family time a mother loves!
4. Get some fresh air
Sometimes the best gift is as simple as lacing up your shoes and heading out the door.
A nature walk, a casual hike, or even a slow stroll around the block can be surprisingly soul-filling, especially when it’s just the two of you, phones down, hearts open.
Sometimes the best gift is as simple as lacing up your shoes and heading out the door.
A nature walk, a casual hike, or even a slow stroll around the block can be surprisingly soul-filling, especially when it’s just the two of you, phones down, hearts open.
Pick a quiet trail, or explore a favourite park, or that tree-lined street she’s always loved. Let the conversation flow and the breeze do its thing!
5. Or send her on a Mother’s Day treasure hunt
If your mother likes a good challenge, why not plan a personalised treasure hunt and add some fun to the day!
Hide small presents, “coupons,” or cute notes and give her clues and puzzles to solve to find a heartwarming surprise at the end!
6. Mum’s got a green thumb?
Spend the day planting a new herb garden together, refreshing her flower beds, or picking out a few new leafy friends from the local nursery.
You’ll spend some quality time while also getting bonus points for showing up in gardening gloves and knowing the difference between a succulent and a weed.
And hey, even if you don’t know your basil from your begonias, she’ll love the time and the company.
7. Mother’s Day pottery class
Craft something from the heart, literally.
Sign up for a local or virtual pottery class and get your hands dirty (in the best way). Whether you’re learning to toss clay on the wheel or shape a wonky little mug by hand, it’s less about perfection and more about the best part: spending quality time together.
8. Mother’s Day pizza party with the whole family
Will Mum enjoy something with her family (yes, in-laws and all)? Then host a Mother’s Day-themed DIY pizza party at your house!
It’s practical and cute and won’t have Grandpa feeling left out!
9. Dog-friendly Mother’s Day activities
If Mum loves her fur baby more than her grown human baby, don’t take it personally – you had a good run!
But hey, if Mum loves him, so do you! With those puppy-dog eyes, how could you not?
That’s why this Mother’s Day, it only makes sense to make it a full-on family affair – paws, tails, and all. Picnic at her favourite park, or head over for lunch to a dog-friendly café.
10. Mother’s Day lunch or high tea
Another lovely way to spend Mother’s Day is to indulge in fluffy scones, dainty sandwiches, and a glass of bubbly.
If this sounds nice to Mum, surprise her with a Mother’s Day high tea or a special Mother’s Day lunch for a lovely high tea experience!
Invite aunts, grandma and all the mamas of the family so everyone can celebrate the mother figure in their life together. They can spend a relaxing day sipping hot tea in fancy china and eating some sweet treats in a garden café without worrying about the children!
How not to mess up
1. Plan ahead – but keep it chill
Mother’s Day is a hot ticket, so if you’ve got your eye on a popular brunch spot, pottery class, or scenic vineyard tour, book it early. Like ASAP!
But don’t turn the day into a military operation—leave room for spontaneity. A little breathing space lets the day unfold naturally (and keeps everyone sane).
2. Be thoughtful with your budget
You don’t have to drop big bucks to win big points. Seriously, Mum’s not keeping receipts. What she really wants is time, love, and maybe a cup of coffee that she didn’t make.
So set a budget that works for you, and wrap your day in intention, not debt.
3. Don’t make Mother’s Day activities about you
We get it – you’re busy, stressed, and probably overdue for a nap. But this is not the day to complain, reschedule, or give her a gift that suspiciously benefits you (looking at you, joint spa gift card).
Today, you step out of the spotlight, pick mother’s day activities that she’ll enjoy and and let her bask in the glory.
4. Spill the tea (with a side of afternoon tea)
Don’t just think about how amazing she is – tell her. Write it on a card, say it over coffee, shout it from the brunch table.
Mums are psychic about finding lost socks, not compliments. So give her the verbal with the herbal!
At the end of the day, the best gift might just be a good heart-to-heart, some piping hot tea (bonus points if it comes with gossip about the neighbour she never liked), and a simple, sincere thank you.
So sit down, pour the afternoon tea and remind her that she’s done an amazing job.
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