A Guide To Mothers Day

This year, I’m determined to give my mom the perfect Mother’s Day. I know it’s not until May 13, but I can’t count the number of years I’ve scrolled through Snapchat the day before and panicked. It happens to the best of us — BuzzFeed stories pop up about “Last Minute Gift Ideas” and you realize you have almost no time left to book that fancy reservation or get that perfect gift.

After all my mom has done for me — from making me dinner to being my travel partner — she deserves much more than a guilty compensation hug and a lame “Happy Mother’s Day” card made from a piece of computer paper, adorned with poorly drawn flowers and sloppy handwriting. I’m sure your mom does too.

So stop what you’re doing, take 20 minutes out of your day, and take advantage of these Mother’s Day ideas before the day creeps up on you.

Activities

Spa Day

Many moms become chauffeurs, carting minivan loads of kids to and from soccer practice or karate, and with so much time dedicated to others, it may be hard to find time to kick back and relax. For Mother’s Day, treat her like the queen she is with a day of pampering.

You don’t have to fork over hundreds to send her to a luxury spa. Sephora and Target are my go-to’s for picking up the necessities like nail polish and masks so you and your mom can DIY treatments that don’t require much time or money.

My favorite spa day essential is the charcoal face mask from Boscia, available at most beauty stores for $35. This shiny black mask clears blemishes and illuminates the skin. Bonus points if you can somehow convince your mom to take a selfie with a face full of black goo.  

If the idea of a sticky face mask makes your mom shudder, treat her to a massage instead. However, if your version of massaging is comparative to playing the bongos on her back, make sure to book her a professional massage in advance — Harmony Massage with Carolyn Smith is my mom’s favorite because of it’s soothing environment and is only around $70 an hour.

Whether you try your hand at a massage or let the trained professionals do their work, I’m sure your mom will love a break from the busyness of life.

Brunch

Nothing says Mother’s Day more than Sunday morning brunch with your family. For an Instagram-worthy meal and a gorgeous family photo, Chez Elle is the way to go.

I love the theme of this French coffeehouse and creperie almost as much as their candied strawberries. They offer over 25 different types of crepes for around $8 each, including my favorite, the berry-filled Patriote, which is topped with cream and raspberry sauce.

After all the years our moms have cooked for us, they definitely deserve something as tasty as these crepes.

As for the typical family picture, the bright red umbrellas and cursive chalkboard menu create a perfect backdrop for your mom’s next Facebook cover photo.

Family Hike

Kansas is no Colorado when it comes to outdoor activities, but don’t let the lack of hiking trails or snow-topped mountains keep you inside. If your mom is anything like mine, she absolutely loves to go for walks, especially with the whole family.

There are lots of great hiking paths and parks around KC, like the looping Loose Park trail which goes around the beautiful green trees and classic fountains for a little over a mile. For those of you who aren’t big fans of difficult hikes, this one is perfect for you, trust me, it’s an easy trek. This breath of fresh air could work perfectly for a family outing, especially since it will be getting warmer out (hopefully).

Gifts

($12.95) Mom boss mug 

Sometimes we forget to remind our mom that she’s killing it. So why not get a mug that can remind her every day while she drinks her morning coffee?

($7.95) “Omg my mother was right every time” towel 

Even if you don’t think your mom is right every time, she definitely is. Give her this towel to show her your appreciation (even if you still don’t agree with her). I guarantee the look on your mom’s amused face if she pulled this out of a gift bag would be priceless. Let me tell you, she’d laugh everytime she sees it, reminding herself of the smile you try to hide every time she says “I told you so.”

($31.95+) Birthstone bracelet 

If your mom is more of a sentimental type, a personalized bracelet with her kids’ birthstones is the perfect gift and accessory. Plus she’ll think of you every time she puts it on.

($-$$$) Take her on a shopping trip to pick out an outfit

I’ve got to admit, shopping for my mom is pretty difficult if she’s not with me – she’s quite the picky type. Even if she does take my fashion advice every once in a while, she likes to stick to her own style and is specific with what she likes to wear. Taking her to the Plaza or to the mall to pick out an outfit is definitely the best way to make sure she gets something she’d actually wear.

Bonus: this gift doubles as an activity that the whole family can go in on. Besides, who wouldn’t love to see their mom’s face light up as she struts out of the changing room just how she did in the ‘80s.