Budget-friendly ways for Dad and the kids to celebrate Mom on Mother’s Day

KEY TAKEAWAYS

✔ Mothers deserve to be celebrated this Mother’s Day.

✔ There are many ways to show love that don’t come with a high cost.

✔ Treat her to some alone time, the entire day off or get crafty— create family
activities and spend time together.

This Mother’s Day you don’t need to spend a lot to show her how much she means to you. Whether you’re a partner planning with the kids, or a grown up and want to do something for Mom, we’ve got ideas that will make her feel special without breaking the bank.

Here are 7 budget-friendly ways to make Mother's Day special:

Do-it-yourself

There are a few ideas that can give Mom a break from the day-to-day grind and put more life in the work/life balance.

Breakfast in bed: If you live together, partners and kids can get up early and make one of her favourite morning treats. Maybe that’s cinnamon toast (easy for kids to make), pancakes or Eggs Benedict if you’re handy in the kitchen. Bring her a tray with a handmade card, and some fresh flowers along with breakfast. First, let her sleep in, and don’t leave a mess in the kitchen for her to clean up!

Create an appreciation book: You can either buy a simple scrapbook at the dollar store or make your own ‘book’ with either construction paper and a stapler, or plain paper and a hole punch and ribbon to bind the pages together. Title it “The 10 Things We Love About Our Mom” and devote each page to one of the things you appreciate about her. Decorate it so it makes for a lovely keepsake that Mom will treasure for years. 

Do things around the house: Moms tend to do too much. Why not take over some of the chores most often left for Mom or cross something off her to-do list? That might mean doing the laundry, cleaning up the yard, or a full house clean. Even very young children can participate in some of these jobs.

Give her some alone time

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for Mom is to give her time to herself.

Take the kids out for the afternoon: Tell Mom that she has the house to herself to do (or not do) whatever she wants, while someone else takes the kids to the park for a few hours or some other activity that’s out of the house.
Give her a spa bath: Fill up the bathtub with Mom’s favourite bath oil or bath salts (or surprise her with a gift of new ones!). Light some candles and, if she likes, play some soothing music. Offer her a cup of tea or glass of wine and then CLOSE the door. No partners or kids are allowed to disturb Mom for as long as she wants to soak in her little oasis. For an extra treat, when she’s finished her bath, bring her a fluffy towel and/or bathrobe that’s been tossed in the dryer for a few minutes, so they’re cozy and warm!

Take part in activities together

Holidays are all about appreciating one another and spending time with those we love. Pick activities that Mom will love and that you will have fun doing as a family. Every family is different but here are a few ideas.

Cook or bake together: There’s a reason why the kitchen is the heart of the home – it’s where we spend a lot of our quality time together. Why not spend the afternoon baking cookies or making a wonderful dinner for everyone to enjoy? Make sure Mom doesn’t need to do the shopping or clean up after her special day!
Enjoy the outdoors together: The springtime in Canada is magical and after a dreary winter, a family outdoor trip is a wonderful way to welcome spring. The family could go for a long walk, plan a picnic, fly a kite, or visit an outdoor garden centre – whatever strikes your fancy and whatever you know Mom would like!

Gift her flowers: There’s no need to spend a lot of money buying a big bouquet of flowers. Instead, find out what Mom’s favourite perennial flower is and buy some bulbs. Once the weather warms up you can plant them together or plant them yourself. Every year they’ll bloom and remind you both how much you mean to each other. 

This Mother’s Day, partners and children can make Mom feel special by splurging on effort instead of cash. Showing how much you love someone doesn’t need to cost money – it just takes a little imagination and planning!

Use the card below!