15 Quarantine Mother's Day Ideas to Make This Year's Holiday One to Remember
Full of fun activities that you and your mom can do together or apart.
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Mother's Day is an annual reminder to stop everything and shower your mom with the love she deserves. Given this year's unique circumstances, many of us are celebrating the holiday at home or even, away from the women — moms, grandmas, aunts, you name it — we love most. For that reason, some beloved Mother's Day activities like spa days and boozy brunches have been put on pause until next year. But remember, nothing can get in the way of you and your mom; it's simply a matter of being more creative with what you have.
In fact, the sentiment behind this year's holiday may be more meaningful than ever before, especially if you and your mom are celebrating together, apart. Wherever in the world you both may be, take a look at this list of quarantine Mother's Day ideas for inspiration on all the fun ways you can celebrate the special woman in your life while still keeping safe and healthy. If you're currently holed up in your own house away from your mom, we've included a few virtual activities (think: happy hours and game nights on Zoom) that you can enjoy together, no matter the distance.
Take a flower arranging class.
No one appreciates a flower bouquet quite like your mom. This year, turn this classic Mother's Day gift into a mother-daughter activity that she'll cherish for years to come. Sign up for a virtual flower arranging class, like this one from Alice's Table and 1-800-Flowers, and they'll send you all the materials you need to put together a stunning bouquet.
Plan a virtual game night.
Zoom fatigue may be real, but Mother's Day is the perfect time to hop on a video call with your whole family to celebrate your special lady. Make a night out of it by playing a bunch of virtual games, everything from Pictionary to 20 questions. Because laughter is truly the best Mother's Day gift of all.
Write special messages on her driveway.
Even if you can't go inside to celebrate, there's nothing holding you back from showering her with love (from a distance, of course). Ask your kids to lend a helping hand by using sidewalk chalk to draw rainbows, flowers, and write heartfelt messages to mom, grandma, or another woman worth celebrating.
Serve her breakfast in bed.
Start her day on the right note by showing up at her door with a tray full of pancakes, eggs, or any other brunch favorites. And if you can't be there IRL, order coffee and breakfast from her favorite local spot and have it delivered right when she wakes up.
Deck out her front door.
When you drop off her Mother's Day card and gift, take some extra time to dress up her door with a spring wreath. That way, she'll be surprised with a burst of cheer when she opens her door — and she can leave it up for the neighborhood to see all season long.
Check places off your bucket list (virtually).
Even if you can't hop on a plane and sightsee, you and your mom can still bask in the world's beauty with virtual tours of museums, gardens, mansions, and national parks. Take the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, for example: You can see the ins and outs of America's largest home, including their state-of-the-art gardens and landscaping.
Take an online cooking class.
With a virtual cooking class, you can get the whole family to pitch in for her Mother's Day brunch or dinner. Whether you're looking for a speciality class (cheese-making, for example) or want to cook an entire meal from scratch, Craftsy has you covered with more than 100 options, averaging $10 a class.
Watch a mother-daughter movie together.
If you're going to stay at home, you might as well cozy up on the couch and watch a movie marathon with your favorite lady. To celebrate the occasion, pick from a list of mother-daughter favorites, including Little Women, Steel Magnolias, and Wine Country.
Host a virtual happy hour.
Raise a glass to the woman who raised you — the virtual way. Once you sign on Zoom or the video conferencing app of your choice, raise a glass and cheers your mom.
Assemble a build-your-own-bagel spread.
Some moms prefer waking up to a fully-cooked breakfast. Others like the versatility that comes with grab-and-go breakfasts and family-style spreads. Think of her favorite breakfast food — bagels, pancakes, waffles, you name it — and assemble a party spread with all the fixins'.
Give her a mani-pedi.
Chances are that she's in desperate need of quality R&R. While you might not be able to give her the full spa experience at home, you can check a few things off her ever-growing list like manis and pedis. Grab a few nail polish options (or press-ons, if it's easier), and let her sit back and relax while you do the work.
Take a virtual dance class together.
Mom has always been your go-to dance partner. Now more than ever, you both need to tap into the joy that dancing brings. Take a virtual cardio dance class, or go for something more zen like a yoga or pilates class.
Picnic in your backyard.
Make dining at home more exciting by bringing the party outdoors. Set up a blanket, and cover it with plates full of picnic-ready snacks, or even take-out from her favorite local restaurants.
Learn a new craft or skill.
Mom has always been your biggest cheerleader, so now's the time to show her the same level of support. Think of a craft or project she's always wanted to try, and round up all the necessary supplies in time for Mother's Day. Then spend the day cheering each other on as you learn how to knit, paint, or whatever else you choose.
Cheers with a wine tasting.
Wine is always a good idea, especially on your mom's special day. Turn her favorite activity — drinking wine, obviously — into a memorable experience by creating a custom wine tasting with different varieties of reds, whites, and rosés. Best paired with cheese and crackers, of course.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
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