By Julia Train
Sunday, May 11 is Mother’s Day. The holiday is a chance to show genuine appreciation for the woman who’s your biggest supporter. Whether you’re spending the day together or showing love from afar, here are ten thoughtful ways to celebrate mom and make her feel extra special.
1. Take her to or host brunch
Take her out to a brunch at a country club, like Harbor Pines, or curate a cozy brunch just for her at home. Create a menu based on her favorite dishes! Think fluffy pancakes, avocado toast or a custom omelet station. Add fresh flowers, her favorite coffee or mimosa and a playlist of songs she loves.
2. Create a ‘Reasons I Love You’ jar
This simple DIY gift comes straight from the heart and is wonderful to give to any loved one.
Fill a jar with notes listing the reasons you love her: sweet memories, lessons she’s taught you or any quirky aspects you adore about her. For an extra special touch, get family members to contribute their notes too. She can pull one out whenever she needs a pick-me-up.
3. Book a spa day (or create one at home)
Treat her to a relaxing massage, facial or mani-pedi. If appointments are hard to come by, set up a spa at home with candles, soothing music, essential oils and a few DIY treatments. Let her unwind without lifting a finger.
4. Make a scrapbook
Feeling nostalgic? Create a scrapbook! Gather old photos, mementos and meaningful quotes that chronicles your life together.
5. Send a thoughtful subscription box
Not able to physically be there for Mother’s Day? Send her a gift that keeps giving. Whether it’s a monthly book club, gourmet snacks, skincare products or tea blends, a curated subscription box with something she enjoys will keep mom feeling loved long after the holiday is over.
6. Cook a family recipe together
Revisit a traditional family recipe or learn one from mom’s heritage. Cooking together is bonding, and often there are stories tied to the special dish, which she’ll love sharing. Don’t forget to write it down and pass it on — it’s a gift that becomes a legacy.
7. Organize a family game night
If your mom enjoys a little fun and competition, plan a family game night. Board games, trivia or even a homemade quiz about “Mom” can spark laughter and create bonding time for the family.
8. Plant together
Gardening is a peaceful, fulfilling activity you can do with mom and spring offers a plethora of options! A potted plant, herb garden or a few flowers in the backyard can be a lasting reminder of your love.
9. Give her a ‘day off’ package
Throughout our life, mom is the one who does everything for the family. She cooks, cleans and tackles the grocery shopping. Sometimes, the best gift is a break. Surprise her with a day where she doesn’t have to lift a finger by doing the chores, preparing the meals and handling the errands.
10. Family fun on the boardwalk
Spend a day on the boardwalk with mom. Shop, get some classic boardwalk treats and visit the rides! Steel Pier in Atlantic City and Playland’s Castaway Cove in Ocean City allow moms to ride for free on Sunday, May 11.
No matter how big or small your gesture, the key to a memorable Mother’s Day is thoughtfulness and love. Celebrate her in a way that feels personal, sincere and true to the relationship you share.
Julia is a recent Rider University graduate, where she studied multiplatform journalism and social media strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, photography and the beach. She can be reached at juliatrainmedia@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
