Let’s be honest. Coming up with simple, fun and inexpensive ways to celebrate Mother’s Day each year can be tough. When we’re young, it doesn’t matter what we do, but as adults, we feel the pressure to go big. We feel like simple and inexpensive doesn’t work unless there’s an element of excitement.

Why do we do this to ourselves? Mother’s Day is about showing our moms that we appreciate them. We appreciate what they’ve done for us as we’ve grown. It’s about spending time with someone we love, who loves us more than anyone else (besides our dads), and who just wants to be with us.

I think it’s safe to say we can let ourselves off the hook a little.

When Zach is an adult, I’m not going to expect extravagant plans, expensive gifts, or detailed activities. I’ll just want to spend some time with him in the midst of his busy life.

I’ll want to be reminded that I’m still important, loved, and appreciated, even though he has his own family. While I’ll always know that in my heart, it’ll be nice to have a day dedicated to it…even if it isn’t the whole day.

The best way to show him that a simple, inexpensive Mother’s Day is still fun and absolutely perfect, is to have him grow up seeing my example. I’ve always tended towards the simpler, more sentimental side with days like this, but now that I have little eyes watching, it’s even more important!

For all of you mamas out there that are looking for some great ideas on how to celebrate Mother’s day this year, either with your own mothers or with your children, never fear. I have 5 great ideas. They’ll cost very little, but be high in quality time and enjoyment.

5 Simple, fun and inexpensive ways to celebrate Mother’s Day

1. Buy and plant flowers This was our family tradition for several years. My parents always bought flowers in the Spring to plant and it sort of happened as a random idea one year to shop for flowers and plant. It turned out to be a great way to spend quality time together, enjoy the beautiful weather and celebrate mom by having her pick out her favorites for the yard.
2. Picnic and walk/hike If your mom isn’t the outdoorsy type, this may not be the best option for you. My sister and I did this one year and while it was fun, I don’t think it was her favorite way ever to celebrate Mother’s Day. It’s something I enjoy, but not my mom so much. The key here is to know your audience!
3. Shopping and lunch Mothers and daughters shop together a TON when girls are young. Then we grow up, move away, and buy our own clothing. Consider taking a walk down memory lane if shopping isn’t something you do with your mom much anymore. It’s a great way to spend some quality time and to chat and connect without any external distractions like siblings or your dad. Then stop at one of your mom’s favorite diners or cafes for lunch. Better yet, introduce her to a place you love that she’s never been to.
4. Rummaging/antiquing If bargain hunting, discovering antiques, and thrifting are the way to your mom’s heart, this is a sure winner. Find some local rummage sales, church sales, yard sales and get to it. Stop at a few local antique stores along the way. If mom finds something she loves, consider buying it for her or pitching in and helping her buy it if it’s an expensive item. She’ll always remember that day when she sees or uses it!
5. Get crafty! I love to celebrate special occasions with experiences. Getting crafty can be a great way to do this. If your mom, or you, currently have a hobby, consider trying to do it together. Have her teach you to crochet. Teach her how to photograph flowers at a garden or park. One thing I’ve always enjoyed every time we’ve done it is going to a pottery painting place. Pay a small fee, pick out what you want to paint, and then spend the day working on your pieces. As a bonus, you can paint something that you can later give to her!

An added bonus…

One great thing that these have in common it that they are perfect for creating traditions. One of the most difficult things I encounter when it comes to figuring out how to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s day is constantly having to find a new idea each year.

I always want what we do together to be meaningful, enjoyable for everyone involved, and memorable. That’s a really tough feat after 30 years of celebrating! It’s impossible to constantly come up with new ideas that fit all of my criteria for making it a special day.

If you’ve read my previous posts, you’ll know that I’m all about traditions. I love them. Thrive on them. Creating a Mother’s Day tradition is great because it succeeds in two things; you no longer have to come up with new ways to celebrate Mother’s Day and you create deeper lasting memories. That’s a win-win.

So if you try one of the ideas above and it’s a big hit, consider making it the way you celebrate Mother’s Day every year. It might become an activity you both look forward to each Spring! Additionally, each one can be even more special if grandkids come along and add to the fun!

Celebrate Mother’s Day with intention and love

The most important thing when choosing how to celebrate Mother’s Day is that it is done with intention and love. It’s all about showing our moms that we appreciate and love them.

It’s about spending quality time with them. We want to do this in a way that both of us will enjoy. Picnics, rummage sales, shopping, lunch, and crafts….they’re all just simple ways of achieving that goal. A great Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Just filled with love.

Each of these ideas is simple and can be very inexpensive. They each allow us to celebrate Mother’s Day, and our moms, by giving her a fun-filled day with one of her favorite people in the world…her baby.

What are some other simple, fun and inexpensive ways to celebrate Mother’s Day you’ve tried?

-To your Better Life-

Kira