Wait—it’s Mother’s Day this weekend?
I’m too embarrassed to admit the number of times I’ve said this, but I’m guessing we’ve all done it at least once. Usually Amazon comes to the rescue, but with shipping delays caused by COVID-19, you may not be able to depend on them for 2020. Fortunately, even if you’ve left Mother’s Day prep to the last minute this year, there are still things you can do to make it special for your mom—even if you’re on a tight budget or celebrating from a distance.
Virtual & Social Distancing Mother’s Day Celebrations
Celebrating Mother’s Day from a distance this year? Try these virtual and social distancing ideas for creative ways you can celebrate even if you can’t get together in person.
Virtual Picnic
Set up a time with your mom to enjoy a meal over your favorite video call platform. Spread out a blanket in the yard and soak up the May sunshine while you eat and talk. Expecting rainy weather? That picnic blanket works just as well on the living room floor—or switch to breakfast, and make sure both of you call from your bed.
Virtual Movie Night
Does your mom have a favorite chick flick? (Or maybe not a chick flick—one of my mom’s all-time favorites is Jurassic Park—despite the fact that she covers her eyes for half of it.) There are several browser extensions available to download that will allow you both to watch a movie “together” from different locations, so pop that popcorn and enjoy the show.
Virtual Surprise Party
Set up a group video call with other family members and special friends, then call your mom in on it and have everyone wish her a happy Mother’s Day. You can keep it brief, or have people hang around to chat for a while. Either way, your mom will love that you’re thinking of her on this special day.
Door Decorations
Live in the same neighborhood but can’t get together because of social distancing? Cover her front door with love notes, paper hearts, and artwork from the kids. She’ll love her safe and socially distant surprise!
Dinner Delivery
Save your mom the hassle of meal prep by ordering dinner to be delivered from her favorite restaurant. Or, if you live close by, you can keep costs down by making her favorite food yourself and dropping it by with a note to say “I love you.”
Last-Minute DIY Mother’s Day Gifts
Maybe your mom’s love language is giving and receiving gifts. Try these simple DIY ideas for last-minute, inexpensive Mother’s Day presents.
Scented Sachets
With a few small fabric squares, needle and thread, ribbon, rice, clear nail polish, and a nice essential oil blend, you can create your own scented sachets in minutes. I always have a few of these tucked into my dresser drawers for a light floral scent on my clothes.
Phone Pillow Holder
Give your mom a hands-free tech experience with a cute handmade pillow holder for her cell phone. Try this easy to follow tutorial from Owlipop for a simple pattern that comes together in minutes. (One piece of fabric, all straight stitches—this is my kind of sewing project!)
Chocolate Strawberries
I never met a mom who didn’t like chocolate. Give her an extra fancy sweet treat by dipping fresh strawberries into melted chocolate (a bar of baking chocolate works best, but chocolate chips will do too.) You can even sprinkle your finished creations with white chocolate, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed cookies to make them especially decadent.
Mani Pedi
You can’t take your mom to the spa, but you can bring the experience to her. Light a few candles, break out the nail polish and lotion, and give her a manicure and/or pedicure yourself. Try a simple sugar scrub for an extra luxurious touch. (Just mix 1/2 cup brown or white sugar and 1/4 cup olive or coconut oil. Lovely stuff that leaves your skin feeling extra soft and moisturized.)
We All Scream for Ice Cream
Who could resist a tub of their favorite ice cream all to themselves? Not me—and definitely not my mom. If you’re really pressed for time or aren’t into DIY, pick up a carton of her favorite ice cream and decorate it with notes warning all other family members off. This is MOM’S ONLY!
I hope these 10 last-minute Mother’s Day ideas for 2020 gave you some inspiration for how to honor your mom this year. Wishing you and all the women in your life an amazing Mother’s Day!
