While giving a thoughtful present is a great way to show your love, there’s nothing quite like the gift of creating memories. Spend this Mother’s Day having fun, getting healthy and bonding with the important women in your life. Whether it’s your mom, grandmother or mother-in-law, there are many ways to celebrate this important day.
Our health and wellness experts at The Leaf have put together a list of 10 unique activities that promote well-being, happiness and just having a plain old a good time. We know you don’t want to show up to mom’s house empty handed, so we’ve also included thoughtful gift ideas and some delicious and healthy holiday recipes to go with each creative adventure. Your mother will love the fact that you’re spending valuable time with her and she will surely appreciate your loving efforts!
Celebrate Mother’s Day the healthy way with these 10 activities and gift ideas:
1. Life is a Picnic
Bring to life some healthy picnic ideas at the park! Put together a meal that’s complete with the works. Fill up a basket with some yummy and healthy picnic foods, snacks, sandwiches and beverages and grab a comfy quilt to sit on. Don’t forget to pack plates, napkins, utensils and bug spray! Find a nice spot under the shade and enjoy the springtime breeze combined with great conversation and quality time.
The Leaf Gift Idea: Surprise mom with these healthy, homemade snacks and desserts that are portable, picnic-ready and delicious. Check out the recipe ideas below for some tasty wellness inspiration!
2. Move with Mom
If your mom is into fitness, schedule a fun total body workout class that you can take together. Group workouts are a fun way to strengthen your bodies and relationships. Break a sweat and have fun at a power yoga class, spin class, Zumba or aerobics. Dancing is another great low impact activity that many mothers enjoy. You could head to a community line dancing class and learn something new while you create memories.
The Leaf Gift Idea: Gift your fitness-loving mom a new colorful yoga mat, reusable water bottle or a new set of dumbbells. Get inspired by our list of Must-Have Fitness Gear! >
3. Spoil Her Shopping
Take a trip to the mall and shop ’til you drop! In addition to spoiling your mom with some new stuff, you’ll both get exercise as mall walkers, trekking from store to store. Make the day all about mom and let her choose where she wants to shop. If you’re not the best at picking out gifts, this will allow her to choose exactly what she wants.
The Leaf Gift Idea: Let mom explore the mall and pick out a new purse, piece of jewelry or outfit. You could also treat her to a gift card to her favorite store.
4. Munch on Brunch
Is it even Mother’s Day if brunch isn’t involved? Hit the road and head to mom’s favorite restaurant to grab a bite to eat. Just make sure to check out our Breakfast Dining Out Guide before you order! If your mom’s feeling lazy (she’s allowed, it’s her day!), treat her to a healthy breakfast in bed. The Leaf Weight Loss Blog is filled with healthy breakfast ideas that are worthy of a fancy brunch. She will love our recipes for Loaded Omelet Muffins, Cauliflower Breakfast Hash and Churro French Toast Rollups.
The Leaf Gift Idea: While she’s digging into her breakfast in bed, give mom the gift of comfort with a new weighted blanket. According to Healthline, weighted blankets may help to relieve stress, pain and insomnia.
5. Get to Work
Now is the perfect time to complete all of those projects your mother has been asking about! Do her spring cleaning by scrubbing the bathroom, washing the windows and organizing the pantry. Paint that old bathroom she’s been wanting to redo and fill the house with fresh flowers. Speaking of flowers, plant some new ones in her garden and get the yard ready for spring. You can also help mom plant some healthy vegetables and herbs in the backyard or indoors in pots.
Learn more about the surprising benefits of gardening and exercise your green thumb with mom this Mother’s Day. You can also try other outdoor activities for a fun and productive home workout: Mow the lawn, rake the leaves and finish any other tasks she needs done. You’ll get a good total body workout and mom will be happy with her freshly cleaned home!
The Leaf Gift Idea: If she’s got a green thumb, treat mom to some new stylish gardening equipment for tending flowers and vegetables.
6. Tea Time
Catch up with mom over a cup of hot tea. Head to a local teahouse and sip on some chai with biscuits or grab grandma’s favorite antique teapot and brew your own at home. In addition to enjoying a tasty beverage, tea provides many health benefits. According to Medical News Today, green tea has been shown to decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Learn more about why you and mom should drink green tea this Mother’s Day! >
The Leaf Gift Idea: A new tea set with a beautiful design is the perfect gift for a tea-loving mom. She’ll be brewing up her own healthy tea at home and inviting you over for weekly tea time.
7. Farmer’s Market Fun
Pick up mom and head to the local farmer’s market! Treat her to some of her favorite items and get some exercise as you walk around shopping. Let her pick out some new fresh flowers for the garden or porch. Fill up a basket of fresh, local produce for her weekly meal planning. Keep your eye out for other unique, locally made goodies and crafts like candles, wreaths and other seasonal décor. Find out how to know what produce is in season this spring! >
The Leaf Gift Idea: Before you get to shopping, gift mom a new shopping tote bag to fill with her farmer’s market finds! While you’re there, buy her favorite flowers, fruit and anything else she shows interest in.
8. Self-Care Sunday
Don’t underestimate the importance of self-care. Drop mom off at the spa for a Mother’s Day filled with massages, facials and relaxation. Take her to the salon to get her hair done, followed by a mani-pedi. She will love getting pampered and spending time with you.
The Leaf Gift Idea: Create a self-care gift basket filled with face masks, soaps, essential oils, candles, a new book and a plush bath robe with matching slippers.
9. Explore the Great Outdoors
Take advantage of the springtime weather with a fun hiking workout, walk at the park or bike ride. You could even head to a local botanical garden or arboretum to gaze at the beautiful flowers and trees. Get active and create memories with an outdoor adventure that you both enjoy.
The Leaf Gift Idea: Help mom stay active with a new activity tracker! This will allow her to track her steps and activity with an easy-to-use tool that promotes health.
10. Dinner Date
Cook a healthy meal together and enjoy some quality time this Mother’s Day. Try some of these easy, healthy and delicious dinner recipes with mom! > If you both aren’t in the mood to cook, head out on the town and dine out at your mom’s favorite restaurant. Check out our Dining Out Guide to ensure you make a healthy choice and don’t forget to pick up the check at the end of the night!
The Leaf Gift Idea: If your mother loves to cook, treat her to that new cooking appliance that she has been eyeing. Maybe she wants to try out an air fryer or whip up quick and easy meals in an Instant Pot. She will love the gesture and new addition to her healthy kitchen.
