Here’s how to make her day magical
Moms make our lives amazing every day of the year, so when Mother's Day arrives, it's time we pay them back in a big way. The following 20 ideas are sure to make every mom feel like the Wonder Woman she really is.
Keep the kids busy while mom sleeps in
How often does Mom get the chance to sleep in as late as she'd like? Chances are, not often. Make her rest your priority on Mother's Day by getting up with the kids and keeping them occupied while she catches a few more winks.
Let the kids help you cook
Assuming your littles are old enough to stand and follow a few basic instructions, get them in the kitchen with you on Mother's Day. Not only will they feel a huge sense of pride that they contributed to making their mom's food, but any sloppy plating or off-tasting flavors can easily be blamed on them.
Surprise her with coffee in bed
Sure, you could do breakfast in bed, but what Mom really needs first thing in the morning is an amazing cup of steaming hot coffee. It wouldn't hurt to throw a few pretty flowers and a special gift on the coffee tray, either.
Reach out to your own mom
As a dad, it's easy to focus all your attention on the mother of your children and totally forget your own mom on Mother's Day. Make sure you do something special for the woman who gave you life by sending her a sweet card and a bouquet of her favorite flowers. Bonus points for phone calls and, if possible, a visit.
Give her a gift that’s meaningful
Chocolates are sweet and teddy bears are nice, but what about a gift that has real meaning? Whether it's a bracelet with charms representing each member of your family, or a sapling to plant in honor of the branches of your family tree, her Mother's Day gift should be both beautiful and symbolic.
Be her maid for the day
Seriously, don't let her lift a finger. She's probably changed more diapers, cleaned more dirty dishes, and washed and folded more piles of laundry than you could ever know. Give her the delight of doing all the housework for her on Mother's Day.
Invite her family over for a visit
Of course, before you extend them an invitation, make sure she actually wants her family over. If she does, make an effort to include them in her celebration. So often we fail to make time for our extended families, and Mother's Day is a great reason to change that.
Make the day extra beautiful
Dude, don't skimp on the decorations! It may require you to do a little Googling for inspiration, but you can DIY a fancy table setting, and put some effort into plating and serving to make her Mother's Day as beautiful as she is.
Spend quality time together
The cheapest, easiest (and possibly the most important) gift you can give the mother of your children is to spend time with her. Gather the kids and cuddle in bed, and let her soak up the warmth of knowing she had a hand in making the wonder that is your family.
Have the kids make handmade cards
Seriously, don't waste money buying cards. There is nothing a mom loves more than a thoughtful hand-drawn and scribbled card from her children. If they're too young to write, be their scribe and let them add a decorative touch. We promise you she'll treasure the personal touch more than anything.
Have the kids do something special for her
Whether your children want to sing or dance for their mother or do something even more magical, let them. Moms love seeing their little ones light up and express themselves—and if they're doing it just for her, even better.
Make her a relaxing goodie basket
It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive but by bringing together a few of her favorite relaxing items, you can transform her day. Think of easy-to-pack things like bubble bath, herbal tea, a face mask, a softly scented candle, some yummy chocolates and even a mini bottle of booze, if she enjoys the occasional drink. She'll think you're the most thoughtful dad ever.
Hand the camera to the kids
Children have a totally unique perspective in the world, and what better way to let them tap into that than by handing over the camera so they can take pictures? The images will likely be hilarious and could even serve as a framed collage gift for next Mother's Day.
Capture moments with her in front of the camera
Take a look at your family photos and ask yourself how often your wife is the one behind the camera? Don't let her miss out on having photographic memories of her own. Make an effort to capture her on film, especially sweet moments between her and the kids so she can treasure those moments for years to come.
Take a family picture
If your family hasn't gotten dressed up and photographed together in awhile, make that happen on Mother's Day. Not only are the kids likely to be better behaved (they don't want to ruin Mom's big day), but the photograph also will serve as a reminder of how much effort you put into making her day special.
Make the day fun
Play games! Go on a bike ride together. Tell jokes. Organize a scavenger hunt. Do something out of the ordinary to give her Mother's Day a moment of playfulness. The kids will love it, and so will she.
Take her somewhere special
Is there a place within one (or maybe two) hours of driving that she's always wanted to visit? Set up a mini excursion with the kids and surprise her by taking her there. You'll score big points with her if you remember to pack the car and all the kids' stuff beforehand.
Create traditions your kids will remember
Your children are looking to you to know how they're supposed to celebrate Mother's Day. Set a great example of love, togetherness and gratitude that your kids will carry with them the rest of their lives and one day re-create for their own families.
Keep the bubbles flowing
Champagne is synonymous with celebration. Have some of her favorite juices on hand to create sparkling drinks (ahem: Mimosa, anyone?) she'll enjoy sipping throughout the day. Even if she doesn't like alcohol, you can use ginger ale or sparkling cider to add a festive, bubbly touch to Mother's Day.
Tell her how much she means to you all
Sometimes being a mom can feel like a thankless job, but it's one mothers do out of love for and devotion to their families. Let her know that you see and are grateful for all that she's done and continues to do for you and your children. Knowing that she's appreciated will give her the stamina to keep giving her all to each of you, every single day.
