At the risk of sounding self-serving, Mother’s Day is just around the corner. This is one of those holidays that can be tough if our expectations don’t meet the reality. The commercials of breakfast in bed in a sunny, clean room while your children are smiling sweetly at you from the bedside are not exactly what most of us will experience on Mother’s Day.

If you want to celebrate with mom (or are a mom and want to give your family some ideas) I want to share some simple ways to celebrate Mother’s Day that won’t break the bank but will also leave you (or another mom in your life) feeling appreciated.

9 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day

1. Cook her something delicious
   Even if you’re not an experienced cook, our 12 Mother’s Day Recipe Ideas have options for all cooking levels, including the kids! Many moms spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so letting her be the one served is definitely a special treat.
2. Give her the day off
   The best gift is something someone can’t give themselves. Moms definitely can’t give themselves the day off! Let her spend the afternoon with a good book and a cup of coffee, or send her off alone with a Starbucks gift card if she values quiet alone time. Even if the kids don’t take a bath that night, letting her be free of the need to manage the house could be a great gift.
3. Have your kids make something for her
   Check out our list of kid-made Mother’s Day gifts and have your kids make something for her. Moms love anything their kids make, even those old-school necklaces made of macaroni noodles.
4. Make something for her yourself
   If your kids are too young or unable to make something, then you can make something for her. We have a list of Mother’s Day DIY Crafts that may get your inspiration flowing.
5. Let her sleep in
   Even if all of your kids are well past the stage where they’re getting up all night, no mom will turn down a few extra hours of sleep!
6. Make a frugal but special Mother’s Day gift basket
   The dollar store is a great place to go to make a Mother’s Day gift basket. You can include other items in the basket as well—look at our list of Mother’s Day Gift Basket ideas!
   
7. Buy her a meaningful Mother’s Day gift
   If you’ve got time, you can look at our 10 Top Mother’s Day Gift Ideas. If it’s the night before, check out our Last minute Gift Guide.
8. Let her choose a family activity
   Moms always go along with what everybody wants to do, so for Mother’s Day, let her decide. Maybe mom has always wanted to go a nearby nature reserve as a family, or maybe she really wants to spend the day at the botanical garden instead of just at the zoo. Give her the gift of making her wishes known and enjoy time together as a family!
9. Make a memory jar
   I love this idea (hint, hint, husband!). Sit down with your kids and have them write or dictate to you their favorite memories of mom. Put them all in a Mason jar and tie a colorful ribbon around it. Any mom will love seeing the ways she has impacted her kids and what they remember.