Mother’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate those women who love us best of all. Many of us aren’t able to be with each other right now, and the longer we spend apart, the more we realize that’s what we really want this year.

Whether you’re celebrating your own mom/step-mom/bonus mom/aunt/grandmother, a friend who is a first-time mama, or a sibling who shows up for her kids every day, we all have to be a bit more creative this year. It’s lovely to be able to spoil these women with thoughtful gifts, lavish lunches, or days at the spa, but it’s equally as important to let them know just how much they’re loved and appreciated.

Regardless of your circumstances this year, I hope you’re able to find a way to celebrate the moms in your life. And if you’re not quite sure how to do that, this list will help. I’m not a professional shopper or curator of beautiful things, but I love giving creative, thoughtful gifts. I’ve included ideas for all timelines, budgets, distances, and interests. You’re guaranteed to find at least one idea that will bring a smile.

1. I Love You Because…

Take a few minutes and come up with a list of ways to finish this sentence. Think about the big things and the little things that have had an impact on you. Share your thoughts in a video, in photos, in an email or card, or even use the pages of an empty journal. This also works well as a family project, so feel free to invite children, siblings, or partners to join you.

I’ve given this as a gift to family and friends in the past, and I always like to start with the following quote:

If I had one gift that I could give you, my friend, it would be the ability to see yourself as others see you, because only then would you know how extremely special you are.

B.A. Billingsly

2. Take advantage of local delivery

Many businesses are offering curbside delivery or contactless pickup to their customers right now. Even if you’re not living in the same town, city, province, or country as the mom you’d like to celebrate, arrange to have some of her favourite things delivered right to her door (or pretty close!). Find out if her local restaurant is doing take-out or delivery, and order brunch. Send a bunch of flowers to brighten her day. Set up a delivery from a local vineyard, farmer’s market, or brewery.

3. Set up a themed video call

Send an invitation for video call with a twist…dress in your best for high tea, bring out your inner child with a princess party, or get creative and dress as your favourite TV or movie character. Putting a little extra effort into your regular video chat can go a long way. There are plenty of options to video chat right now, and many are offering free services.

4. Send an e-gift card

Many local businesses and bigger chains are offering online gift cards. Purchase a gift card online and have it delivered directly to her inbox. Think outside the box – consider things she might like to do as well as things she might like to have. In the future, she can treat herself to a day at the spa, a lunch date with a friend, a yoga class, a massage, or a winery tour. Or she can pick up that brand new book she’s been waiting for, get started on that DIY project, or splurge on a new bag.

If she’s a mama desperate for sleep, there’s a gift card for that too! I offer personalized gift cards in any amount, and you can choose to have them sent to your inbox or directly to her.

5. Watch a movie together

Right now, it’s the simple things that mean the most. Carve out a couple of hours for both of you to watch a favourite movie together. Choose a movie you can rent, buy, or watch online, and send her an invite in advance. Make sure to tell her to choose some yummy snacks, and curl up “together” to watch your movie. Chat with each other throughout on video or arrange for an intermission call partway through.

6. Take a class together online

There are so many classes online right now, you’re bound to find one she would enjoy. Many businesses are offering complimentary or deeply discounted classes, which makes this an affordable option. There’s something for everyone – cooking, yoga, painting, crafting, and building. We celebrated my mom’s birthday last month with an online paint class from Estelle Thomson Art and Yoga and it was a wonderful way to be together when we were apart.

7. The classics

Organize a sleep-in, breakfast in bed, her favourite dinner, handmade cards and gifts, or a few hours to herself in the day to do whatever she wants (or nothing at all)!

8. Virtual happy hour

Invite her to a virtual happy hour. Decide upon your drinks in advance using ingredients you both have on hand. To take it up a notch, dust off the champagne flutes and put on your party dresses. Arrange to have some hors d’oeuvres delivered from a local restaurant or create something delicious with what you have in the fridge. Even though you aren’t able to be together in person, toast her on this special day.

9. Make a photo book

Moms tend to be excellent picture takers, but don’t always manage to get their pictures into print. Create a photo book filled with some of her favourite people and memories and have it delivered right to her door. My personal favourite is Chatbooks – I love their ongoing series that ship automatically, but they have options for every kind of photo book. If you’re short on time, print out a favourite picture and use an existing frame, or create a slideshow to send to her.

10. Send a personalized gift box

There are some incredible small business who offer curated gift boxes for Mother’s Day (or any other occasion!). Many also offer an option to customize your own gift box for mom. Boxes ship directly to the recipient, and you’re able to choose from a collection of unique, handmade items from local makers. Some of my faves are The NB Box, The Nova Box, and Black Bow Gift Co.

These are extraordinary times, and moms are doing incredible things every single day, at home and out in the world. No matter how far apart you may be, find a way to celebrate together this Mother’s Day.

How to Celebrate Mother's Day Together When You Have to be Apart