AD | Collaborative post
Mother’s Day is such a special date in the family calendar. It’s a chance to pause the usual rush of school runs, work deadlines and laundry piles, and focus on celebrating Mum and everything she does. The beauty of Mother’s Day is that it doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive; you can make it thoughtful and, spend time together and make Mum feel appreciated.
If you’re planning to celebrate with little ones involved, here are five meaningful ways to spend Mother’s Day with the kids.
1. A Proper Breakfast in Bed (made by the kids)
Growing up, I always remember trying to make the best breakfast in bed for special occasions. However, it doesn’t need to look like a hotel spread though and in fact, the slightly wonky toast is part of the charm when children are involved.
To make things a bit easier, you could start by planning the menu with the kids the day before. Keep it simple: toast or croissants, a bowl of fresh fruit, yoghurt, or even her favourite cereal presented in a “fancy” way. Older children can help with scrambled eggs or pancakes, while younger ones can wash fruit or arrange items on the tray. Let them make a handmade card to place alongside the plate to add that extra personal touch.
To make it feel extra special, add a small flower in a jar, a napkin folded neatly, or her favourite morning drink just the way she likes it. Encourage the kids to deliver it together with a big “Happy Mother’s Day!” and a cuddle.
2. Get Outdoors Together
Mixing fresh air and family time is a wonderful combination, especially in early spring. The weather can be interesting in March though so be sure to wrap up warm, pop on wellies if needed, and head out for a family walk.
You could visit a local park, woodland trail, beach or even just explore your neighbourhood with fresh eyes. To keep children engaged, turn it into a mini adventure. Create a simple scavenger hunt: find something yellow, spot a bird, collect an interesting leaf, count how many dogs you see.
If you’re looking to keep costs down you could take a flask of tea or hot chocolate and stop for a break along the way. Sitting together on a bench sharing snacks can feel surprisingly special when there’s no rush to be anywhere else.
3. Create Something Together at Home
Mother’s Day crafts are a classic for a reason. Handmade gifts from the kids are heartfelt, personal and often become keepsakes that Mum will hold onto for years.
Set aside a couple of hours for a relaxed craft session. Cover the table, get out the paints, glue and coloured paper, and let creativity take over. You could make:
- Handprint or footprint art turned into flowers or butterflies
- A “Reasons We Love Mum” poster filled with funny and sweet comments
- A decorated photo frame with a favourite family picture
- A homemade coupon book offering hugs, help with chores or film-night choices
If you have older children, you could even bake together and decorate cupcakes with a Mother’s Day theme. Nothing has to be perfect though, and often it’s the fun of making something that’s the most important.
4. Choose a Thoughtful Gift She’ll Truly Enjoy
While time together is priceless, many families also like to give a small gift to mark the occasion. Involving the kids in choosing it makes it even more meaningful.
A beautiful option is selecting perfume for her. Fragrance is such a personal and thoughtful gift so every time she wears it, she’ll be reminded of that particular Mother’s Day. All children can get involved here too. Older children can help choose a scent based on what she already loves, while younger ones can focus on wrapping it or adding a handwritten tag.
You could pair the gift with a little note from each child, sharing something they love about her. Even simple words like “Thank you for reading me bedtime stories” or “I love when you play football with me” can mean the world.
If perfume isn’t her thing, the same principle applies to any thoughtful present though and the key is involving the children and explaining why you’re choosing it.
5. A Relaxing Afternoon Just for Mum
Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to slow things down and create a calm, cosy atmosphere at home. Turn part of the day into a mini retreat.
Start by tidying up the living space together so Mum doesn’t feel surrounded by clutter. Light a candle, put on soft music and bring out blankets and cushions. You could prepare a simple afternoon tea at home with sandwiches, scones or shop-bought treats arranged nicely on plates.
Then give Mum some genuine time off. That might mean running a bath while the kids entertain themselves with a film, or taking them out to the park so she can read in peace. I know I would really appreciate an hour in a hot bubble bath with no interriuptions.
You could even create a “pamper station” where the kids help apply a face mask (with supervision!), paint her nails, or brush her hair gently. It becomes a sweet bonding moment while also giving her that sense of being looked after.
Making Mother’s Day Meaningful
However you choose to spend it, Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be picture-perfect. It’s about appreciation, laughter, and the small gestures that show love. Whether it’s breakfast in bed, a countryside walk, handmade crafts or choosing thoughtful perfume for her, the memories created with the kids are what truly last.