“No one will ever love you like your mother loves you.” There is so much truth in this anonymous quote. (*Let’s be real, it was probably a mom who wrote it and wanted to stay anonymous rather than take all the credit, because that’s what a selfless mom would do.) Your mom has seen you at your best … and at your very worst, and she’s still your biggest fan. Now that is unconditional love.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a mom who is still here, and you’re fortunate enough to have a mom who deserves to be celebrated (and you don’t want to deal with the brunch scene and you’re not sure what to buy her at a store), here are a few thoughtful ideas to make her feel extra loved and appreciated this Mother’s Day:
Plan a Night In
You’re always so busy. Show your mom that she’s a priority in your life and plan a night in with movies, pizza, and wine. (It helps if you live in the same state.)
Go on a Winery Tour
Take a road trip and visit a Minnesota winery (or a few!). There are wine trails throughout Minnesota.
Take a Scenic Boat Tour
For a unique outing, treat your mom to “Paint and Sip,” “Wine and Chocolate Dinner Cruise,” “Mexican Fiesta,” or even the lively “Elvis Cruise” by booking a river ride through the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours.
Appreciate Art
It’s Family Day at Minneapolis Institute of Art on Mother’s Day this year (Family Day falls on the second Sunday of every month). From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., tour the museum, paint a tea cup, decorate a tea towel, play a wacky game of croquet (inspired by the Mad Hatter Tea Party in Alice in Wonderland), or try Native American or Somali tea. For more information, visit MIA Family Day Tea Time.
Sign up for a Cooking Class
Have fun in the kitchen (and maybe even learn a thing or two) by signing you and your mom up for a cooking class. Take a class at Kitchen in the Market (Psychic Supper, anyone?); Kitchen Window in Calhoun Square (Sushi Fundamentals!); or Cooks of Crocus Hill (in one class, you can hang out in the kitchen with award-winning food journalist Amy Thielen.) .
Attend the Pet Extravaganza
Does your mom regularly “oooh” and “ahhhh” over cute animals? Does she love her pet? Bring your mom and her pet to Bone Marché (next to the St. Louis Park Lunds & Byerlys) on Saturday, May 20 from noon – 4 p.m. The afternoon includes free pet photography and dock jumping (among other activities). For more information, visit Pet Extravaganza.
Get Tickets to a Show
We live in a state overflowing with talented people who have made a career out of entertaining us. Take your mom to an improv show, comedy club, or professional theater. Some of the best shows in Minneapolis can be found here: minneapolis-theater.com
Get Tickets to a Game
‘Tis the season for the excitement of open-air baseball at CHS and Target fields. (Baseball games aren’t just for Father’s Day.) chsfield.com • targetfield.com
Support Her Favorite Nonprofit
My sister-in-law’s mom is a huge advocate of Underdog Rescue, and they not only have a wish list of items they need/could use, but a special wine that benefits the organization. Support a cause close to her heart by making a donation, or even better, volunteer with her. After all, quality time together is the best gift you can give, right?
Happy Mother’s Day to all the hard-working moms out there! Thank you just isn’t enough. What you do day-in and day-out is appreciated more than you know.
