We know this isn’t how you and Mom planned on spending Mother’s Day, but being quarantined doesn’t mean you can’t spend quality time together, even if that means picking up the phone or opening up the laptop to FaceTime.
If you’re not sure how to celebrate Mom this year, consider these ways to brighten her day.
Surprise lunch or dinner date
Send Mom a meal (and a drink!) from her favorite local restaurant through any of your food delivery apps, then FaceTime her when it arrives. Set aside enough time to catch up, just like you would in real life. And don’t forget dessert!
Make art together
If your mom’s crafty and already has paints or scrapbooking materials at home, set aside an hour to work on a project with her while you FaceTime or Zoom. Since this will require some coordinating, make sure to arrange your art session ahead of time and create a crafting plan. Make a photo album, a watercolor painting or, if supplies are low, a collage from old magazines. The possibilities are endless.
Socially distanced picnic in the park
If everyone has been quarantining and you feel comfortable spending time IRL with Mom, now’s the time to make a meal from scratch and enjoy it over a sunny picnic in the park. Finger foods like club sandwiches or a grilled cheese are easy and packable—or opt for a cold soba noodle dish with a side salad. Bring some orange juice and a small bottle of sparking line for on-the-go mimosas, find the shadiest tree and set up a blanket.
Houseparty game night
Houseparty is similar to Zoom and FaceTime, but the app differs in its ability to have up to eight callers at a time—plus, there are built-in games you can play during a chat. Tell Mom to download the app, then invite the whole family for game night (and if Mom’s a sore loser, maybe let her win).
Netflix party
The Chrome browser extension enables you and your friends to watch movies on Netflix at the same time, in the comfort of your own home. Have Mom download the extension, then queue up her favorite movie (as long as it’s on Netflix). You can even chat while the movie is playing. Don’t forget the popcorn.
Mother’s day car parade
You’ve probably already seen this idea online. Get the family in on the surprise, and have everyone drive separately in front of Mom’s house, giving Mom her own personal parade. Bonus points if you decorate your car, blast her favorite music and drop off a cake and balloons.
Deliver some edibles
We’re all adults here, and regular chocolate is just too easy. Nothing says Happy Mother’s Day in quarantine better than a THC-loaded chocolate bar. Just make sure she knows what it is … and not to eat the whole thing in one sitting.
