What should I do for Mothers Day 2022?

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Westend61

Mother's Day 2022 falls on Sunday, May 8. If you don't already have this day circled on your calendar, do it now. (We'll wait.) Planning the perfect day takes time—and you definitely don't want to risk waiting until the last minute when you may not be able to secure a reservation for the activity of your choice.

We don't need to tell you why you should celebrate mom, but we can help you make the day a little more special for her. And no, we're not talking about store-bought gifts. (Although a thoughtful present or a little pampering paired with a homemade card is never a bad idea.) We're referring to the gift of your time—activities you can do together. After all, studies suggest that sharing experiences can foster stronger bonds than exchanging material items.

You could host a small family party for Mother's Day, but there are tons of other options, too—even if you live on opposite coasts and are looking for virtual ideas you can both enjoy from your respective locales. You don't even have to spend any money if you opt for an activity like hiking or volunteering. Either way, if you try out one of these Mother's Day activities, it's bound to be a holiday she won't soon forget.

1 of 45

Write Her a Letter

Go beyond your standard Mother's Day card, and pen mom a heartfelt letter. Include sentiments like why you're grateful for her or retell one of your favorite shared memories.

SHOP STATIONARY

2 of 45

Take a Family Hike

Mom is a busy lady with a to-do list a mile long. A Mother's Day hike can help ease any stress she may be feeling—research suggests nature walks can mitigate the negative effects of stress.

SHOP WALKING SHOES

3 of 45

Start a Mother-Daughter Book Club

Gather all of your besties and their moms for a special mother-daughter book club. Each month, let one duo make the selection, then "meet" for monthly summaries and sips.

BROWSE BOOKS

5 of 45

Check Out the Zoo

Take a leisurely stroll with mom through a local zoo to celebrate the day. Or turn this idea into a bigger day trip and head to the nearest city zoo, where you can see all kinds of exotic animals from around the world.

6 of 45

Or Visit an Aquarium

If mom's more of a beach gal, she'll love the idea of the aquarium, where she'll get up close and personal with the creatures that live under the sea.

7 of 45

Book Her a Massage

Sixty minutes of pure solitude–that sounds right up her alley. And, there are plenty of spa services that will come to your home for an at-home experience.

SHOP GIFT CARDS

8 of 45

Go Camping

Celebrate mom by spending a magical night under the stars with a roaring campfire by your side. There's no better way for the family to bond—there no distractions: It's just your crew and Mother Nature.

10 of 45

Hit the Farmers' Market

Grab some coffee, and head out on an early morning field trip to the farmers' market together. Then, let her relax while you cook the whole family a farm-fresh meal.

11 of 45

Visit a U-Pick Farm

Many farms offer hay rides that take you to vast fields where you can pick produce to your heart's content. At these locales, you may even find barnyard animals, bountiful farm stands, and other family fun like pony rides—all options that mom will love.

12 of 45

Take a Flower-Arranging Class

13 of 45

Try Paddleboard Yoga

A far cry from your standard yoga class, but perfect for the newly warm weather. If you're already a pro, many local lakes rent paddleboards. Otherwise, you can find classes through outdoor stores like REI.

FIND OUTDOOR CLASSES

14 of 45

Sign Up for Paint Night

Studies show that we release oxytocin—the "happiness hormone"—during activities like paint-and-sip. There are plenty of places in all corners of the country, but there are also online classes that ship everything you need—canvas, paint, and more—right to your doorstep, plus provide fun extras like music and entertainment.

ATTEND A VIRTUAL PAINT PARTY

15 of 45

Paint Pottery

Alternatively, you could try your hand at making your own ceramics. If you aren't able to attend a local class, try clay instead. You can make everything from candle holders to bud vases to jewelry.

SHOP CLAY

17 of 45

Attend or Stream a Concert

According to a recent study, seeing a live concert may boost your mood. And even if you can't physically go to the concert of your choice, there are plenty to stream online.

LIVESTREAM A CONCERT

18 of 45

Or See a Musical

It would stand to reason that seeing a musical might have similar effects on mood. And, like concerts, you can watch plenty of musicals online through YouTube and beyond.

BUY TICKETS TO A SHOW

19 of 45

Bake Together

If you have little kids, cooking is a great way to teach them about ingredients and even math. Beyond that, it's a wonderful way to bond. Try your hand at something you've never made before, like cake pops or apple fritters.

SHOP STAND MIXER

20 of 45

Go Antiquing

Spend the morning browsing a local flea market or strip of antique shops. Just looking at all those vintage items may spark some old family memories.

21 of 45

Plan a Staycation

Harvard research suggests yearly mother-daughter trips can help relieve stress. But if a far-flung trip isn't in the budget, you can still reap the rewards by planning a staycation. Prep the guest room with some extra special touches—crisp white sheets, luxurious bath products, and a scented candle—to make it feel like a hotel room.

SHOP CANDLES

22 of 45

Plan a Trip

You could even use your staycation as the perfect opportunity to plan your next great adventure. There's evidence that the anticipation can be just as enjoyable.

GET IDEAS FOR YOUR GIRLS' TRIP

24 of 45

Make Mimosas

Turn brunch up a notch with a DIY mimosa bar. Gather all the fixings: different kinds of citrus juice, fresh fruit, and—of course—some bubbly for a well-deserved toast to mom.

SHOP CHAMPAGNE FLUTES

25 of 45

Stroll Through a Sculpture Garden

Browsing artwork doesn't just elicit reflection on that particular painting or sculpture—experts suggest it can spark an overall reflective response, evoking special memories. What better way to bond with mom?

27 of 45

Hire a Photographer

How many times have you heard mom say she wished she could stop time? In a sense, a family photo shoot does just that. And if you don't want to spend any money? Set up a tripod, and have your own photo shoot.

SHOP TRIPOD

28 of 45

Let Her Sleep In

Sometimes the simplest pleasures make the best gift for your partner, and there's nothing quite like the restorative powers of a good night's sleep. Bonus points for getting everyone up and out of the house, so her slumber is truly peaceful.

SHOP SLEEP MASK

29 of 45

Stream a Comedy Show

Laughing really does make us happier, scientists say. In fact, studies suggest both laughter and humor can have deep and long-lasting positive psychological effects.

30 of 45

Take Her Shopping

Rather than guess what she wants, spend time browsing for just the right thing together.

SHOP SPRING DRESSES

What should I do on Mother's Day?

How can I make myself mothers Day special?

What should you not do on Mother's Day?

How can I make my mother's day special without money?