Some articles on this site contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to yourself.
Not up for the typical brunch with mom?
This year, try one of these offbeat Mother’s Day gift ideas to honor your mom’s unique personality.
Whether she’s feeling quirky or adventurous, one of these clever ideas is bound to make mom happy!
Skip The Ho-Hum Mother’s Day Brunch
Every Mother’s Day, people usher their moms into overpriced brunches — where they have boring small talk and listen to bad jazz.
Everyone dresses up, but nobody really has fun.
Let’s face it, that might not be your mother’s taste.
For a more memorable and personal Mother’s Day, try one of these offbeat ideas to show mom how special she really is.
#1 – Tell Your Mom To Take A Hike
Instead of giving your mom flowers, take her to them!
If your mom loves the outdoors, then organize a Mother’s Day hike or nature walk with her.
Check out the national parks in your area to find a trail that fits her fitness level and offers a great view.
Then, pack up a picnic basket with gourmet sandwiches and decadent desserts.
TIP: If you look up the trail beforehand, you can point out beautiful landmarks to your mother along the way.
Make sure to take lots of pictures! And for added charm, collect some leaves and flowers along the way that you can press in a big book to preserve in an album.
Here are 12 Mother’s Day gift ideas to get your mom outside.
#2 – Channel Your Inner Bob Ross
Okay, so you’re probably no Bob Ross. But if your mom is the creative type, then she’ll enjoy a painting party instead of a traditional Mother’s Day brunch.
Get enough acrylic paints, brushes and paint canvases for all of the guests — so everyone can create a piece of art for the whole family to treasure.
If you’re worried about what to use for painting inspiration, consider these clever ideas:
- Find a picturesque outdoor location for mom’s painting party — if there’s a nice park or scenic area nearby, now’s the time to take your mom for a visit!
- Buy a few bouquets from a local florist or grocery store to serve as still life — after painting, mom gets some nice flowers, too!
TIP: You could also hire a professional instructor to lead the group and give tips to anyone new to painting.
Don’t worry about how the paintings turn out. The important thing is that you, your mom, and your family have fun trying. Trust me, even introverted quiet types will have fun with this project on Mother’s Day.
Check out these basic acrylic painting tips for beginners.
#3 – Let Mom Be A Rock Star
Karaoke isn’t just for dive bars.
You can either rent a karaoke machine loaded with your mom’s favorite songs and get the whole family singing. Or… download a karaoke app (for free, or next to nothing) for and host your own home karaoke party for Mother’s Day.
Have somebody catch the best moments on video — so your mom never forgets the epic solo she sang on her favorite AC/DC song!
TIP: If there are young kids in your family, then pick out a few children’s karaoke songs to ensure some truly adorable moments.
Just make sure there are plenty of mimosas available — so the adults don’t feel too self-conscious to start singing.
These are the 20 best karaoke apps for iOS and Android.
#4 – Do Something Kind Together
If your mom has a big heart, then volunteering together on Mother’s Day can be a highly rewarding experience — for both of you.
Here are a couple of Mother’s Day gift ideas that are centered around volunteering:
- Reach out to local food banks to spend a few hours helping the needy.
- Make Mother’s Day gift bags to help a mother in need.
- Organize a clean-up of your mom’s favorite local park.
TIP: Afterwards, have picnic or dinner together to reflect on the great work you’ve done.
You’ll get to spend some quality time together — while making the day happier for people who might be feeling lonely.
Find lots of fun ways to volunteer to help moms in your community — just enter the word “mother.”
The best Mother’s Day gifts usually aren’t the things you buy… they’re the things you do with your mom to make her feel special.
And don’t just phone it in this Mother’s Day either (if that’s what you usually do).
Instead, try one of the above Mother’s Day gift ideas. You’ll be able to watch the smile across your mom’s face all day long!
I like to help people find unique ways to do things in order to save time & money — so I write about “outside the box” ideas that most wouldn’t think of. As a lifelong dog owner, I often share my best tips for living with and training dogs. I worked in Higher Ed over 10 years before switching gears to pursue activities that I’m truly passionate about. I’ve worked at a vet, in a photo lab, and at a zoo — to name a few. I enjoy the outdoors via bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, or RV. You can always find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
