How to Plan a Memorable Mother’s Day During Physical Distancing

For most families across the country, Mother’s Day is going to look a little different this year.

Physical distancing has likely squashed your plans for a Mother’s Day meal at your favorite brunch spot or that big family dinner you had planned. But just because you can’t go far from home doesn’t mean you can’t still have a special—and memorable—day. All it takes is a bit of advanced planning and the magic of some online shopping.

If one of these experience gifts sounds good to you, we recommend the not-so-subtle art of forwarding this article along to your nearest and dearest so they’ll have all the inspiration they need to plan your special day.

Stay-in-Bed Brunch

Nothing says Mother’s Day better than breakfast in bed. Take things up a notch and gift mom with everything she’ll need for a lazy, relaxing morning (and afternoon…?) in bed.

• Set the stage with a brand new set of crisp, white sheets. This Classic Core Sheet Set from Brooklinen is made from 100% cotton and has collected a ton of “Best Of” accolades across the board.
• Mom will need something to lounge in, and Target’s Stars Above Pajama Set is the perfect choice. It’s soft, breathable and just right for sleeping and relaxing. It’s also breastfeeding friendly.
• Don’t forget slippers! Ugg’s Ansley design is an all-time favorite.
• Now it’s time to eat! You can order up two dozen bagels from the bagel capital of the country (New York City, of course) with this Essa Bagel Baker’s Dozen from Goldbelly.
• Remember drinking your coffee while it was still hot? (Us either.) Yeti’s Rambler Lowball will keep mom’s coffee or tea warm all morning long.
• And since you won’t want to get crumbs on your new sheets, add this beautiful breakfast tray by Anthropologie.

At-Home Spa Day

A spa gift card is a go-to Mother’s Day gift. Since going to a spa isn’t an option this year, it’s time to bring the spa right to mom.

• Set the mood and light this Sea Salt & Lavender Glass Jar Candle from Hearth and Hand by Magnolia. The scent is light enough not to overpower the room but still sets a relaxing tone.
• If you know mom likes the scent of essential oils, you could also consider this Aromatherapy Diffuser. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best and also works as a humidifier.
• If mom is missing her regular pedicure, show her feet some love with this Foot Bath with Bubbles and Heat. There’s even a massage feature.
• And speaking of nails—the Olive & June Studio Box Manicure Set is the next best thing when you can’t get to the nail salon.
• Sheet masks help to refresh, revive and hydrate your skin. (They’re also really fun for selfies.) Dr. Jart+ are safe for all skin types.

Backyard Picnic

If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere where the weather is already warm, consider setting up a backyard picnic for Mother’s Day. You can serve snacks and treats or do a full meal. And don’t forget to build in some time for mom to relax outside solo!

• This outdoor blanket from Little Unicorn is just right for family time outside. It’s soft on one side and water resistant on the other. It’s also easy to fold and has a carry handle built in.
• A standalone picnic basket from Wayfair or a fully-loaded set like this one from Crate & Barrel will hold everything you need for your day outside.
• Add these Nifty Napkins from Anthropologie. They’re machine washable and come in a set of six.
• You’ll get a ton of use out of a portable speaker during your backyard picnic and any other time you decide to head out for a family adventure. This Bluetooth-enabled Flip 4 speaker from JBL is waterproof and features great sound quality and battery life.
• Time to let mom relax solo. Leave her with a cozy blanket (this eco-friendly throw from Pottery Barn is a perfect pick) and a good book for a few hours of much-deserved me time.

Get Fancy!

Feel like getting fancy? Getting all dressed up with nowhere to go can actually be pretty fun. (And pretty memorable.) You can do dinner, a movie night, a family date night or whatever else you can imagine that you think mom would enjoy.

• We heart everything from Magnolia’s Hearth and Hand line for Target, but especially this elegant-but-practical striped tablecloth that works just as well for fancy dinners as it does for any casual meal.
• You can’t be fancy without candles! We love these modern brass candle holders from West Elm.
• If cocktails are on the menu, these vintage-inspired Italian cocktail glasses and stainless shaker from Food52 are the perfect additions to your table.
• If you’re planning on ordering food, there are tons of options online—but instead consider supporting a local restaurant and getting your favorite meal via delivery or curbside pickup.
• Of course you can’t forget dessert. Baked by Melissa mini cupcakes are one of our most favorite sweet treats.

Virtual Adventures

If you can’t bring mom to the experience, bring the experience to mom. Physical distancing means that many experience gifts can’t happen in the same way they may have pre-pandemic. Luckily lots of creative, resourceful companies have come up with virtual events that are just as fun as the real thing.

• Treat mom to a virtual wine tasting. Here’s a roundup of several California vineyards hosting virtual events, and a best-of list of other similar events being offered country-wide.
• A painting class is a fun way to get creative at home. Companies like Yaymaker, The Paint Bar and lots of others are all offering virtual art lessons.
• Foodie moms are in for a treat—there are tons of online cooking classes currently available thanks to physical distancing. America’s Test Kitchen has a huge selection of classes on everything from weeknight meals to appetizers. Masterclass is offering celeb chef options, and the popular cooking site the Kitchn also has a home cooking school.
• If mom wants to get her sweat on, Peloton is offering a free 90-day trial of their app that offers virtual spin class as well as plenty of other classes that don’t require a bike like cardio, yoga and strength training.