"If you ask me, Mother’s Day is the most important holiday of the year. Moms will literally do anything for their children, and all they get is a measly day of celebration in return. That means there’s a lot of pressure to make it absolutely fabulous. How can you show your appreciation for the woman who literally brought you into this world in just 24 hours? In a perfect world, I’d charter a private jet for my mom to fly off to a tropical destination, where she could spend a week getting massages, soaking up the sun, and doing absolutely nothing but relaxing. Shockingly, that plan isn’t quite in the budget, but there are still plenty of low-cost ways to celebrate Mother’s Day that will make her feel special without draining your wallet. Here are 10 budget-friendly things to do for Mother’s Day that your mom is sure to love.
1. Send a personalized card
Cards get a bad rap, but the right one? Instant waterworks (in the best way). If you can’t make it home this year, sending a customized card through Moonpig is the next best thing. You can add your own photos, inside jokes, and even a gift card—so it feels way more personal than a last-minute text. And right now, your first card is free with code EVERYGIRLFREE, so there’s truly no excuse.
2. Host a brunch at home
Going out for brunch is a classic Mother’s Day activity, but when the check comes, you have to wonder if those pricey plates were worth it, especially since you can likely make the same dishes at home. Instead of making a reservation, save money by hosting brunch yourself. Serve your mom’s favorite breakfast, pour some mimosas (or “momosas,” as we call them in my household), and enjoy a meal that feels even more special than one at a restaurant. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—pick up some pastries from a local bakery or grab some brunch items from Trader Joe’s if you’re not big on cooking. Either way, your mom will love savoring a family meal that’s dedicated to her.
3. Go through home movies and photobooks
There’s no better time to take a trip down memory lane than on Mother’s Day. Arrange old photo albums on the table, pull out some favorite snapshots, and queue up your family’s home videos on the TV. Ask other family members to bring a photo or video of their favorite memory with your mom. She’ll absolutely love the sentimentality, and it won’t cost a thing to put together.
4. Do some spring gardening together
If your mom has a green thumb, the biggest gift you can give her might just be helping her pull some weeds. You can stop by a garden center beforehand to pick up a few spring plants you know she’ll love, or simply offer your time and effort to help her out in the garden. Whether you’re planting, pruning, or just following her directions while she relaxes and watches, it is a thoughtful way to spend time together and comes with the instant gratification of a job well done.
5. Arrange grocery store flowers
Instead of splurging on overpriced florist arrangements, turn it into an activity by setting up a flower-arranging station at home. Grocery stores like Trader Joe’s have tons of different flower and filler options for just a few dollars apiece. Thrift a few vases, gather some shears and floral tape, and find a free instructional video on YouTube to guide you. It’s fun and creative, and everyone leaves with a new skill and a beautiful, custom flower arrangement to admire.
6. DIY a spa day
I don’t think there’s a single mom out there who couldn’t use a massage, but professional spa days can be expensive. Instead of getting her a spa gift card, bring the spa to her with a DIY day of pampering. Think face masks, manicures, exfoliating scrubs… You could even try your hand at giving her a shoulder massage. Add candles, soft lighting, and serene music to set the mood.
7. Tackle a project she’s been wanting to complete together
This idea is perfect if your mom’s love language is acts of service. If she’s been putting off a project like organizing the garage, purging her closet, or filing paperwork, let her know you’re officially volunteering to help. Tackle the project yourself while she kicks back and relaxes, or tag-team it to get it done even faster. She’ll be so glad to finally cross it off her list, and you’ll get to spend quality time together without spending a dime.
8. Host a movie marathon with her favorite films
I don’t know about your mom, but mine rarely makes time to just kick back and watch a favorite movie. If it’s been a while since she’s lounged on the couch guilt-free, Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse. Curate a marathon of her favorite films, set up themed snacks and drinks, and settle in for the ultimate cozy day. If she rarely makes time for self-care, this is the perfect way to decompress.
9. Have a picnic
If the idea of hosting Mother’s Day brunch at home feels overwhelming, but you also don’t want to drop hundreds at a restaurant, a picnic is a happy medium. Prep the food in advance, pick up a few pizzas, or head to the grocery store to build a beautiful charcuterie board. If there are kids involved, choose a picnic spot near a playground so they can run around while you and your mom sip wine and soak up the moment. It’s low-key but still a lot of fun.
10. Start a family book club
If your mom’s a reader, this is a sweet and easy way to bond through something she already loves. Gift her a new book (and get yourself a copy, too), then set a date for your very own mini book club meeting in the next few weeks. Come up with some discussion questions and meet up at your place or a coffee shop to unpack all your thoughts and opinions. It’s a gift and an activity rolled into one—she’ll get a new book to add to her library and some quality time with you.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.
Feature graphic images credited to: Lada Balakireva | Dupe Photos, Jessica Gardner | Dupe Photos, Madeline Edwards | Dupe Photos
This post includes sponsored inclusions of Moonpig, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.