Making Mother’s Day Extra Special: Thoughtful Ways to Show Appreciation

By Diane Landsberg

Mother’s Day this year falls on Sunday, May 11th—a special day dedicated to celebrating moms. Despite the large displays of Mother’s Day cards in grocery stores, pharmacies, and department stores, too many husbands, partners, and children wait until the last minute to pick from the leftover, sparse selection. Instead, why not take this as an opportunity to plan ahead and make it truly meaningful? Including children in the planning process is a great way to teach them the importance of honoring and appreciating the woman who holds the family together.

This year, shop early for the perfect card that genuinely expresses love and appreciation. If dining out is part of the plan, make a reservation in advance to secure a spot at her favorite restaurant before everything books up. Alternatively, consider organizing a special dinner at home. If cooking feels overwhelming, use any meal delivery service while still setting a beautiful table with flowers and candles. Small gestures like ensuring the kids are dressed nicely, making the bed, tidying up, or even doing a load of laundry can add to the effort and make the day extra special. Just be mindful not to overdo it—she might start suspecting something!

The Best Gift a Mom Can Receive: Self-Care & Acceptance

Beyond the thoughtful gestures from family, one of the greatest gifts a mother can give herself is acceptance and self-forgiveness. Many moms push themselves to exhaustion, often putting their own needs last. Working moms may struggle with guilt over not spending enough time with their children, while stay-at-home moms may feel guilty about not contributing financially. However, self-care is not selfish—it’s essential. Prioritizing personal well-being helps create the healthiest and happiest version of herself, benefiting not just her, but the entire family.

Mother’s Day is just a few weeks away—start planning now to make it truly unforgettable!