It’s time to celebrate those strong, loving, multi-tasking, women who gave you life. The women who make your world go ‘round. Even if you make it a point to celebrate your mom all year long, setting aside some special moments to honor her in a thoughtful way this Mother’s Day can feel super sweet and caring. (Take it from this mama, planned appreciation from your family just plain feels good.)
Here are eight unique (and local) ways that you might consider celebrating and honoring your mom this year:
1. GET ACTIVE. Your mom might appreciate celebrating this day by engaging in an active adventure together as a family. It could be fun to go indoor rock climbing at Sanctuary Rock Gym in Seaside (www.rockgym.com). Is biking more of your family’s thing? Then Adventures by the Sea in Monterey could supply that waterside ride and some great photo opportunities (adventuresbythesea.com). You might even take in the Elkhorn Slough with some kayak rentals from Monterey Bay Kayaks (www.montereybaykayaks.com). No matter the physical activity you choose, it’s always great to get out there as a family and to make new memories while moving.
2. SUPPORT HER SELF-CARE. Would your mom benefit from a day of rest and rejuvenation? Then give her the gift of Refuge in Carmel (www.refuge.com). Their Thermal Cycle is sure to melt away the stress of her day-to-day. If there are some additional knots that require attention, you might also send her up the street for a deep tissue massage from Tatiana (www.tatianamassagetherapy.com). If relaxation of the mind is what she is seeking, consider booking her a yoga class with Union Yoga in one of their spots around the Peninsula, or you might even organize a private session for the whole family at home (unionyoga-monterey.com). Remember, a calm mother is a happy mother.
3. ARRANGE FOR SOMETHING FANCY. There’s something extra special about an afternoon tea. Mom might love to be the guest of honor at a tea party organized on her behalf. With a little effort, the family could make this event quite beautiful, with the caffeine boost as a bonus. Go the extra mile, and pick her up a one-of-a-kind vintage teacup and saucer from a local antique store such as Pickings Antiques in Pacific Grove (pickingsantiques.com). Next, grab some loose tea from a specialty shop like Cha-ya Japanese Tea & Things in Monterey (www.chaya4tea.com/shop). Throw in some baked goodies on the side like cupcakes or macarons from Blue Aces in Salinas (www.blueacesonline.com). Finally, add some color to the table with a little bouquet of arranged flowers from Fiona Floral in Pacific Grove (www.fionnafloral.com). This festive adventure begins with tea.
4. GROW SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL. Is your mother a lover of mother nature? You might consider celebrating her green thumb by planning and seeding a special garden project together. It’s always fun to find some inspiration and to pick out some colorful supplies at the Pot Shop in Moss Landing (potstopml.com). Now you can get crafting on that tabletop succulent planter with supplies from Lucas Succulents in Salinas (lucas-succulents.business.site). Or what about breaking ground on a family garden bed or plot in the yard together? After locating a sunny spot, shop for some plants and supplies at Hana Gardens in Del Rey Oaks (hanagardens.com) and get your hands dirty in the name of bonding and beauty.
5. PLAN A PICNIC BRUNCH. Brunch is always a good idea. Pack a cozy picnic blanket, grab some delicious brunch takeout from a place like Estéban in Monterey (www.hotelcasamunras.com/dining), and get to one of our beautiful beaches for some relaxing time together as a family. Don’t forget a custom playlist curated just for mom. Add in a bottle of Sparkling Brut from Folktale Winery in Carmel Valley for some yummy mimosas (www.folktalewinery.com), and you’ve got the perfect spring morning out planned for mom. Bonus points if she gets to nap in the sun a bit afterward.
6. COMMEMORATE YOUR FAMILY. This is the weekend to celebrate the loving family that mama made. Has your mom been desperately trying to get the whole family together for those updated family photos? Surprise her by booking a special family photo session at a local park with a professional photographer like Albert Hoffman (hoffman-photo.com) or Ben Kaatz in Monterey (www.benkaatzphotography.com. While you wait for your new professional prints to arrive, you could start a family scrapbook together. Plan ahead with art supplies from Imagine Art Supplies in Pacific Grove (www.facebook.com/imagineartsupplies), and be sure to leave some blank pages at the end for your new shots. If food is a core part of your family’s story, it could also be special to cook a family recipe together. Start by reminiscing about the special dish and writing out a list of ingredients, and then hit a Sunday farmer’s market like the one in Marina (www.everyonesharvest.org/marina-certified-farmers-market) for the fresh ingredients to prepare. She will feel the love.
7. SATISFY HER SWEET TOOTH. Consider showering your mama with something sweet to make her day that much sweeter. How about a sundae bar on this special Sunday? It starts with a good base like ice cream from Revival in Monterey (revivalicecream.com). Throw in some special toppings like fresh strawberries, homemade whipped cream, and a few colorful sprinkles. Now you’ve got a party dedicated to mama that’s both delicious and fun. A stop by Cottage of Sweets in Carmel-by-the Sea to pick up a sampling of fudge flavors could also be a delightful treat for mom (www.cottageofsweets.com). Arranging for a little indulgence on her special day goes a long way.
8. TAKE CARE OF HER TO-DO LIST. What can you take off of your mom’s plate while she is out doing something nice from this list all by herself? That’s the goal here. She will certainly thank you for crossing items off the never-ending list of house chores: empty the dishwasher, fold the laundry, and sweep and mop the floors. Or how about planning the family menu for the week and then hitting the grocery store? This is the type of gift that keeps on giving, as it gets the family’s week off to an organized start while also providing hard-working moms with a well-deserved helping hand. A win-win for everyone.
While it can be nice to try to surprise mom (Ha. Surprise mom?) with something fun, it can also be nice to just ask her what she wants to do on this day. Perhaps present her with this list of ideas (in advance, please) and ask her to choose which idea (or ideas) sound celebratory fun, or most relaxing to her. A ‘Choose Your Own Mother’s Day Adventure’ of sorts.
Whatever you decide to do for mama this year, be sure to couple that with affirmations and appreciation for who she is and all that she does. Your mama is amazing, and she’s so worth it. And remember - your love and special acknowledgment truly do help keep us going all year long.
Megan Sulsberger, Ph.D. is mom to a willful and energetic six-year old boy and an Associate Professor in the Department of Education and Leadership at California State University Monterey Bay.