Discover the best Mother’s Day Gifts and Ideas for 2024 – from sunset cruises to spa days, and everything in between.
With Mother’s Day just a few weeks away, it’s never too early to start brainstorming gift ideas. There’s just one problem. How do you say thank you to such a strong, caring, patient, and loving person?
It’s true that finding unique gifts can be tricky. That’s where we come in! We’ve rounded up our top picks and things to do this Mother's Day, covering everything from outdoor adventures to at-home must-dos. Whether you treat her to a decadent dinner or a romantic horseback ride, this will be one Mother’s Day she never forgets!
Outdoor Mother’s Day Gifts and Ideas
These gift ideas and activities were tailor-made for the moms who love the great outdoors.
1. Set Sail on a Dining Cruise
If your mom is anything like ours, then she absolutely loves sightseeing, good food, and dancing. Lucky for us, these dining cruises combine most, if not all, of these things and more! Browse scenic lunch and dinner cruises or go all out with some bubbly and a brunch cruise. No matter what, your mom is sure to feel like a star as she sets sail into an unforgettable day on the water.
2. Raise a Wine Glass to the World’s Best Mom
Swirl, sip, and savor your way into her heart with a wine tour or tasting! If your mom is a wine-lover, then treat her to a day in wine country where she can indulge in local merlots, pinot noirs, chardonnays, and more.
3. Hot Air Balloon Ride
What could be more amazing than floating in a brightly colored hot air balloon? We can’t think of anything either! For a unique, bucket-list gift, consider giving Mom a private or shared hot air balloon ride. From the inflation process and take off to gliding majestically over the countryside, you can bet this is one gift she’ll never forget.
4. Book a Family Photoshoot
Say cheese! We think it’s safe to say that most moms love taking photos with their family. Photoshoots are a great way to get everyone together, dress up, and capture precious moments. All you have to do is choose a picturesque outdoor location and get ready to strike a pose. To make your gift even more special, print and frame her favorite photo from the day.
5. Take a Hike
Tell Mom to lace up her hiking boots! Mother’s Day is a great time to hit the trails. The weather’s not too hot and the landscapes are painted in vibrant shades of green. Explore a well-known route, visit someplace new, or treat her to an educational guided hike.
6. Go to the Zoo
If you’re a family of animal lovers, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the zoo. You’ll come face-to-face with your favorite furry, feathered, and scaly friends. Some zoos even offer encounters with animal ambassadors such as lemurs, zebras, and even cheetahs.
7. Surprise Her with a High-Flying Adventure
Take mom to new heights with a scenic flight. Just picture her smile as she soars through the air, taking in jaw-dropping views. Plus, there’s tons of flying experiences to choose from. Think: helicopter rides, seaplane tours, and flight lessons. For the exceptionally adventurous moms, there’s aerobatic thrill rides!
8. Walking Food Tour
Food tours are the perfect blend of history, food, and exploration. From trendy restaurants to hidden gems and local eateries, she’ll sample some of the tastiest creations in town. And if she’s got a bit of a sweet tooth, these donut tours are definitely down her alley.
9. Take on an Aerial Adventure Course
Who says ziplining is just for the kids? Not us! Be bold and treat Mom to a day of adventure at a zipline and aerial adventure course! After slipping into a harness and helmet, she’ll take on thrilling obstacles including suspended bridges and swinging logs. For the grand finale, she’ll fly down an exhilarating zipline.
10. Look for Whales
There’s something so magical about spotting whales in the wild. And if you live near the coast, Mother’s Day is a great time to book a guided whale watch! Migratory whales have begun their annual trip north, making your chances of spotting one even higher. Beyond whales, you might also spot seals, sea lions, birds, and more.
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Indoor Mother’s Day Gifts and Ideas
Just because you stay inside doesn't mean you have to sacrifice on the fun! Put a smile on Mom’s face with these unforgettable indoor adventures and gifts.
11. Treat Her to a Spa Day
More than anything, your hardworking mom deserves a relaxing day at the spa. Choose from deep tissue massages, infrared sauna sessions, hot stone massages, and more. No matter what, she will leave feeling relaxed, restored, and like a whole new woman!
12. Cook Something New Together
Take Mom’s culinary skills to the next level! These cooking classes are the perfect way to learn new techniques, experiment with different ingredients, and create lifelong memories together. Take your pick between a variety of unique dishes including sushi, handmade pasta, dumplings, and more.
13. Book a Swanky Afternoon Tea
Don your Sunday best and experience one of the most elegant dining traditions on Earth. Afternoon teas are a great way to spend quality time with your family while indulging in savory bites, sweet pastries, and of course, tea! For a more whimsical approach, don’t miss these wizard-inspired high teas in NYC.
14. Unleash Her Inner Artist
If she’s got a bit of a creative side, then there’s no better way to celebrate her day than with a hands-on art class! Whether she’s always wanted to learn pottery, photography, or even glass blowing, there’s a class for every mom. Plus, you can never go wrong with a fun paint and sip (even if she’s never picked up a paintbrush in her life).
15. Go Indoor Skydiving
Attention all thrill seeker moms, this one’s for you! Experience the sensation of freefalling (without having to jump out of a plane). Indoor skydiving offers a safe and exhilarating adventure, perfect for families. Soar safely in a vertical wind tunnel and feel a rush of adrenaline as you float on a cushion of air.
16. Learn the Art of Flower Arranging
This Mother’s Day, don’t just buy her a bouquet of flowers. Let her create one with a hands-on flower arranging class. With help from an expert florist, she’ll learn how to clip, arrange, and organize flowers like a pro. The best part? She can use this new skill to fill her home with gorgeous arrangements for years to come!
17. Win an Escape Room
Trust us, winning an escape room is trickier than it sounds. Working as a team, you and Mom will have to solve puzzles, decipher riddles, and search for clues…before the clock hits zero. Plus, there’s lots of fun themes to choose from including jail breaks, bank heists, space missions, and more.
18. Attend a Live Show
From side-splitting comedy shows to Broadway classics, live shows are a fantastic idea for Mother’s Day. You’ll escape into a world of imagination and creativity, where every note, joke, and dance move comes alive before your eyes.
19. Visit an Aquarium
Get ready to channel your inner deep sea explorer! The US is home to some of the world’s best aquariums including the Aquarium of the Pacific, Aquarium of the Bay, and SEA LIFE. You’ll come face-to-fin with all of your favorite sea creatures including sharks, sting rays, colorful fish, and more.
20. Throw a Bullseye
Add a playful (and trendy) twist to your Mother’s Day celebrations. Axe throwing has taken the world by storm, and it’s easy to see why: it’s super fun! Everyone will have a blast taking turns throwing axes, ninja stars, and tomahawks. Trust us, there’s nothing quite like hitting the bullseye for the first time.
Romantic Mother’s Day Gifts for Your Wife
Sweep your wife off her feet and make her feel like a million bucks with these unique Mother’s Day activities, just for her.
21. Dinner for Two
Picture this: you and your wife enjoying a decadent meal at her favorite restaurant. Just imagine the cozy ambiance, the clinking of fine china, and the aroma of exquisite dishes wafting through the air. Whether it's an award-winning restaurant or a cozy neighborhood bistro, treating her to a night of tantalizing flavors is sure to be a hit.
22. Visit a City Observation Deck
Elevate your gift-giving with an observation deck experience. From towering skyscrapers to panoramic cityscapes, these vantage points offer breathtaking views that will leave her in awe. Capture the moment with stunning photos against the bustling city below while soaking up the beauty around you.
23. Sail into the Sunset
Sure, sunsets are magical, but have you seen one from the deck of a sailboat? During a romantic sunset sail, you and your wife will float across golden waves, all while enjoying the sun’s last warm rays. Some cruises even allow you to bring aboard your favorite beverages. Just imagine her smile when you pop open a bottle of bubbly!
24. Watch the Kids…While She Naps
Trust us, when it comes to Mother’s Day gifts for your wife, this one takes the cake. Treat her to a few hours of alone time and keep the kids quiet with a hands-on activity. Or, better yet, take the kids out of the house for ice cream. Mom will be happy, the kids will be happy – a true win-win!
25. Go on a Luxury Picnic
Trade in the dining table for a checkered blanket! Picnics are perfect for the couples who would rather enjoy a quiet meal outside than in a bustling restaurant. Pack a basket with all your wife’s favorite goodies, or let the experts do it for you with these luxurious picnic experiences.
26. Tandem Kayaking
Add a splash of excitement to Mom’s Day! Tandem kayaking is a great way to strengthen your teamwork, communication, and trust. With each synchronized paddle stroke, you'll feel a sense of unity and teamwork that's both exhilarating and romantic.
27. Book a Couples Spa Sesh
Relax and unwind with a couples spa session. From soothing massages to float therapy and even unique beer spa treatments, these experiences are designed to pamper and rejuvenate the both of you. Together, you’ll feel all of your worries melt away – and what could be a better Mother’s Day gift than that?
28. Go Horseback Riding
If she’s an animal lover, consider treating her to an unforgettable Mother’s Day horseback ride. Whether you’re a newbie or an expert equestrian, horseback riding is a super fun way to spend time with your wife. Trot along scenic trails, meander through forests and fields, and snap photos with your trusty steeds.
29. Plan a Weekend Getaway
Pack your bags, it’s time for a weekend away! Whether you're snuggling up in a cozy cabin, strolling hand-in-hand along the beach, or exploring a new city together, a weekend trip is a great way to unwind and reconnect. Plus, you’ll have so many exciting stories to share come Monday morning.
At-Home Mother’s Day Gifts and Ideas
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones you can enjoy at home. Bring the Mother’s Day festivities to her doorstep with these unique gift ideas and things to do.
30. Channel Her Inner Mixologist
It’s time to mix, stir, and shake up the perfect beverage. With these virtual mixology classes, you can learn how to make three incredible cocktails from just about anywhere. The best part? This is a gift that keeps on giving – just imagine all the future cocktails you’ll create!
31. Hire a Private Chef
Imagine treating Mom to a 5-star dining experience…from her very own kitchen! Private chefs handle everything from cooking to clean up, so you won’t have to lift a finger. Plus, they’ll work with you to customize a unique menu. Now that’s what we call a Mother’s Day win.
32. Get Crafty
Mother’s Day afternoon is a fabulous time to start a DIY project or craft. And with these at-home kits, everything you need will be shipped to your doorstep. Take your pick from tons of fun projects like wood burning, candle making, mandala dot painting, and even plaster wall art.
33. Make Her Breakfast in Bed
A true Mother’s Day classic. Gather the family and make her the ultimate breakfast feast. We’re talking pancakes, eggs, bacon, hash browns, the works. Oh, and don’t forget that steaming cup of coffee!
34. Plant a Spring Garden
If the weather’s nice, get outside and help Mom plant her annual spring garden. Make sure she’s equipped with all the gardening essentials: gloves, shovels, soil, and of course, her favorite veggie or flower seeds.
35. Enjoy an At-Home Wine Tasting
You don’t have to visit a winery to enjoy some of the world’s best wines. During this virtual experience, you’ll join a certified sommelier for a one-of-a-kind tasting – all from the comfort of home! Prior to your tasting, you'll receive three bottles of wine. You can even choose your own unique workshop theme. Now that’s a Mother’s Day gift we can say cheers to!
36. Mom’s Day Movie Night
When was the last time you had a movie night and let Mom pick the flick? Well, it’s about time you did! Pop some popcorn, grab the coziest blankies, and put on her favorite film. This simple and easy gesture is sure to warm her heart.
37. Make a Mother’s Day Scrapbook
This year, put together a collection of photos of you and your mom. You’ll have a great time revisiting old memories and she’ll cherish the effort you put into creating such a heartfelt gift. Add even more personal touches like handwritten captions, tickets, or other mementos that you’ve held onto over the years.
Summary
After reading these 37 Mother’s Day Gifts and Ideas, we hope you feel inspired to make this year extraordinary. Still not sure? We have plenty more gift ideas for you to explore.
Regardless of what you choose, be sure to take some time this Mother’s Day to appreciate her incredible strength, compassion, and unconditional love. Moms truly are remarkable people–let's celebrate them!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I make Mother’s Day special for my mom?
There are countless ways to make Mother's Day special! Consider her interests and preferences, whether she enjoys outdoor activities, pampering sessions, or heartfelt gestures. No matter what she enjoys, there’s an experience gift to match!
2. Why do experiences make good gifts for Mother’s Day?
Experiences make fantastic gifts for Mother’s Day because they create lasting memories and meaningful moments that go far beyond material possessions.
3. How do I choose the right experience gift for Mom?
Whether she's a foodie, relaxation goddess, or artist, we have an experience for every kind of Mom. Still not sure? Our Gift Finder tool will help you find the best gifts for her. Click here to give it a whirl!
4. How can I celebrate Mother's Day on a budget?
Celebrating Mother's Day doesn't have to break the bank. Consider homemade gifts, scavenger hunts, or experiences under $50. This list includes even more budget-friendly ideas that are sure to make Mom feel cherished.
5. Why should I buy a gift through Virgin Experience Gifts?
At Virgin Experience Gifts, we make purchasing, gifting, and booking experiences a breeze. Plus, we offer unrivaled perks including easy returns, free exchanges, customizable vouchers, and instant e-delivery. Our Fairy Giftmother said it best:
