5 Ways to Make Mother's Day Extra Special

After fourteen months of lockdown, your mom deserves something special. Read on for heartfelt ways to show ya mama AND thirteen local businesses some love. Screw the multinational corporations (I'm looking at you Amazon!), give your Mother's Day money to Central Alberta businesses offering high quality goods and services. Give her the gift she deserves, and if you buy from one of these lovely ladies, the profit stays in our community!

Put together a spread

Indoor brunch is off the table this year, but you can still treat your mom to a delicious spring meal.

How? Get her a picnic basket!

Buy a basket (any basket, seriously I'm using a 31 bag!) fill it with food, beverages, and sweet treats and give your mom a meal she will never forget. You can't go wrong with a charcuterie board-to-go; pack your mom's favourite meats, crackers and cheeses into reusable containers, add some fresh fruit and flowers and voila! Picnic basket (just keep an eye out for Yogi and Boo Boo). If Mom has more of a sweet tooth, replace the savoury bits with fresh baked pastries, bread, scones, jams, and fruit.

If you want to hit the easy button, Nibble and Graze has a large assortment of boxes for any spread you want to bring together for Mom! Stella Bean Sweets have Mother's Day Boxes as well, but hurry: stock is low! Fresh flowers are my guilty pleasure, and Stem's Flowers & Café sell beautiful arrangements to meet any mother's preferences.

Planning a picnic in the park (or maybe a backyard)? Make sure you bundle up, Red Deer is notorious for wacky weather. Check out Pretty Made Things and Made With Love for cozy blankets, pillows, sweaters and scarves!

Gift Baskets

I. Love. Gift. Baskets.

Seriously, I have a problem, my husband is planning an intervention, I can't help it!

I love bringing together someone's favorite things all in a cute basket, it feels so personal and loving. If you're like me, bundle Mom's favorite things into a basket and make her feel special. I know what I said about the big corporations, but I can't resist Dollarama; I can get three baskets and stuffers for under $10!

Once you have your basket, head to your favourite local shops, like Knot Just a Box . They sell phenomenal little gifts- mugs, signs, and all things gift giving! Baker Lane & Co sells cute tumblers, among other things.

We can't forget jewelry! AvaRose Designs and TMD Jewellery have beautiful pieces - maybe pick something up for yourself while you're there, I bought some beautiful double heart earrings.

Host a Games Night

Who doesn't love a fun games night in?! Whether over Zoom or in person, on the patio or in the living room, play games with your mom just like you did when you were a kid. My personal favourite include Exploding Kittens, Code Names, Clue and of course, Monopoly. Playing over Zoom? Check out some virtual options: House Party and Jack Box have some awesome games that can be played online or set up over video calls!

Custom Made Gifts

Have something special in mind? Well what a great way to show Mom some love! Cactus Custom Co. can make all your custom sign dreams come true! Pretty Made Things and Made With Love have many artisans who also take custom orders!

Pampering all the way!

Pamper the lady who used to change your...pampers, sorry, I couldn't come up with a better joke. Take Mom to the spa, get her a massage, or get your nails done together. Can't take the risk? Try an at-home spa day, The Bomb Sisters have everything you need to give Mom a luxurious afternoon.

Remember...

If nothing else, give give your mom the gift of time, she loves you more than anything else in the world and always will. Thank you for reading this, have a beautiful weekend with Mom and stay safe out there!

Jess