6 Ways to Treat Your Mom for Mother’s Day
Moms do so much for everyone else, but who takes care of them? Well, one day a year, we the children, get to take that task into our own hands. (Although I recommend doing things for her throughout the year as well!)
And with Mother’s Day fast approaching, if you haven’t already snagged a perfectly curated present, then you’re probably in a scramble to find the right gift. But from my years of experience with kind smiles after gifting presents that will never get used, I’m going to let you know... there’s no way she wants that bear, sterling silver ‘Mom’ necklace, or silk pajamas with the weird print on them.
Though not a mom myself, I’ve found that the presents that go over best are the ones that:
Relieve some of her everyday stress (a bill paid here, an extra chore completed without asking there)
Include quality time spent with family — or sometimes alone (hey, I don’t judge)
Allow your mom to feel like herself again, especially when it involves getting pampered.
You see, unless your mom has asked for something specific, then you’re just filling her house with stuff and feeding her hoarding habit. But experiences and time are something you can’t get back, and honestly can’t really put a price on.
Here are a few ways to treat your mom with some relaxing experiences this Mother’s Day:
1. Buy Her Flowers
First things first, give her a bouquet of flowers. I’ve always underestimated how sweet this gift is. Colorful flowers completely change the mood of the room — plus you can literally stop and smell the roses throughout the day!Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and similar stores have pretty pre-made bouquet selections that you can spruce up and rearrange with other filler flowers.
Pro-Tip: Bring them in a vase! You don’t want mom running around, snipping flowers, and finding something to put them in.
2. A Massage
Imagine: 60 minutes (or 90 if you’re feeling generous) to completely unwind and work out all the tension and stress — that’s almost fully caused by us.
My go-to spot for an affordable massage in Tampa is Essentials South Tampa Day Spa. There are a few Essentials franchises situated in the greater Tampa Bay Area — but you know south Tampa gives that extra bougie oomph, thanks to the clientele.
They are a full-service day spa, offering massages, facials, body scrubs, and even more cosmetic treatments. Their relaxation massage starts at $40 for an hour — and you don’t even need a membership to enjoy that price.
3. Manicure & Pedicure
You cannot have your momma walking around looking any kind of way. Plus, you know how that full-set energy can transform a person physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Now depending on what Mom prefers, I’ve found two amazing pedicure spots in Tampa.
For the booze: Nail Shop on Memorial Highway offers complimentary house sangria and select wines and beers during your visit!
For the relaxation: We all know that the foot massage during a pedicure never lasts long enough. However, I’ve discovered a place with not only a long foot massage, but it’s TIMED! 10 whole minutes with hot stones. It’s Solar Nail and Spa on N Dale Mabry!
4. An at-home facial
At-home facials can feel like a lot of steps, so giving her all the supplies just won’t cut it. Giving your mom a facial is an extraordinary act of kindness. Just think… you’ve taken the time to do this yourself rather than paying someone else.
Usually, I’m loaded up with Lush products, and these are the steps I do:
Cleanse
Exfoliate (please be extra gentle since it’s easier to scrub harder on someone else’s face)
Tone — I love doing a face steam with a Lush toner tab, but they discontinued them :( However, you can recreate the effect by adding a few drops of tea tree oil or rose essential oil to steaming water.
Mask
Serum (if that’s your thing!)
Moisturize
5. Brunch
Now, I’m not talking about pack up the babies and go out. I’m talking take mom out where she doesn’t have to be DD, spoon-feed anyone or focus on anyone but herself and good times.
And you know I’ve got you covered with my 7 top bottomless mimosa spots in Tampa.
But you know what — some moms just want to be around their babies for Mother’s Day. So, create a beautiful brunch spread at home. And in the words of Dorinda Medley, “Make it nice.” Just don’t make her do the dishes afterward.
6. Day Cruise
Give Mom a night with her significant other or best girlfriends with one of Tampa’s day or dinner cruises. One of the most popular options, Yacht StarShip, offers 2-hour cruises around Tampa or Clearwater with dinner, dancing, and beautiful views.
According to my sister, “the food is straight, but the drinks be littyyyy.” So, do with that what you will. Prices vary by location but start at $39.95 in Clearwater and $49.95 in Tampa for non-dinner options, and $69.95 and $79.95 for dinner options, respectively.
If you get creative, there are tons of ways you can spend time with Mom. Whatever you do for Mother’s Day, be sure to show your mom that you care by putting time and thought into something you know she’ll love (not just that you’ll love.)