No Brunch & No Spa: Creative Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

“It’s the thought that counts” is a phrase that was undoubtedly coined by a mom and on Mother’s Day it feels especially relevant.

When the brunch spots and spas were closed during Covid, many of us had to get a little more creative than usual. So whether it’s breakfast in bed, take-out from her favourite spot, sending something to her door, or crashing the front lawn with homemade signs, here are some of our favourite ideas for making Mother’s Day extra special.

Breakfast in Bed

If you’re spending Mother’s Day with your mom, Rachel Ray and Country Living Magazine offer dozens of great brunch ideas (bed optional) to help you kick it up a notch with easy but impressive recipes like Stuffed French toast, Eggs Benedict and a delectable bacon, egg and avocado croissant. Don’t forget the coffee!

Celebrating from a Distance

For those among us who aren’t so artistically inclined, here are some great printables and simple, kid-friendly homemade craft ideas. Get busy creating then surprise mom on her front porch, from a safe distance. Singing is encouraged. Don’t worry, you won’t be the only one!

Gift Delivery

Not able to see her on Mother’s Day? Send mom something to help make these long days more enjoyable, such as:

A personalized notebook

A personalized, lined hardcover notebook from Etsy to help mom journal her way through the day (or to keep track of which children call her the most).

A quirky, cute candle

Whiskey River Soap Company. Hand-made soaps and candles featuring cheeky sayings are perfect for the mom with a sense of humour.

Handwritten letters

Letters to My Mom featuring 12 fold-and-mail-style envelopes to help you express your love and gratitude.

Puzzles

Help her pass the time with a puzzle from Canadian-based Cobble Hill Puzzles. Prices vary. Or better yet, turn her favourite family photo into a puzzle with Photobook Canada. Or explore other photobook creations using our list of best photo book sites for Canadians. Prices vary.

A feel-good subscription box

Who couldn’t use a monthly dose of wellness? Fortunately, there’s a Therabox subscription for that. Theraboxes are curated by therapists and ship worldwide from the U.S. Month to month, 3- 6- and 12-month subscriptions are available.

Cute & funny mugs

We love a good, giant mug for our morning coffee and tea—especially now. Indigo has a range of cute and funny options for you to choose from. Prices vary.

Treat Yourself & Buy Local

Sweet Treats. Gift mom some gourmet donuts, muffins or cupcakes from your local bakery or from a service like Sweet Flour, who deliver to many locations across Canada.

Savoury Goods. For the woman who loves her charcuterie (and who doesn’t?) a personalized meat and cheese board handmade by a female entrepreneur (and mother) might be the perfect gift. Visit Gifted Boutique to see all available products. Boards ship anywhere Canada Post does.

Self-Care is Key. Purchase a gift certificate to a local spa or health and wellness practitioner that mom can tuck away for future use.

Can’t Go Wrong with Flowers. Choose a fresh bouquet from a local florist and small business, like Toronto’s The Delicate Flower. Prices vary.

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate. Spark Joy with Soma Chocolatemaker’s 15-piece Spark of Joy Truffle Box. Soma offers free delivery within Canada with $50+ purchases, and free porch drop-offs within Toronto.