Things to Do and Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day in Toronto

Okay moms, there’s no question that you deserve a wonderful Mother’s Day. So to help get you there, we’ve rounded up a collection of your best bests for Mother’s Day in Toronto, a list of (mostly) family-friendly events happening on or near May 12 right here in the GTA. And to make your day even better, we start with a curated list of local gift ideas that you may want to drop some hints about to your loved ones.

We hope that all the moms reading this have an amazing Mother’s Day.

Best Bets for Mother’s Day in Toronto: Gift Ideas

Mildred’s Temple

85 Hanna Ave., Toronto

Sure, you could try to get a table for Mother’s Day brunch at this extremely popular Liberty Village restaurant but given how long the lineups are on non-special occasion days, we wouldn’t recommend it. However, we would recommend checking out some of the delicious items you can order from Mildred’s Pantry to take home. There’s the $42.50 Mildred’s Pancakes Essentials package, the $38 Trio of Preserves and cotton biscuit bucket, and the $160 Daybreak Brunch Box, which includes the pancake package along with some delicious extras, a tote bag and more. Items can be picked up at the restaurant or delivered to your house.

Collected Joy

Two locations in the city

Self-described as “the cutest and most fun and sweetest little gift stores in Toronto,” Collected Joy is sure to have something to brighten your Mother’s Day. Here your family will find everything from fragrant bath products to fancy teas and preserves to locally produced artwork and jewellery. In short, it’s an ideal spot to set the kids loose to shop for mom. Collected Joy can be found at 1035 Kingston Road and 2318 Bloor Street West.

Marmalade Designs

9 Davies Ave., Unit #312, Toronto

Crafted by hand in Leslieville, Marmalade Designs is perfect for those moms who love unique jewellery. While the brand does offer a wide range of ready-to-wear items, such as cute stud earrings and nature-themed rings, it also sells custom necklaces and bracelets. Have your kids select a few charms (including letters) and create something completely personalized to you. Best of all, prices are quite reasonable, with most charms in the $30 to $40 range (and some ever cheaper).

Mave & Chez slippers

Online only

Have you met the world’s first-ever “stylish, ergonomic slipper”? Mave & Chez is a company founded by two Toronto-based women who are aiming to shake up the sleepy slipper industry with footwear that looks and feels amazing (they have arch support!). These slippers are also practical, with insoles that you can wash, meaning you wear them for years to come. Additionally, from now until Mother’s Day, 10 per cent of slipper sales will be donated to Shelter Movers, an organization that assists women and children who are fleeing abuse and gender-based violence.

Relevé

1727 Bayview Ave., Toronto

Why not use Mother’s Day as an excuse to update your wardrobe? Leaside’s Relevé specializes in gorgeous and comfortable activewear and lougewear pieces that that you’re sure to get tons of use out of. Their items are both practical and flattering. Or check out their versatile bages and grab a perfect replacement for that old diaper bag you’ve been using!

Sweet Pea’s

163 Sterling Rd., Unit R, Toronto

Sweetpeas is an eco-focused floral studio and a hub of all things beautiful. Widely recognized as Toronto’s Best Florist, Sweetpea’s dedicated to quality, design and service. They offer some of the most unique, custom floral creations in the city.

Flox

184 Munro St., Toronto

Sure, flowers for Mother’s Day are a total cliché but let’s be honest, there are few ways more colourful and fragrant that say “I love you.” Some of the best floral arrangements in the west end can be found at Sweetpeas, which is known for sourcing ecologically and socially responsible blooms. It has a massive and creative selection to choose from, including potted orchids. Just be sure to let your family know that this is not a retail store, and all orders must be placed in advance (but orders can be picked up from the Sterling Road location).

Over in the east end, Flox is a reliable bet for a big, beautiful bouquet that will bring joy into your home for days to come. Besides cut flowers, a variety of potted plants are available (including orchids), making this a great option for all the plant moms out there. Various add-ons, such as candles and even chocolate, can also be included.

V de V

797 Dundas St. W., Toronto

Fine, this is technically a Montreal-based company, but it does have a brick-and-mortar store in Toronto so that counts as local, right? With items for every room in the home as while as the garden, there is something for every mom in this charming shop. Perhaps an elegant new vase? Or a cozy throw? And let’s not forget a gorgeous yet practical seasoning bowl. And many items are available at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Best Bets for Mother’s Day in Toronto: Things to Do

Le Dolci Culinary Classes

12 Sousa Mendes St., Toronto
Thursday May 9 – Sunday May 12

Moms with sweet tooths will want to check out the scrumptious classes offered by Le Dolci. Open to all ages, these kid-friendly events include a cake decorating class, macaron making, cinnamon bun workshops, doughnut class, croissant class, and more. All classes will have you bringing home something tasty.

Mother’s Day Succulent Workshops

777 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto
Sunday May 11

Are you a plant mom? Celebrate Mother’s Day with a morning (or afternoon!) of creativity, connection, and indulgence at our special succulent arranging workshop. This workshop begins with a warm welcome and a relaxing tea service, complete with a selection of specialty floral cookies to savor while you settle in. Guided by an expert succulent designer, you’ll learn tips for succulent care and then design your masterpiece in a charming handmade heart shaped planter, perfect for adding a splash of color and personality to any space. All materials, including premium succulents, specialty soil, and care cards, are provided in the price—so you can focus on making memories and crafting a one-of-a-kind piece.

Brunch – Buffet

Various Locations
Sunday May 11

If your perfect Mother’s Day includes an over-the-top brunch, Toronto’s fanciest hotels have what you’re craving. At Reign, located inside the Royal York Hotel, you’ll dine on made-to-order eggs benedicts, triple AAA sirloin, and lamb and enjoy myriad other fancypants Mother’s Day festivities. Not bougie enough for you? Then try TOCA, located inside The Ritz Carlton, which will be serving up tables filled with seafood, pasta, desserts and more.

But if you’re looking for something a little more affordable, and a little more flexible with timing, Hothouse (35 Church St.) is offering a brunch (9:00 am to 3:00 pm) and a dinner buffet (4:00 pm to 9 pm) for $50 . There your choices include prime rib, lobster Mac and cheese, and an oyster bar.

And don’t forget about The Old Mill. Save a bit of dough by celebrating Mother’s Day on the Saturday, but maybe put that savings towards a gift certificate to use at their spa.

Brunch – Prix Fixe

Various Locations
Sunday May 12

Into brunch but not buffets? We get you and we give you a trio of prix fixe options. At the reliably classy Jump restaurant (18 Wellington St. W.), your kids can select off the children’s menu while the adults enjoy a $65 three-course meal that includes such options as salmon gravlax as your appetizer, French toast Croissant as your main, and Lemon Meringue Sorbet as your dessert. Another elegant option, and one that’s right on the subway, is Hart House’s Gallery Grill (7 Hart House Cir,). It’s offering a three- course prix fixe menu at $65 per person that includes a glass of prosecco (or a non-alcoholic option), nibbles and such options as grilled Ontario asparagus, avocado toast with smoked salmon and pancakes for the kids.

But if you’d prefer things a little cooler and more low-key, stop by the Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. W.) and enjoy its multi-course brunch. Enjoy a multi-course brunch menu with special selections for kids. The per-plate fee for adults is $55 and $25 for kids. As a special treat, all moms receive a gift from Apothegeri Candles.

Casa Loma High Tea

1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
Sunday May 12

High tea is another one of those classic Mother’s Day activities and while there are a few options to choose from in Toronto, if you want a picture-perfect high tea experience, you want to reserve a spot at Casa Loma. Described as, “an elevated experience,” this high tea includes “a selection of premium teas, scones, gourmet pastries and tea sandwiches,” which you will enjoy in the regal atmosphere of Toronto’s only castle. Following (or before) your meal, you can explore the castle and its grounds. Admission is $75 per person and no, there’s unfortunately no kid’s rate.

Centreville Amusement Park

Centre Island, Toronto
Sunday May 11

Moms get to ride for free on Mother’s Day at Centreville Amusement Park, so long as at least someone in your party purchases a ride-all-day pass. And who wouldn’t want to take multiple rides on the log flume, the Rockin’ Ferry and of course the swan boats? Plus visiting Centreville means your family gets to take a ferry trip (buy those tickets in advance) over to the Toronto Islands.