As Mother’s Day approaches, we think of ways to make special memories with our moms, but most of these ideas can be used throughout the year. Whatever the occasion, consider your mom’s interests when planning a special celebration around her.

1. Learn together
Have you or your mom always wanted to take a cooking class? How about learning to scrapbook or make beaded jewelry? Look in your community’s technical college catalog or visit the websites of retail stores for class listings. Besides a memorable day with Mom, you just may end up with a new lifetime hobby.

2. Relive memories
Was your grandma a great cook who liked to entertain? Why not have your mom and her favorite family members over for a big meal? If you have access to old family recipes, make traditional dishes that will bring back a flood of memories. Did your mom enjoy going to high tea when she was younger? See if a hotel in your area offers this on Mother’s Day, or plan your own afternoon tea with your family.

3. Honor her interests
If your mom could have a day to do anything she wants, what would she choose? If she enjoys crafts, get together to sew or make cards, or just spend an afternoon knitting or crocheting. If gardening is her hobby, May is the perfect time to shop for plants, with a promise to help her plant. You can even call your local arboretum to see if there’s a Mother’s Day breakfast or lunch amid botanical gardens. If your mom loves cooking, make a big meal together and eat it in a special place, maybe al fresco if weather permits. It’s a nice way to thank Mom for all those lunches she packed for you.

4. Pamper Mom
What woman doesn’t love a little pampering? If your mom is the type who likes to visit a day spa, you can join in the fun too, whether it’s a manicure and pedicure to get ready for spring, or a full-service package with facial and massage. If your mom has more practical tastes, put together a gift basket of items that give her spring beauty regimen an extra lift.

Pampering means different things to different people. Maybe your mom would really love someone to clean her house or plant flowers and tidy her yard. Another much appreciated gift for a mom who’s not as mobile as she used to be is a home makeover, adding items that help her stay active and independent.

5. Hit the town
Look through advertisements and events calendars in your local newspapers in the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day. You may discover a champagne brunch, luncheon cruise or fashion show. Or take mom out for a special dinner, followed by a concert or play. Maybe your mom would just appreciate a day of shopping or a visit to a museum. If she loves the outdoors, see if there’s a nature preserve nearby, for some spirit-boosting sunshine and fresh air.

Whatever you decide to do to celebrate Mother’s Day, it’s the time together that matters most. So leave your distractions at home and spend quality time with your mom.

Lynn Wilson founded The CareGiver Partnership based on her experience in caring for loved ones as well as providing the highest level of customer service. She takes pride in offering personalized service that helps her customers find solutions. Now that her children are grown, Lynn enjoys spending time with her granddaughter while also helping to care for her mom. To find out how The CareGiver Partnership can serve you, call 1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CDT.