Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to press pause on the busyness of life and celebrate the moms who do so much every day. While breakfast in bed and bouquets are always appreciated, sometimes the most meaningful gifts are often the simple, shared experiences that bring joy, laughter, and connection.

If you are living in the Sioux Falls Area, check out our Mother’s Day in the Sioux Falls Area post. Or, are you looking for a physical gift to give this Mother’s Day? Check out our favorite things for Mother’s Day that we think Moms really want! 

Here are some fun and family-friendly ways to celebrate Mother’s Day together—whether you’re keeping it casual or planning something a little more special.

1. Pack a Picnic and Head Outdoors

Fresh air, sunshine (hopefully!), and snacks? Yes, please. Pack a picnic lunch with Mom’s favorite treats and head to a local park, lake, or even your backyard. Don’t forget a blanket, a portable speaker for music, and maybe a deck of cards or a frisbee. Let the kids help plan the menu or make hand-drawn signs to mark “Mom’s Picnic Spot.”

2. Have an Informal Family Photo Shoot

You don’t need a professional photographer to capture sweet family moments. Choose a favorite spot—your front porch, a park, or even your kitchen—and take turns snapping photos. Dress up if you want, or keep it casual and silly. Give each child a turn behind the camera and let Mom be in the photos for once!

3. Host a Family Game Night (Mom’s Choice!)

Let Mom pick her favorite board or card game and make a night of it. Add popcorn, cozy pajamas, and a “no phones” rule for extra fun. Consider playing games that allow for lots of laughter and interaction—like charades, Pictionary, or a trivia game where the questions are all about Mom!

4. Take a Family Walk Down Memory Lane

Pull out old photo albums, home videos, or baby books and spend some time reminiscing. Let the kids ask questions about when they were little (or when you were little!) and share favorite family stories. Add in some fun treats or a DIY snack board to make it feel like an occasion.

5. Make a “Reasons We Love Mom” Poster or Video

Give each family member a chance to say what they love most about Mom—then turn those sweet thoughts into a colorful poster, a video compilation, or a scrapbook. Even little ones can contribute with drawings or one-word answers. It’s a gift that will be treasured long after Mother’s Day is over.

6. Cook (or Order) Mom’s Favorite Meal

Let Mom take a break from kitchen duty and serve up her favorite meal. Older kids can help prep, younger ones can decorate the table, and the whole family can help clean up afterward. If cooking isn’t your thing, order takeout from her favorite local spot and enjoy it picnic-style or with a movie night at home.

7. Plant Something Together

Grow something together for Mother’s Day this year. Choose a pot of herbs, a small flower garden, or even a tree you can watch grow year after year. Bonus points if it becomes a new Mother’s Day tradition! One fun idea: Pick a flower bed and add one new plant each year that your kids pick out. 

8. Try a “Yes Day” for Mom

Inspired by the idea of “Yes Days” for kids, this version flips the script. The family says “yes” (within reason!) to Mom’s requests for the day—maybe it’s sleeping in, going out for coffee alone, watching a movie of her choice, or going on a spontaneous adventure.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, the best gift you can give is your presence. Mother’s Day is about honoring the love, care, and sacrifices moms make—and doing it in a way that feels joyful and meaningful to your family.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!