If there is a day that absolutely ought to be celebrated, it is Mother’s Day 2020. Although we are only one third of the way through the year, 2020 has already proven to be one for the books – and everyone, mothers especially, have had a much greater load to bear these past couple of months. Let’s take a step back from the craziness and find a special way to applaud the women in our lives who do so much for us.

“But how?”, you may be thinking. How do we celebrate Mother’s Day when our traditions are so disrupted, we can’t visit our moms, go out to dinner, or even shop at most stores? Isn’t it ‘just another day’ at that point?

This, my friends, is the year to scale back. To simplify things, get back to the heart of the matter, to realign our focus and be creative in expressing our love and gratitude. It is not ‘just another day’, yet at the same time it is about more than the day itself. It is about acknowledging how much our mothers have done and continue to do for us.

I would like to share some suggestions for honoring mothers this year – whether that be your own mom, your spouse, or a maternal figure in your life. Before diving in, I’d like to refer you to my last gift guide so you can check out my general guidelines for purchasing gifts. The short version is, don’t spend money just for the sake of it; it truly is the thought that counts!

Mother’s Day 2020
Gift + Celebration Ideas

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Write a Letter

Notice I used the word letter, not card. They may seem synonymous, but the connotation is different. A card is more formal, dare I say scripted, and generally not as long. A letter, on the other hand, is often more lengthy and personal.

By all means, buy a Mother’s Day card. It’s not about the paper you write on, but the heart behind it. Make it personal, thoughtful. Don’t simply fill the page with feel-good sentiments and iffy statements of “Best Mom EVER”. Be honest and sincere; that will mean more than any Hallmark rhyme.

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 10th, 2020. Mail-time varies depending on where you live / are mailing to (and may also be extended due to COVID-19), but allowing 3 days for arrival is generally pretty safe. This means you need your cards in the mail no later than Wednesday May 6th if you want them to arrive in time. A little early never hurts; maybe aim for Monday or Tuesday just to be extra safe.

Enjoy A Meal

There is something to be said for having dinner prepared for you. My husband often cooks on the weekend, and it always makes me feel so loved (especially because he makes tacos). It is simple, perhaps unoriginal, but it’s a thoughtful way to relieve some of her duties and show her that you see the work she does.

Dinner out may not be an option right now, but you can still find ways to make it different and fun. Decorate the dining room, have a picnic on the floor, order takeout, eat outside. If she prefers breakfast food, make a brunch! Have fun with it – and don’t forget to wash the dishes for her.

Take A Picture

Photographs are priceless. Some families take a lot, some don’t take many at all, but moments and memories are worth capturing. Sneak candid photos of your wife in her mothering element. It will mean so much to her to know that you see these raw moments. Does she dread getting the kids dressed and arranged for a family photo? Do it for her. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just focus on capturing the family together. A printed + framed photograph always makes a great gift. If it’s a special picture, consider having it printed on canvas.

Buy A Gift

Personalized Jewelry

Mother’s Day is a perfect time to buy her a meaningful piece of jewelry and if you are looking for personal, Etsy is the place to go. Hand stamped necklace pendents, initial rings, charm bracelets, birthstones – there are numerous, beautiful ways to celebrate her motherhood and memorialize your family.

I have a stack of rings that I wear all the time, featuring the birthstones of my children. It is especially precious to me as a way to acknowledge my angel baby.

Subscription

Monthly subscription boxes are super fun, and you can find one for almost any interest! Beauty products? Check! Cat mom? Check! Books? Of course! Foodie? Always. Magazine subscriptions are another little luxury that many people wouldn’t buy for themselves. Treat her to something she’d love!

This is a definitely a more spendy gift option if you are paying for it monthly. However, many of these companies offer a great discount on your first order for trying them out. Sign her up for a month and see if you feel it’s worth continuing.

Coffee

What mom doesn’t need more coffee in her life? Okay, so not everyone loves coffee – but this is a great idea for the woman who does. I absolutely love my Aeropress and think that every coffee-drinker should own one. You could buy her a bag of an exotic or funky blend, a sign for her coffee station, a funny shirt or mug, or a helpful gadget like this milk frother (okay, this coffee bean necklace is also adorable).

Notebook

Notebooks are seen as one of those taboo, didn’t-know-what-to-get-you gifts, but hear me out. There is nothing wrong with gifting a notebook; it just needs to have purpose. Is she an avid note-taker? This amazing notebook is reusable and has an app it connects to so you can easily send notes to your phone. This notepad is a sweet way for husbands to remind her of the little ways you love her from day-to-day. A journal for writing down memorable things your kids / grandkids say is another great idea – or, have kids write to mom directly.

Acts-of-Service Vouchers

Who doesn’t love to use a good coupon? This may seem like a silly idea, but what mom wouldn’t love to have a get-out-of-vacuuming-free card? Or a free massage? It’s a simple but sweet gift that keeps on giving.

Shop Small

A lot of brick and mortar retailers are closed right now due to the pandemic, but there are still tons of online options. Small businesses are especially hurting in this time, so consider finding a small shop to purchase from! If you are shopping for your wife, stalk her Instagram to get an idea of her favorite small shops and pick something out that she wouldn’t go and buy for herself. You’ll be treating her to something special and supporting a small business as well. Win-win!

Make A Gift

Handmade gifts and cards are always sweet, and they are a wonderful way to get your children involved. Pinterest is always a great place to check for DIY projects. Dads of young children – a simple handprint goes a long way. These are the days we want to remember.

Whatever way you decide to celebrate, just remember it isn’t about extravagance. Roses and chocolates and dinner out and fancy cards are all beautiful things, but ultimately, just let her know that she is seen. Honored. Loved. That’s what Mother’s Day is about.