Whether you live in different cities or countries or have been separated due to COVID-19, you’re probably looking for unique ideas and gifts to honour mom this year. (Mother’s Day in Canada falls on Sunday, May 9th in 2021.) At Amica, residents will be celebrating with events such as brunch, spa day or a Mother’s Day High Tea — with delivery for those who’d like to take their meals in the comfort of their suite — along with flowers distributed to all female residents. Try showing the love with one of these nine ways to celebrate Mother’s Day.
1. Send a memory box or a handwritten letter
Nothing says “I love you” like a trip down memory lane. “Our residents love receiving old photos, poems, letters and mementoes — especially those who are older or in Memory Care,” says Laurie Brewer, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Amica Little Lake.
2. Keep her brain (and heart) engaged for days
Instead of the usual Mother’s Day card and chocolate, why not send mom a puzzle customized with a family photo? Walmart, Costco and other photo printers typically offer puzzles, and we love this heart-shaped photo puzzle from Minted.
3. Organize an intergenerational family video call once a month
Think beyond a Mother’s Day call from you alone.
“It’s been so difficult to connect in-person during the pandemic, so we’ve been connecting residents to their families via FaceTime, Skype and Zoom — and they love seeing their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren,” says Karissa Boyce, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Amica Little Lake. “Let’s use technology to bring the family together and celebrate Mother’s Day, birthdays and ordinary days, too.”
Although everyone is busy, scheduling a consistent time to connect, such as the second Sunday of every month, makes it easy to remember. The calls don’t have to be all chat, either: grandkids can play an instrument or show off their artwork.
4. Do distance DIY
Order a pretty rope bowl kit or DIY embroidery kit for you and your mom and then book a call on Zoom or Google Meet to make it together.
5. Go beyond the single bouquet with a monthly flower delivery
Say “Happy Mother’s Day” all year long — she’s earned it! Google “flower subscriptions” with your region name to find a local option near you. (Wine subscriptions and wellness boxes make great gifts, too.)
6. Warm her heart with baked goods and a tea tasting
Whip up some of our Salted Caramel Scones or London Fog Cookies, add some packaged tea and send it to your mom in a tin via Canada Post or courier. Then set up a virtual tea where you can chat on the phone over tea and treats.
7. Take your Mother’s Day card to the next level
Instead of sending the usual greeting card, why not send a pop-up card? These double as standalone decorations that your mom can display. (Other cards come with seeds she can plant.) Sending a card once every two or four weeks is even better.
8. Shake things up with a local dinner, delivered
Flowers, baked goods and gift cards were the most-bought Mother’s Day gifts in a 2020 Leger survey, so why not try something different that supports the local economy? Call her favourite restaurant to organize a gift certificate or delivery.
9. Learn how to do magic tricks or make Mexican street tacos from afar
Airbnb experiences let you and your mom join online events and classes taking place all over the world, from a Tarot card reading in India to meditating with a Buddhist monk in Japan.
Want even more inspiration? See how we marked Mother’s Day last year on Facebook, plus read about “My Best Mother’s Day” and other touching Mother’s Day memories of Amica residents.
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