There’s no way around it: Mother’s Day looks very different this year.
Restaurants are shut down, spas are shut down, nail salons are shutdown … the list goes on. Nearly any traditional Mother’s Day activity you might normally turn to has to be thrown out the window this year, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
But perhaps now more than ever, we need to show the moms in our lives just how much we appreciate them. Whether it’s homeschooling the kids while working a full-time job, making sure the bathroom is stocked with toilet paper and coming up with creative ways to keep everyone entertained, moms are working overtime right now. And we should celebrate them.
If you’re not quite sure how to show your mom how much you love her this year, consider this list of ways to celebrate Mother’s Day during the pandemic.
‘Take’ her to brunch
No, you can’t take your mom out for the traditional Mother’s Day brunch this year because of the pandemic. But many restaurants in Boulder and beyond will bring the brunch to you instead.
They’re offering to-go Mother’s Day brunch specials with everything you need to have a delicious and relaxing brunch at home.
Here is a small sampling of restaurants offering to-go brunch kits this year:
- The Kitchen is offering tons of tasty options for a mix-and-match Mother’s Day brunch, including a maple-pecan baked French toast, a ham and vegetable frittata, a house-smoked salmon platter and more. Drink options include Bloody Marys, mimosas and sparkling rose. Be sure to place your order by 5 p.m. Friday at 303-544-5973.
- Jax Fish House and The Post Brewing Co. are collaborating on a takeaway Mother’s Day meal featuring Maine lobster quiche, crab bisque, salmon and a key lime tart. You can also get a crowler of French 75 cocktails or sparkling rose.
- It’s not exactly brunch, but your mom will enjoy it nonetheless. BookCliff Vineyards is offering a four-course dinner created by Chef Willem De Froy, complete with four wine pairings. The package even includes a custom playlist of harp music on Spotify. The menu features assorted small bites, flash cured salmon and tilapia mousse, pork tenderloin medallion and chocolate fudge cake.
Have Mother’s Day tea
No, you can’t make a reservation for afternoon tea at St Julien Hotel & Spa, but you can create the same relaxing and sophisticated vibe at home. Whip up a batch of scones and some finger sandwiches, then break out your favorite Celestial Seasonings tea blends. Create a custom menu for Mom to choose from, including sparkling wine, fruit and pastries (pick some up from Shamane’s Bakery and Cafe!).
If your mom is far away, you can still plan a virtual Mother’s Day tea over Zoom.
Watch a mother-daughter movie
One of the best ways to feel connected is to snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie together. Need inspiration for a movie? Consider one that highlights a mother-daughter relationship, like “Steel Magnolias,” “Mamma Mia” or “Hairspray.”
Even if you’re not quarantining in the same house, you can still both watch the same movie and then discuss it afterward over Zoom.
Send her fresh flowers
A bouquet of fragrant flowers is sure to make every mom smile. And good news, a number of local farms and florists are doing special Mother’s Day flower deliveries and pickup options.
- Plume & Furrow, part of the Lyons Farmette, is offering an eight-week flower CSA this spring and summer. The first bouquet is a lush, large garden centerpiece that will arrive just in time for Mother’s Day. Plus, what could be better than subscribing to fresh flowers all summer long?
- Aspen Moon Farm in Longmont is offering 10 weeks of fresh organic flowers as an add-on to its CSA shares.
- Other options: Boulder Gardens Florist, Fiori Boulder, Boulder Blooms and others.
Plan a backyard picnic
Your mom will love the chance to share a meal and get some fresh air with a Mother’s Day backyard picnic.
Cured is offering all sorts of picnic-esque boxes that you can have delivered our pick up curbside in front of their Pearl Street shop. One of our favorites is the Colorado Backcountry Picnic box, which includes:
- 2 Colorado Cheeses
- Elevations Black Pepper Salami
- Cured’s Nita Crisp Crackers
- Cured’s House Backcountry Trail Mix: Made using a blend of Honey Roasted Peanuts, Fractured Cultura Haiti 70% Chocolate, Golden Raisins and Dried Apricots
- 2 House Baked Lavender Sea Salt Butter Cookies
- 2 Packets of First Ascent Coffee Roasters Hand Crafted Instant Coffee
Go for a hike
Good news: hiking is one thing that isn’t off-limits because of the pandemic, which makes it the perfect Mother’s Day outing this year. However, if you and Mom are planning to go for a little hike, you need to be sure to follow all of the Boulder County rules — wear a mask, stay at least six feet away from other trail users, don’t go far from your house, don’t congregate at the trailhead, etc.
Plan an at-home spa day
Though you can’t book a massage or a facial for Mom this year, you can treat her to a relaxing spa day at home. Transform your bathroom into a day spa with aromatherapy oils, candles, soft lighting and soothing music. Pamper your mom with a manicure and pedicure, a homemade foot soak and a bubble bath. And most importantly, give her some much-needed alone time to really unwind.
Plus, you can even stock your home spa with local Boulder products. If you need inspiration, read our story about Boulder spa products you can order or pick up during the pandemic.
