Your Mother's Day Activity Guide

May 13th marks a day that many mothers patiently wait for each year. It's the day when they are are showered with gifts and spoiled (deservedly so) by their children. While there are many options for Mother's Day gifts to choose from, try something different this year. Instead of buying a gift and calling it a day, give your mother the gift of quality time and spend the day doing something with her. If you're stumped and don't know what to do, you're in luck! Here's are five simple things that you can do with your mom this Mother's Day.

Go on a picnic

You know that park down the street from you? Yes, the one with the enormous trees and lush, green grass. Use it. Take your mother on a picnic and enjoy the day with her. It’s inexpensive, easy to plan and the perfect activity for Mother’s Day because it takes your mom out of the house, and the beautiful nature will take all her stress away. And remember, you’re taking her on a picnic, so that means you need to prepare the food. Instead of using the computer for Facebook and Twitter, use it to look up recipes that are easy and simple. Make sure to choose a region of the park that is cool and has plenty of shade. Once all the details are taken care of, all that you'll have left to do is eat and enjoy a picnic with your mom.

Watch a play

A long, long time ago - before television came around - people used to entertain themselves by watching plays. Even if your mother has never seen a play before (or doesn’t like plays in general), don’t let that deter you from taking her to one. Besides, this isn’t about the play; it’s about spending quality time together. Although this activity is a little more expensive, talk to your dad about doing extra chores around the house in exchange for some spending cash, or use the money you were saving some something else, to purchase two tickets to a play. Remember, your mom always makes sacrifices for you, so forget about those new shoes you've had your eyes on and spend the money to put a smile on her face. wanted. A word of advice, however, if a theatre is showing a play with the character of Oedipus in it, make sure you don't see that one.

Go for afternoon tea

If you have a younger sister or cousin, chances are you’ve played tea party before. On Mother’s Day, it’s time to go to an actual tea party, but don't worry, it doesn’t have to be at an elegant restaurant. Just decorate the house and play some classical music and pick up some small pastries or make your own sandwiches. Really, that’s all it takes. Now, for all the guys who think drinking tea is ‘girly’ and ‘lame,’ alternatives are always available. Tea can be replaced with other hot beverages, such as coffee or even hot chocolate. Just leave the energy drinks in the fridge.

Go for a day of shopping

When you were a child, your mother would take you to the mall to buy anything and everything that you needed or wanted. Now it’s time for you to do the same with her. While this activity does involve gifts, it doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. Buy her a book, a scented candle or a mug. Whatever you get probably won't matter because the day spent window shopping and hanging out will mean the most to your mom. Just focus on spending time with her and making her day enjoyable.

Have a catch-up session

Every morning, when your mother wakes up she has a to-do list that is literally infinite. So, when Mother’s Day rolls around, why not set aside the day to just chat and catch-up. It’s as simple as that. You don’t need to be Dr. Phil and offer her advice if your mom talks about stress at work or with friends - just be there to listen. All that matters is that you’ve spent some quality time together and made this Mother’s Day truly special for her.