As adults, sometimes we have to get creative when celebrating mom. We don’t always live nearby as we stretch our own wings, settle in new places and start families of our own. So, if you’re in the same boat as us with a mother who lives far away, keep reading, friend, as we share a few ways to treat her to a special day without distance getting in the way of making her feel loved.
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How to Celebrate Mom When She Lives Far Away
We’ve shared before that our mom lives in Virginia, so while we try to make as many trips up and she tries to take as many trips down to Florida, we often miss some major celebrations with her. Instead of finding this as a constant disappointment or frustration, we decided to get creative with how to celebrate her – even from hundreds of miles away.
We’ve split this post into two parts: items to send to her ahead of time and day-of (if you’re running a bit behind – no judgment! It happens to the best of us!). And remember, these ideas are ideal not only for Mother’s Day but for her birthday or any other special day in your mother’s life.
Distance has nothing on these creative ideas!
Creative Items to Send Her Way
Create a shared experience from faraway. Send mom a book and grab a copy for yourself and start a book club! Read on your own and then schedule time over FaceTime or Zoom to talk about the book and catch up. Even though you’re reading separately, this gift grows your relationship and creates a shared experience.
Book Recommendations
Beachy Light Reads: Elin Hilderbrand Books, especially the Winter Street Series or 28 Summers.
Historical Fiction: Kristin Hannah books, especially The Four Winds or Nightingale
Home Organization: The Home Edit books, especially The Home Edit and The Home Edit Life
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Encourage mom to take a moment to herself. Send mom a self-care package full of goodies that’ll help her relax. Consider pairings that complement each other, allowing her gift to be ready-to-use on her special day.
Candles & Matches
Offer an enticing scent alongside a decorative matchbox. This timeless pairing is ready for mom to use immediately, encouraging her to relax and restore while enjoying her new gifts.
Pillow & Blanket
Give the gift of textural pieces with a decorative pillow and throw blanket combination. Choose neutrals for easy color pairing or find a unique pattern or texture that’ll speak to her.
Tell her how much she means to you. Compose a hand-written note on premium stationery with a cherished picture enclosed in the envelope. Taking the time to slow down, sit down, and write a letter will show thought and intention (while also being super low cost!). Select special stationery with sturdy, cardstock thickness, for a luxurious and sophisticated letter your mom is sure to appreciate.
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Send her a favorite meal. Laurie’s mom lives up in New England, but she knows her favorite pierogi shop, Millie’s, send their incredible pierogi all over the country! As a surprise, she’ll send her mom a variety of flavors that will be sent right to her door in a temperature-controlled package. Her pierogi can then be placed in the freezer to use as she wants. This idea takes sending food a step up and personalizes it. Be sure to check out your mom’s favorite restaurants and foods online to see if they offer shipping and delivery to your mom’s doorstep!
Remind her of when you’ll meet again. Send a good-quality overnight bag she can use when she visits the next time. Not only is this a gift she can use over and over again, it’s also a piece that reminds her that your doors are open and you’re excited to see her – whenever the next visit might be.
Tip: Traveling can get dirty. We recommend opting for leather bags, bags with leather bottoms, or colors and materials that won’t show much wear over time.
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“Day of” Gift Ideas
1.) Get the kids involved: If you have children, help them write a poem or song about your mom, take a video of all of you reciting or singing your creation – or Facetime her for a memorable and meaningful experience. Make it silly if your mom is known for her sense of humor or make it heartfelt if she appreciates a sentimental touch.
2.) Want to splurge a little? Book your mom a surprise experience. Whether it’s a mother-daughter long weekend somewhere you know she’s always wanted to visit, concert tickets to her favorite band, or flights for her to visit you or vice versa, this option, while pricier, offers your mom a memorable adventure and something to look toward. (Just remember, unless you know your mom’s schedule, you might want to veer toward experiences where you can later coordinate a day that works for her!)
3.) Write a thoughtful email. Step it up from a text and write a meaningful email to mom. It might not be stationary, but choosing email format takes your message up a level. Opt for a more formal tone with proper greeting and sign off from you. Share what your relationship means to you and a favorite memory – recent or from childhood. Attach a digital copy of a favorite picture of you and your mom.
A Mother’s Day to Remember – No Matter the Distance
Friend, when it comes to celebrating mom for any reason, from her birthday to Mother’s Day and more, don’t let distance get in the way. Think outside of the box and find ways to make a thoughtful, meaningful gift. Try out a suggestion or two from the list above, or share in the comments your favorite way to celebrate your mom from afar.
Hap-Bee Gifting!
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