10 ways to make Mother's Day special

All mothers deserve to be acknowledged every day of the year. But if you haven't yet decided on how to make yours feel extra-special on Mother's Day, consider undertaking one -- or perhaps even two or three -- of the following 10 gift ideas.

1. Share a meal
Keeping your mom out of the kitchen on Mother's Day will give her a well-deserved break and will be appreciated because "moms always cook," says Melissa Campeau, a public relations officer in Toronto, Ont. She always takes her mom to a Mother's Day brunch where "all the mothers in attendance are celebrated with roses, extra attention and an abundance of smiles."

2. Spoil her rotten
Treating mom to a spa day (or a beauty treatment of her choice) is a good way to see that she gets the pampering she may be too busy to indulge in on her own. Booking a massage for the two of you is an excellent way to share some rest and relaxation.

3. Drop in unexpectedly
A surprise visit is sure to make for an unforgettable Mother's Day, says Samantha Shepherd, a Torontonian whose mother lives in British Columbia. "The look on my mother's face would be priceless," she says. "I don't see her as often as I would like to, so either this year or next, I plan to just show up on her doorstep."

4. Take a hike
Imagine: You, Mom, and the wonders of nature. Going for a long walk provides plenty of opportunity for a heart-to-heart talk -- or you can just enjoy some quiet time together.

5. Make it a family affair
Retired teacher Bifney Jowlabar, of Brampton, Ont., will always remember last Mother's Day fondly. Her daughter took her and her grandchildren to paint their own pottery at a local ceramics shop. "It was so touching to have everyone together and having fun," Jowlabar says. "And I also got to keep some of my grandchildren's painted ceramics to commemorate the day."

6. Treat her to a movie
A good film is always a quick escape from the mundane. Let Mom choose the flick and you spring for the popcorn. If you don't live nearby send her a gift certificate for a couple of tickets.

7. Join a class together
Experts say that experiencing physical adversity together builds bonds. So why not try a yoga or rock-climbing class with Mom?

8. Head to the mall
If your budget allows, let your mother go carte blanche at her favourite store. Or present her with a gift certificate valid at stores at a nearby mall.

9. Plan a Mother's Day getaway
It doesn't matter where you go or what you do, says Diane Seguin, a Toronto-based sales and marketing representative. She usually takes her mom on day trips, but this year she's splurging on tickets to Las Vegas. "I love exploring new places with my mother. We get to see each other in a different light," she says.

10. Present her with flowers and chocolate
If you've had success in the past with these sweet and simple offerings, why not give them again?