Mother's Day Gift Ideas to Step Up Your Gift Game in 2025

I'm excited to start my business, celebrating some of the finest, most amazing humans imaginable. Mothers. No matter how they became a mother, through birth, adoption, marriage, kinship, or spirit, Great Moms (and Mother figures) provide a sense of care, safety, love, and support you won't find anywhere else. While I hope you express your gratitude to them all year round, Mother's Day is a special occasion each year to show them just how deep your appreciation goes.

Flowers have become the go-to for mothers on Mother's Day, and it's easy to see why. They are beautiful and easy, and let's face it: the weather is turning, and we're all eager for more color and sunshine after a gloomy winter. I have sent many beautiful bouquets to my mother and mother-in-law for years, with love, being meticulously picked and delivered. However, there are many more ways to express gratitude that reflect your relationship and appreciation. This year, I'm pushing the boundaries and seeking more unique gifts.

If you are in the same boat as me and want to do something different, this blog is just for you! When you are thinking about a gift for this time of year, I encourage you to make your gift one for the books by approaching gifting for this holiday in one of two ways:

  1. Memorable - Think of things you and your Mom, partner, or spirit Mom have in common or like to do together. Maybe they really helped you this past year in a unique way, or you have a new inside joke. Or think about something that she loves to do and invest in it. Show her how much you love to support her interests through your gift.
  2. Nostalgic - Think of everything your Mom has done for you or your kids if you have them. Think about memories she tends to reflect on or things she holds on to to remind her of those memories. This reflection can help you tap into your memories and find a gift that truly expresses gratitude from the heart.

If you need help getting started, I'm here for you. You can sign up for my Curated Gift service, and I will send you 5 gift ideas based on what you can tell me about your Mom. If you want to do some of the work yourself, I have gathered a few ideas below based on common interests. Happy gifting!

Skim Ideas by Interest: 

Gifts Ideas for the Moms Who Love Flowers 

Since this blog is about giving moms a gift they'll love, let's not forget that some moms love receiving flowers, especially on Mother's Day. If you have one of those moms, please do not take that from her! Just step up your game a little with one of these ideas: 

Order Flowers from a Local Flower Shop

We have a lot of great local options here in RVA that will do delivery or are easy enough to pick up. I've had a lot of luck purchasing flowers from Coleman's Flowers and Christopher's Flowers in Carytown. I've also been eager to try Richmond Flower Truck, but haven't had a chance to visit yet.

Featured here: Richmond Flower Truck – Find the Truck!


Take Your Mom to a Make Your Own Bouquet Class

Spend a couple of hours together making flowers to enjoy for a week or more at a local flower class. You can also gift this class from afar by finding a virtual class and sending your Mom the items or a gift card to buy some materials for the class.

Local Bouquet Making Class

Several places around Richmond offer floral design classes. Check local businesses like Field Floral, Strawberry Fields Flowers and Finds, and Lewis Ginter for their latest class schedules.

Price: Varies

If hanging flower baskets is something your Mom enjoys, I found this Hanging Basket Class at Maymont in late May for $45 per person.

Virtual Bouquet Class

If you cannot be together for Mother's Day, consider joining a virtual bouquet-making class together.

I found this great beginner's course, and they will send you the flowers ahead of time. Please note that you need to book at least 10 days in advance of the day you want to meet to ensure you have the necessary supplies.

Alice's Table 

Book the Class

Price: $65/ticket

 

Get Tickets to a Local Flower Show or Botanical Garden

Spend quality time together enjoying flowers curated by talented gardeners and artists. It will be hard not to have fun and get inspired.

Celebrate Mother's Day Early with Tickets to Historic Garden Week

During Historic Garden Week, homes and gardens all over Richmond are on full display. Book a day together to become inspired and delighted with what this event has to offer. I've been and it's been a great experience.

When: April 28-May 2

Cost: $40+

Get Tickets


Take a Trip to a Local Botanical Garden

We have two fantastic options in Richmond: Maymont and Lewis Ginter. A nice walk through either of these will make for a memorable day.

Maymont

Cost: $0 to walk the grounds; a donation is encouraged

Visitor Information

 

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Adult Tickets: $20
Seniors (age 65+) or Military/First Responders Tickets: $15

Book tickets

 

Gift Florals That Never Die

Invest in the gift of local art by gifting a floral painting or sculpture in her preferred décor style. I personally love the colors and composition of Jennifer Klein's work. Her paintings are vibrant and can easily complement various décor styles.

Suggestion 1: Jennifer Klien's Floral Paintings

Follow Jennifer on Instagram @Jennifer.w.klein.art

OR see available works on her website 

Prices vary from $200 to over $1,000

Suggestion 2: Krystal Billberry Art

I also love the artist Krystal Billberry. I found her work at "Arts In The Park" a few years ago and bought up four different print pieces! 

See available works on Krystal's website. 

Prices vary from prints at $25 to original works at $500+

 

Gifts Ideas for Moms Who Love to Garden

Following the floral theme, we'll next head into some ideas for Moms who love to garden. Whether it's planting vegetables, assembling flowerpots, or creating pieces of landscaped art, I'm sure there's an idea in here for you!


Garden Basket from Uncommon Goods

I gave this to my Mom for Christmas one year, and it's been a big hit. They use it from Summer to Winter to collect vegetables from the garden. It's big and easy to carry. Bonus tip: If you deliver it personally, consider filling it with flowers or seasonal fruits.

GARDEN BASKET - Buy on Uncommon Goods

Cost: $55-$75


Shopping Spree at Local Nursery

Most people know what they want when they love to garden. They want control of what they plant each season. So, how about making an experience out of it and going on a floral shopping spree together? Select plants and perhaps even a new pot to plant something that will remind her of you and all your gratitude.

Strange's Nursery always has an abundance of great options.


Early Mother's Day with Historic Garden Week Passes 

I know I just mentioned this in the second above. It's even more applicable here. I've personally been once, and the gardens and homes were immaculate. I'm gifting this experience to my Mom this year and am very excited about it!

When: April 28-May 2

Cost: $40+

Get Tickets

 

Gifts Ideas for Moms Who Just Want to Have Fun

All moms are fun in their own way (you may not think so, but see them with their friends 🤗), but some moms want to socialize and laugh more than anything. You can foster that joy with some quality experiences.

Mother's Day Game-A-Thon

While games aren't my go-to, I always love seeing what @global_munchkins comes up with. This is an easy way to give the gift of time, have some laughs, and make memories on a budget.

 

Mother's Day Dance Party

Does your Mom love to dance? Another low-budget idea is to create a playlist of Mom's favorite songs and throw an at-home dance party. Keep it just family, or include friends; it's up to you. Just remember to keep it all about her!

Bonus Tip: You do the clean-up and let her sleep in the next morning. Maybe breakfast in bed?


Mom's Night Out

If you are a partner reading this and have young kids, consider tacking on a Mom's Night Out to your Mother's Day Gift. All up, her friends, make the reservation and send her off! Breakfast in bed the next morning never hurts, either. 💁


Mom's Night Cocktail (or Mocktail) Class

Are you old enough to enjoy a cocktail with Mom? How about a Mother-Daughter cocktail-making class? 

You can check the schedule at Quirk or Kitchen Classroom for upcoming classes or look at a virtual option similar to the floral arrangement class.

 

Gifts Ideas for the Sporty, Adventurous Mom

Make new memories with Mom by celebrating her love of sports and/or adventure. Or someone on the move, consider an experience over a gift.

Trip with Mom to the local Rock-climbing Gym

Does your Mom love the outdoors and to stay fit? A trip somewhere active, like a climbing gym, could be just what the doctor ordered. If you haven't been rock climbing before, start with a basics class for 2. Local gyms include Peak Experiences and Triangle Rock Club.

Peak Experiences

Cost: $45 for course; $25 for day pass

Link to Courses

 

Hike with Mom

Get active with your Mom by hitting the trails. The fresh air and exercise will make everything feel relaxed and refreshed. Try to find a trail with great views, such as those overlooking water or mountains, if you have them nearby, for added memories. Pro tip: Prepare a small picnic when you finish.

Build your own with homemade goodies or find a local business. Yellow Umbrella, Stella's Grocery and Ukrops Market all offer several food options.

Picnic Basket - Shop on World Market

Or have one delivered from a site like Hickory Farms or Harry and David. 

Cost: Starts at $84.99

Go to a Game with Mom

Is your Mom a big sports fan? Soccer? Baseball? Lacrosse? Take Mom to a game and cheer on a team.

Richmond Flying Squirrels - 2025 Schedule

Richmond Kickers - 2025 Schedule and Tickets 

Cost: Tickets start at ~$13 per seat, plus taxes and fees. 

 

Organize a Pick-up Sport for Mom

Bluey fans, anyone? While loves Field Hockey and plays it regularly throughout the show. Does your Mom have a sport she loves to play but doesn't get to do as often? Organize a pick-up game with Friends at a local park to celebrate something she loves.

Cost: Your time contacting friends and/or family

Accompany the game with snacks for the players and maybe some celebratory chants and sweets! 

 

Gifts Ideas for Moms Who Love to Cook

Does your Mom love to feed the family? Experiment in the kitchen? Make food that fuels the soul? Show how much you appreciate her by showing interest in her favorite pastime.

Frame a Favorite Recipe

Do you have a family recipe that has been passed down for generations? Or one that is at the center of your family's traditions? Cement it outside of the cooking cards and cookbooks with an artistic print.

Etsy offers a variety of options, such as the one below. Costs vary. This starts at $75. 

Shop this store

 

Gift Mom an Inspirational Book From a Favorite Chef

I'm always a fan of staying away from gifting cookware, cookbooks, or appliances on Mother's Day unless requested explicitly by Mom herself. But most famous chefs have memoirs at some point. If she doesn't have a copy already, consider picking her up a copy of one from her favorite baker or chef. Also, remember to give her time to read it.

This one from Ina Garten is more life advice than cooking.

Ina Garten's Book costs around $35, but can be purchased from multiple retailers. Buy direct from Penguin Random House here.

 

Experiences Together Create Lasting Memories for Mother's Day

If you are older and are spending less time with your Mom these days, spending time together may be some of the most coveted time for your Mom in the world. Some moms ask for this time together, and some hope for it but won't intrude. Show your love by creating new memories together, sharing a hobby, engaging in an activity, or any other way to spend quality time together. Here is a running list of experiences, some have already been covered, and some are new! 

Take a Class with Mom 

There are so many classes around Richmond that you and your mom can do together. From dance classes at Dance Masters in Lakeside, to Pottery classes at Hand / Thrown Ceramics Studio or Clay Ground, to various art classes at the Visual Arts Studio, to sip and paint sessions, to flower design classes at Strawberry Fields, and more! 

Go on an Adventure

Depending on your budget, consider booking a weekend or day trip to a nearby location, such as the mountains or the beach. Or go big and take a flight somewhere special! 

Throw a Mother's Day Brunch

Food fuels the soul and conversations around food build memories. Prepare a brunch for Mom, book a Mother's Day Reservation at a local restaurant, or if you can be together in person, host a virtual Mother's Day Brunch by sending a meal kit or DoorDash a special meal and joining on FaceTime while you eat.

 

But Also, Don't Feel Bad When... 

All Mom asks for is some quiet time ALONE. Sometimes it's what moms need to keep showing up for their family. Giving her a little requested time will allow you to create lasting memories all year long.  

You can always help her maximize her time by booking a spa appointment for her, be it a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, soak, or all of the above! 

If you're maintaining a budget, consider setting up a candle with her favorite scent, getting her at-home face, hand, and foot masks, and ensuring the house is tidy so she can fully focus on her relaxation and rejuvenation. 

 

Conclusion: There Are Many Ways To Celebrate Mom! 

You can show your Mom how much you appreciate her in so many different ways. These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. To give the best gifts, consider their love language and what will bring them the most joy.

If you need help figuring out a great gift just for your mother, I can help. Book a service today!

You can also follow me on Instagram at @rvagiftfinder for more inspiration through Mother's Day.

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