Need Last Minute Ideas for Mom?

Please tell me you are not reading this because you (gasp!) forgot about Mother’s Day!  Not that you could with all the hoopla going on. This past week, my kids were informed that I wanted an iphone, a new treadmill, and new dress by my television. They were told that I wanted new gardening shears by a sign at the local gardening center, and by the radio that I really wanted hair therapy – it would make me so happy, and make my son the “Son of the Year!” Everywhere you look or listen has been busy advertising their products for Mom. But you know what? I can buy all that myself. Mother’s Day is not about presents; what I really want is a day all about ME!

So how do moms want to spend their day? To answer this question, I conducted a thesis-style, empirically validated, hands-down ingenuous study – I asked my family and friends!

The question was simple: For Mother's Day, would you rather have a day to yourself, or a day spent with your family (on their very best behavior)??

A booming “With my family!” came back. Responses ranged from “With family! Otherwise what's the point. I'm a mom because of them!” with my favorite being “Saturday is a day at the spa, so I'm on my very best behavior for the wonderful time with kids and family on mom's day” and “Yep, family. Followed by a day to myself on Monday?” and a true mom response: “Spending it with kids and grandkids. As for best behavior, they're never on their best behavior around me, they get to be themselves and wouldn’t want it any other way.”

It’s corny but true – mom’s want to spend the day with their (well behaved) kids. Most of us would a million times over have a fun family day sharing something we love with our family.
Lucky for us, Redwood City offers something fun for every Mom! Here are some ideas on how to treat Mom to a day all about her:

The Coffee & Tea Mom: Try a latte at Pamplemousse – hands down the best I’ve ever had! Bring crayons and paper to keep little ones busy.

The Outdoorsy Mom: Take a hike in Stulsaft or Edgewood Natural Preserve. Both offer beautiful scenery to take in, and will leave mom in a serene mood.

The Flower Power Mom: If you have some extra cash to spend, definitely check out the Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch at Filoli!  

The Good Ol’ Fashioned Fun Loving Mom: Bowling at Mel’s! What can be better than a family game of knocking down the pins?

The Mom Who Loves Good Food: Mother’s Day Menu and Mimosa’s at Alana’s!  

The Artsy Mom:  Treat her to some local eye candy at The Main Gallery on Main St. (then stop by Alana’s)

For the Mom who deserves a treat as sweet as she is: Don’t miss an opportunity to stop by Corner Yogurt!

The Sun Loving Mom: Pack up lunch and check out one of the 30 parks Redwood City has to offer!

The Mom with the Green Thumb: Grab some supplies from Wegman's and get gardening with her!

Happy Mom’s Day! Sending love out to all the moms out there – busy moms, adoptive moms, single moms, second moms, moms-in-law, moms who are gone, but never forgotten, and those who take on the mom role in anyone’s life.

And a very special Happy Mother’s Day to my own Mom! Thank you for being a fantastic Mom and friend.  I love you!

P.S. No matter how many times we protest we don’t want anything, DO NOT  forget the card and flowers!