Mother’s Day is fast approaching and that means the thinking caps should be on, brains buzzing, trying to find the perfect way to say thank you for being awesome. “Mom” is a broad term, really. It doesn’t only mean your blood-related mother, the woman who gave birth to you. Sometimes, mom is a grandmother or aunt who helped raise you, or a family friend who’s been there throughout every heartache and good time. Whoever your mom is, it’s time to celebrate her, whether that’s with a thoughtful gift or a fun outing. If you’re lacking ideas or need help finding something original to do, we’re here to help, as always.
Spa Day
Our moms are always busy and on the move, so they deserve a little break every once in a while. A pampered break would be even better. Get a mani pedi and a massage with mom, munch on some chocolate covered strawberries, and just relax at Spa Diva. This beautiful upscale spa in the heart of downtown Montreal is just what the doctor ordered. If you want the baths experience for your spa visit, try lounging in the hot baths with a scenic view of Old Montreal at Bota Bota. This Old Montreal spa is perfect if you want to take a walk after.
Brunch
Take mom to brunch, but skip the bacon and eggs at chain restaurants and try something more exciting with a much nicer ambiance. Salmigondis is an adorable restaurant in Little Italy with a brunch menu that is definitely for the more adventurous mom. Expect dishes with succulent rabbit or tender fish, among some more typical brunch items. If mom isn’t a foodie, try Maison Publique, the ultimate French-English fusion pub-style restaurant. Menu items are closer to home, but there are still some adventurous bites to be had.
A Trip to the Market 
Sometimes (or most of the time), our moms just want to spend quality time with us, and that doesn’t always have to mean spending a whole lot of cash. We love casual sunny afternoons walking around the Jean Talon Market, browsing the stalls and tasting fruit along the way. Grab one (or two) dozen oysters from La Boîte à Huitres, munch on some samosas from Le Tartarin, and grab a sausage sandwich from William J. Walter Saucissier. For dessert, choose between Portuguese natas or a fruity popsicle from Les Pops. There are so many delicious options to choose from, and you can make a whole day out of it!
Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend
Women love jewelry, but they don’t always have to get it from their significant other. A bejewelled gift to mom for Mother’s Day is another great way to say I love you. Shop jewelry made from local Quebec artists at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Bet you didn’t know you could go jewelry shopping there, right? Well, you can! If you want something simpler and funkier, shop Ella Dugré handmade beaded bracelets and body chain necklaces, perfect to add a hip new look to mom’s repertoire.
Cooking Classes
What better way to bond with mom than to cook up a storm with her? Sometimes, when there are two chefs in the kitchen, things can get, well, heated. So leave the leading up to a professional and take a back seat with mom at a cooking class! The Leonardo Da Vinci Center has so many great classes multiple days a week! Go for pizza night, learn how to make fresh pasta, go for a wine tasting, and more! Mom would love the outing with you.
Foodie Gift Basket
It’s not only men who derive happiness from their stomachs. Women are foodies too! So why not make mom a gift basket with local foodie products she can use in the kitchen or devour on the spot! Fill her basket up with kitchen supplies like Joe Beef Spiced Salt, Sinai Gourmet hot sauce, and Quebec Maple Syrup. Satisfy her caffeine craving with Olimpico‘s own blend of ground coffee! Feed her hungry tummy with St Viateur bagels and mini pies from Rustique. Finally, let mom have some downtime in the form of a gin martini with smooth Piger Henricus gin.
Beauty Products
Women love new skin products, and all-natural skin products are even better. And even better? Local-made products! Luxcey beauty is natural and organic and made right here in Montreal! Get mom some body or face scrubs or some hydrating oils to nourish her already beautiful skin. If mom likes hair products, you can have her try Niucoco all-natural and vegan coconut oil for her hair. Her skin and hair will be feeling silky smooth in no time! And she’ll smell like delicious coconuts too!
Dinner at Home with a Private Chef
If you’re not much of a chef but want to treat mom to a delicious meal, no need to go to a restaurant! Have Chef James Mitchell prepare you a delicious meal right in your own home! A private chef will come and cook a gourmet meal for mom and you won’t even have to lift a finger! Or, if you want to cheat a little, you can have the food catered by the team and bring it home. Mom doesn’t need to know you didn’t cook it (hehe).
Featured image by Ver Sepasi (@versepasi).
