I don’t know your mom or what she’s like, but hopefully you do. I also don’t know what she needs or would like for Mother’s Day, so I’m just going to share an assortment of events that I think could bring a mom some joy and one gift I think is worth the splurge. Take mom out to some of these festivals and street fairs to shop local artists and artisans and find something she loves.
A Picture is Not Just a Picture
We are a world of photograph takers and picture consumers. From Instagram to Pinterest, art galleries to wrapped busses, there are photographs everywhere. A photograph can transport and once you become,a parent, that rush down memory lane can have the adrenaline of a roller coaster ride. I’ve always thought a digital photo frame was something you give a grandparent. I thought it was kind of redundant if you have slideshows on your computer screensaver, Alexa Show, or on your phone’s lock screen, but Aura Frames completely changed my opinion of digital photo frames. A picture frame whose sole purpose is to hold pictures hits differently than any of the other devices. It sits prettily on your buffet or bookshelf and the photos can change as frequently or infrequently as you like. Ever since I set up the frame, which can display thousands of photos, everyone in the family has been enjoying the rotating selection of memories. Even the cranky teen who doesn’t tend to like looking back at old photos has engaged in converstaion about some of them. The Aura Frame app is easy to use and set up, and you can send links to your best friends and responsible family members to add photos to the queue as well. I was sent the Aura Frame for review and had fully intended to give it as a gift to my mom, but it will be staying in our living room and I’m going to have to buy a second one for my mom.
Family Time on Mother’s Day in Boston
For many moms despite being completely drained from the work of motherhood, we actually love or families and became mother’s to raise a family, so family time is important. Some moms want a break and to enjoy solo time on Mother’s Day and other moms want to spend time as a family. Don’t try to guess which kind of mom yours is. Ask her what she wants. Also, don’t just use Mother’s Day for these things. Moms can always use a little more planned family time that they didn’t have to organize themselves, as well as the gift of solo time, but don’t spring it on her last minute. Leaving mom alone in the house last minute with no time to plan her quality solo time is not a gift, but often an exercise in frustration. We all have “to do” lists larger than life and choosing to step away from them to do something for ourselves takes a lot of forethought and planning.
Treat mom to some family time out and about in Boston and beyond, based on what she likes to do. There are plenty of spring favourite going on this weekend.
Mom loves music: Somerville Porchfest is Saturday May 13th with a rain date of the 14th.
Mom loves the Night Life: Boston Night Market is on Saturday May 13th in Boston’s City Hall Plaza from 4-10 p.m. There is also a kid zone for the little ones.
Mom loves art and more: Mother’s Day Maker’s Market (and more) at the Charles River Speedway on Sunday May 14th. If mom has a sweet tooth, plan ahead and pre-order a box of Lionheart Confections Mother’s Day doughnuts and fritters.
Motherhood is a Drag: It’s not all rainbows and sunshine to be a mom, but you know what is all rainbows and sunshine? Drag brunch! Take your Mamma Mia loving mom out to brunch at Summer Shack in Boston for the Mamma Mia Drag Brunch. The highlight is the Drag show, the brunch is decent but you’re not there for the food.
Mom loves her garden: Somerville Garden Club Plant Sale is on Sunday May 14th from 11:00-2:00. This is not your average plant sale as there will behouse plants, perennials, annuals, dried flowers, and white elephant gardening items, donated and locally grown by Somerville Garden Club members.
Mom loves the city life: Head into Boston and shop the Greenway Artisan Market with mom and help her find the perfect gift. Then stroll into the North End for a little exploring and lunch or a coffee break.
Mom loves her bicycle: Join the Spring Family Bike Ride out of Davis Square. Bring your kid bikes, grown up bikes, cargo bikes, bike trailers, tandem bikes, bikes with kid seats, etc for 2nd Annual Spring Family Bike Ride.
Mom loves Boston traditions: The Duckling Day Parade is a Boston tradition through and through. The Harvard University Marching Band leads the parade from in the Boston Common at the Parkman Bandstand and end in the Public Garden near the famous Make Way for Ducklings sculptures. Registration is $35 per family of any size.
