Mother's Day on Less Than $20

This year, do better than just a “thanks,” and show your mother you appreciate her by giving her the most eco-and wallet-friendly gift of all—your time.

To make that time memorable, look for life-affirming activities that will leave you both feeling restored, making room for you to grow closer. Here are some soul-nurturing activities—that’ll cost you less than $20—that you and your mom can enjoy together.

Stretch together

Support Mom’s bones this Mother’s Day by taking her to your local community centre for a drop-in yoga class. Weight-bearing yoga has been proven to have a positive effect on bone in postmenopausal women, therefore reducing the risk of osteoporosis . Whether she’s a beginner or a seasoned yogi, there will surely be a class appropriate for your mom’s level of experience.

You may be able to call ahead to reserve a spot—but if you can’t, get there early. Bring some hot tea in travel mugs for you and your mom to sip on while you wait for the class to begin.

Laugh out loud

Take Mom to a comedy club or a funny movie and get the juices flowing. A good belly laugh is the perfect gift to share with Mom, and the perfect way to melt away stress. Studies show that laughter has many positive effects on the body, such as increasing blood flow and decreasing cortisol levels.

Do Mom a favour, though, and skip the concession’s fat-packed popcorn and sugar-laden pop.

Make waves

Take Mom to your local pool for a water aerobics class. They’re fun and multi-levelled so anyone can participate. Because the effects of gravity are decreased while in the water, the impact on a person’s joints is also lessened, which is good for both you and Mom.

After your workout, head over to the sauna and experience its many benefits. Some studies suggest that visiting the sauna can have many positive benefits such as relief of joint pain and asthma as well as decreased blood pressure .

Just remember that it’s prudent for you both to check with your family physicians before participating in either of these activities.

Take a furry friend for a walk

Find out where your local dog park is and take your furry friend for a walk. If neither you nor Mom has a dog of your own, check out the nearest animal shelter and volunteer to walk one of its resident canines.

In addition to just plain feeling good about helping out a dog in need, the health benefits of interacting with animals include lowered blood pressure, lowered anxiety levels , and reduced feelings of loneliness.

Sing your hearts out

Does your mom love to sing? Join a local choir with Mom and start reaping the benefits of singing, not to mention the closeness that participating in a shared activity will give you both.

Studies show that singing in a choir has many positive effects on a person’s well-being, including improved mood, better posture, and a more relaxed state of mind. 

Teamwork

Find an activity that you can do together—as a team. Rent a two-person canoe or kayak at your local marina for a few hours, and paddle around as you enjoy the scenery. Or look up the nearest bike rental shop and take a tandem bike out for a cruise around town. Working together as a team is an excellent way to strengthen your relationship.

If you have a competitive edge you’ve been told comes from your mother, why not race? But, of course, on this special day Mom is the automatic winner. Reward her with a gourmet picnic, containing all her favorites and some of yours, too.

Nothing but time

Finding the perfect gift for Mom this year need not be a daunting task. Nor does it have to cost a fortune.

Upon being asked, “What do you want for Mother’s Day?” most moms will respond with “Nothing.” Nothing tangible, that is. Give your mom what she really wants—quality time with her children and lasting, happy memories.