20 Mother’s Day Ideas for Moms with Young Kids

Whether you’re celebrating yourself or honoring another newer mom in your life, Mother’s Day during the early years is a different kind of celebration. Big plans can feel overwhelming, whether someone else takes the reins or (and I hope not, for your sake!) you’re planning your own day. 

I’ve only celebrated Mother’s Day as a mom three times so far — but one thing I’ve learned is that in early motherhood, simpler is better for everyone involved. Below, find a whole bunch of fun, low-key ways to celebrate — most right at home. (It’s addressed to you, mom, but free to pass along this list to whoever might be in charge of your celebration!)

Actress Amy Jackson Westwick shared a peek into her British Mother’s Day last year, her first with two sons, which included a beautiful breakfast-in-bed setup. But, as she puts it in her caption, “Don’t let the pictures fool you. Behind the scenes is chaos, crumbs in the bed, tired eyes, and that full-on newborn haze. It’s messy, it’s loud, it’s real but absolutely gorgeous all the same.” Embrace that new-mom energy with your first meal of the day in bed, whether it’s a few frozen waffles, an enviable spread, or simply a (gasp!) still-warm cup of coffee. 

Ask your significant other or other loved one to snap several photos of you with your kids today. Moms are so often behind the camera — take a minute today to make sure you’re in the frame with the entire family, too. 

Before kids, I meditated twice a day. It still boggles my mind that I was able to do it, but it was a practice I loved … and one that I let slip by the wayside when the demands on my time grew too much. I’m now getting back in the habit of setting aside just five minutes every evening to use my favorite meditation app, Insight Timer. Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or not, taking a few minutes to focus on your breath is something all of us deserve (and, I’d argue, that we all need!) — especially on Mother’s Day. 

If you’ve made it out of bed today, my apologies. I hope you can put your feet up, perhaps on the coffee table! On that note, try turning said table into a picnic zone with a pretty tablecloth and your favorite snacks and takeout for a no-fuss approach to brunch today. 

I record voice notes for my kids on their birthdays, then email them to the email addresses I set up for them. I recount stories to them about the year’s activities, their ups and downs, and the milestones achieved. Why not try the same, but address it to yourself? Share your highs and lows, and what you’re most proud of, so that you can look back (or listen back) for a boost in the future. If you have old enough kids too, try creator RushtonHome’s idea of interviewing them on video: “How old is mom? What does she love? What is she good at? These answers become family gold later.” 

You’ve no doubt heard a ton of kid-friendly songs and baby lullabies lately. For today, blast your own favorites for the family dance party.  

Have you ever heard the phrase “compare and despair”? Social media has a way of convincing us that everyone else is having more fun — especially on holidays. Step away from it altogether and indulge in the ultimate luxury: a vacation from your phone, and more one-on-one time with the people who matter most.

I remember in the weeks after my first child was born, I couldn’t take a shower for more than a few minutes — even when I knew he was safe and sound — because I kept hearing phantom cries. That phase ended, thankfully, but I still rush through my showers. Get kid coverage today and take a full 30 minutes to set up a candle warmer, put on your favorite playlist, try a new face mask, do some exfoliating, use a deep conditioner, or whatever else makes you feel most renewed. 

Even if it’s just a walk around the block, nothing’s quite as restorative as being with the ultimate mama, Mother Nature. With littler kids, turn the walk into a nature walk by picking up leaves, identifying flowers, and collecting little treasures. With bigger ones, try the viral flower walk idea (see creator Emily Norris’ take on it, above) or a nature scavenger walk (here’s a fun paint sample version) for some extra fun. 

The last movie I saw in a real theater was back in 2022, but my living room has more than made up for it. I’ve turned it into our own little screening space for friends and family, like when I hosted a housewarming a few months after my second was born and played a slideshow of her earliest moments throughout the party. You can easily do the same at home by mirroring your phone to your TV and watching family videos or photo slideshows together. 

Whether you can swing it during your own kids’ naptime or do it while your partner, a family member, or a babysitter is watching the kids, just lie down in a quiet room and doze for a bit. It’s rejuvenating!

Brunch reservations are a hassle, but lattes and pastries are not. Swing by your local coffee shop for a chiller chance at eating out (or send your loved ones out on a mission). 

And do it with materials you may already have on hand. Follow creator Natalia Duloglu’s lead here with paint and a walking-on-canvas approach, or try the dry-clay frame by @WoodlandWhimsyStudio, above — just don’t worry about Pinterest-level results! 

Raise a glass of your favorite adult bev or mocktail and toast yourself to a year well done! You’re doing great, mama. 

No matter if it comes out of a box or is a passed-down family favorite, baking with the kids (whether they’re helping to stir the batter or just watching from their perch in the baby bouncer) is a fun way to share both an activity and a dessert.  

Even in a household with chores and duties that are split equitably, it’s nice to get a full pass. Ask your partner to take over your load, whether that’s the endless laundry cycle, dishes and bottle duty, or meal-prepping. 

A low-effort activity can help you de-stress, rediscover your creativity, and embrace those Mother’s Day feels. I suggest keeping it super straightforward, like the one above from creator Olivia Atlas. Turn your baby’s hospital hat into matting for a favorite photo (such as of your first cuddle, like Olivia did). Another option: Finally make some progress on that baby book.

Yep, you read that right. One TikToker went viral in 2022 for her reported opinion that new moms shouldn’t be pressured into visiting grandma for Mother’s Day, but instead focus on enjoying the day themselves. The video has since been taken down, but the idea lives on. Consider spending the day where you feel most comfortable, and asking your loved ones to help make that happen.

Or morning — whatever timing works for you! Break out the board games (for younger kids, try low-pressure games like matching cards or Roll & Play, a favorite in my house) and let your kiddos take the lead.

Like the fountain of youth or the Loch Ness Monster, an early bedtime is something I’ve only heard about — but if you can swing it, do it. Ask your other half, a grandparent, or a babysitter to handle the full bedtime routine so that you can get to bed extra early (or catch up on your shows, or even just scroll in silence).