Top Mother’s Day tips in the coronavirus pandemic era

In the past, I’ve written dozens of articles on how to celebrate Mother’s Day. However, this year is so different.

Instead of being in Madrid celebrating with my daughter and her family, I’m at home by myself, picking up groceries once a week as my only outing.

Fortunately, except for the people who have to work, you can still order things for Mother’s Day gifts. And, in some states, restaurants are opening. However, in Washington state where I live, we are still under Stay Home, Stay Healthy orders. I think it’s too early to go out to a restaurant, so I’m not putting that on my list.

Here are some suggestions:

• Set up a Zoom or Skype meeting with your mom. If she isn’t tech savvy, you may be able to help her get started by a phone call. If you live in the same city with your mom, you can continue your social distance visiting.
• Check local flower shops in your mom’s city to see which ones are delivering. Many are saying that wholesale supplies have been interrupted so selections may be limited. In addition, some are requesting that you order your flowers to be delivered on alternate date to support logistical constraints.
• Order pizza or a special dinner. Although most restaurants may be closed to dining, many are offering pickup and delivered meals. For example, in the Seattle area, you can order food from the Australian Pie Co., Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub, Frank’s Smokehouse, Vietnam Café and Sandwich, Sushi In Joy, Anthony’s Des Moines, Theo Chocolate, Dick’s Drive-In, Ivar’s Seafood Bars, Pagliacci, Red Robin, Tutta Bella, Canlis, Sunlight Café, and many other restaurants.
• Buy a gift card for your mom’s favorite restaurant, department store, or spa.
• Give her a themed gift basket with snacks and chocolates. Or, order a box of chocolates. The choices are endless.
• Make a spring wreath and hang it on your mom’s door when you drop off your gift and card.
• Get copies made of family photos you love and put them in an album.
• Give her the gift of an online cooking class.
• Schedule a virtual happy hour or play a game such as Scrabble over Zoom.
• Order several different wines so she can have a wine tasting and have them sent to her.
• Order her a kitchen herb garden kit.
• Buy her a new pair of pajamas or sweats and slippers, since that’s what we all seem to be wearing. Or, a new spa robe would be nice.
• Give her a “Best Mom” or “I Love You” mug.
• Get a diary for your mom so she can record how the 2020 coronavirus pandemic is unfolding.
• Give her a card with a letter setting up a date to for a special occasion such as a concert or trip to a museum.
• Order a book, if your mom is an avid reader.
• Look for jewelry that you think she might like, although the prices sometimes go up just before Mother’s Day.