Blog: 5 ways to spoil your mum (safely) this Mother's Day

A family lunch, breakfast in bed, or spa day might be off the table this Mothering Sunday. But the Scottish Government’s announcement that it would ease restrictions on outdoor meetings this week has come just in time for many families.

Now, if you live locally, up to four members of two households can meet socially in a park, garden or other outdoor space. It means two or three adult children can now enjoy a picnic or coffee with Mum or Granny (weather permitting of course!)

Of course, if you’ve already formed a bubble with your mum, then the guidance is unchanged.

With rules on care home visits also easing this month, we expect more joyful family reunions this weekend. Most care home residents can now have up to two designated visitors – a very welcome change after an extremely long and difficult year.

We know not all of us will be able to meet up in person this year. But that’s not to say we won’t be celebrating – and we’d love to know if you’ve found a creative way to make your mother or grandma’s day special.

Here are a few of our suggestions to get started:

Garden get-together

If you or your mum have a garden, then it’s now fine for up to four adults or children over 12 from two households to meet up. (Younger children aren’t counted.) It might still be a little chilly, but why not wrap up warm and treat Mum to an alfresco lunch in the garden? You’re allowed to enter another house for essential purposes, such as to access a back garden or use the loo.

Picnic in the park

Social meetings in other outdoor spaces are now permitted (without the requirement to exercise!) It’s the perfect excuse for the first picnic of the year – or perhaps coffee and cake on a park bench. You might want to remember your umbrella of course!

Virtual lunch or afternoon tea

More and more families have embraced Zoom, Skype and similar technology to stay in touch. Why not surprise Mum by inviting extended family members to join in? You could arrange to send over a hamper or meal kit beforehand to make it extra special.

Doorstep delivery

Whether you live locally or rely on delivery services, there’s no reason to forgo the traditional cake or bunch of flowers. Most couriers offer contact-free deliveries, while health experts have advised that parcels are not a risk for Covid-19. More and more shops and restaurants are now offering deliveries, meaning it’s a good way to support local businesses at the same time.

Share an experience

Even if you can’t meet in person, you can still enjoy a movie, concert or quiz night together. There are numerous free on-demand cultural events online, from operas to pop concerts. Or if you’re less tech savvy, just agree to watch the same movie or TV programme together and chat on the phone afterwards. You could also treat Mum to a gift voucher to enjoy when you’re able to meet again.