Mother’s Day is a special time for children to show appreciation for their mums and mother figures, whether that be through heartfelt gestures and handmade gifts or simple acts of kindness. This year, Mother’s Day in the UK falls on Sunday 30th March 2025 so there is still plenty of time for planning and this is the perfect opportunity for nannies to help children create meaningful surprises that mark the occasion. From DIY crafts to breakfast-in-bed ideas, there are plenty of ways to make the day memorable without relying on expensive gifts or days out.
Homemade Gifts with a Personal Touch
Helping children create their own Mother’s Day gifts not only makes the occasion more personal but also provides a great opportunity for them to harness their creativity and to learn the joy of gift-giving, rather than just receiving. Here are a few simple yet thoughtful ideas to try with children ahead of Mother’s Day:
Handmade Cards – Encourage children to make their own cards using colourful paper, stickers and drawings. You needn’t be an artist for a homemade card to make a lasting impact, it’s the sentiment that counts and it’s something mother’s will truly appreciate. For an extra personal touch, children could also write a heartfelt message inside or even add a handprint or footprint to the card with the year written beneath.
DIY Flower Bouquets – Instead of buying an expensive bouquet of flowers from a store, why not enjoy some time outdoors collecting freshly picked blooms along the way? Children can then assemble into a handmade bouquet at home and either present it to their mother in a vase or simply tie a ribbon around the stems.
Alternatively, if the weather doesn’t look promising enough to be outdoors then children can also craft their own origami flowers (though they may need some assistance) or paint a flowerpot and plant spring blooms inside instead.
Memory Jars – Encourage children to paint and decorate an old jam jar or unused kilner jar if you have one. This can then be filled with small notes of appreciation, drawings, family photos or little keepsakes that celebrate special moments with mum. Both mother and child can also continue adding to the jar over time with notes and core memories they have shared together.
Homemade Scented Candles or Bath Salts – For older children, making candles or bath salts with relaxing scents like lavender or vanilla can be a lovely way to tap into their creativity and give a gift that truly helps mum unwind. Using a candle-making kit like this one from Sculpt-d is a simple and engaging option to work with. If you’re making homemade bath salts, then all you need is:
500g of epsom salt
125g of coarse sea salt or himalayan pink salt
Approx. 20 drops of your preferred essential oil (mint oil, lavender oil and orange oil all work well). You could also opt to leave this out if the recipient doesn’t like fragrance.
(Optional) dried petals and flowers
1x Kilner Jar for storage
Simply combine the items above in a large bowl before decanting into your kilner jar and popping on a decorative label or ribbon to finish this off.
Making Breakfast in Bed Extra Special
Breakfast in bed is a classic Mother’s Day treat and nannies can help children prepare a simple yet delicious meal to surprise their mum. Easy, child-friendly options include:
Fruit and Yoghurt Parfait – Layer yoghurt, granola and fresh fruit in a glass for a light, nutritious and visually appealing breakfast.
Mini Pancakes – Let children help mix the batter and use a small pan to create mini pancakes, served with tasty toppings like banana, greek yoghurt and a dash of honey.
Heart-Shaped Toast – Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create uniquely shaped toast and serve it with jam, nutella or a portion of scrambled eggs.
Setting up a breakfast tray with a small flower or a handwritten note can make the gesture even more special. Bonus points if it’s also served with a cup of tea, coffee or orange juice but it’s best the nanny carries this!
Thoughtful Gestures and Activities
Sometimes, the simplest gestures mean the most. Nannies can encourage children to express their love and appreciation through:
A ‘Mum’s Day Off’ Voucher – A handmade voucher promising a day of help, from tidying up toys and helping with the cooking to giving extra cuddles.
Sharing Bedtime Stories – Choosing a favourite book and reading it aloud to mum as a bedtime treat.
A Mother’s Day Picnic – If the weather allows, planning a picnic in a nearby park or even in the garden can be a fun way to spend time together. If it happens to be a grey old day, then you can still opt to host a picnic indoors. Simply set up your picnic blanket, crockery and treats in the living room or playroom instead. Teddy bears are optional guests!
How Nannies Can Support
As Mother’s Day falls on a Sunday, many parents will appreciate extra support in planning and organising the celebrations so they can enjoy a moment of respite before another busy working week. To help prepare for a memorable Mother’s Day, nannies can:
Assist children with preparing gifts and activities in advance, ensuring a smooth and stress-free surprise that both mothers and children will remember.
Help set up the breakfast at the table, in bed or in a picnic format, making sure everything runs smoothly.
Capture special moments by taking photos or helping children create a small scrapbook of the day.
Supporting Families on Mother’s Day After a Loss
For families who have lost a mother, Mother’s Day can be an emotional and challenging time, particularly for young children who may not have been able to fully process or understand their grief.
In this instance, nannies can play a compassionate role in helping both children and the remaining parent or guardian to navigate the day in a way that feels meaningful while offering comfort and support. Nannies can also offer practical support by keeping routines steady, providing a listening ear or suggesting activities that shift the focus towards celebrating love and family bonds.
Encouraging children to honour their mother’s memory through small acts, such as creating a scrapbook of cherished moments, making a favourite meal in remembrance or simply lighting a candle can provide a gentle way to acknowledge their feelings. Equally, sometimes just allowing children and the rest of the family to have space for emotions and recognise mother’s the day in a way that feels right for them can help bring comfort and connection.
However the family is acknowledging this annual occasion, Mother’s Day is about showing love and appreciation and even the smallest gestures can make a big impact. By helping children to mark the day, nannies can play a key role in making Mother’s Day truly memorable