In a perfect world, we’d be able to go all out and splurge for the woman who gave us life on her special holiday (goddess knows she deserves it). But that’s not always practical or, ahem, remotely possible for some of us who are trying to stay financially afloat in Toronto.
If you’re on a tight budget but want to express your gratitude to your mom this Mother’s Day, here are some affordable options to consider.
Head to High Park for a cherry blossom picnic. High Park’s cherry blossoms are POPPING OFF right now. Full bloom occurs when 70% of the flowers on the Sakura trees have opened, which happened at 8:30 a.m. on May 7 (to be v. exact), so NOW is the perfect time to visit the park for cherry blossom viewing. Get some picnic-friendly eats from Mabel’s Bakery on Roncy and take a walk down to Grenadier pond to soak in some sunshine.
Buy her a bouquet at The Toronto Flower Market (Saturday, May 12, 10–6 p.m., 1001 Queen St. W). This is a sumptuous experience where local growers and vendors come together to share creative offerings, such as bouquets, pots, terrariums, decor and more. This small market has been running for six years and is basically made for a Mother’s Day weekend outing.
Have afternoon tea at Campbell House Museum (Saturday, May 12, 12–2 p.m. or 2:30–4:30 p.m., Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen St. W, $20 per person). The Costume Society of Ontario is hosting an afternoon tea session at the historic Campbell House Museum where the Duchess of Bedford, friend of Queen Victoria’s and also the v. genius originator of the concept of afternoon tea, will entertain. Hear about the historical ways to drink tea and the fashions to wear for tea.
Embiria Wellness: Mother’s Day Relaxing Yoga X Brunch (Sunday, May 13, 9–11 a.m., Cambria Gallery, 91 Parliament Street, $35 per ticket). If you and your mom are into yoga (beginners welcome!) join in this gentle, hour-long yoga class with the option to add essential oils and to end your practice with a shoulder and neck massage. After class, enjoy a light brunch and check out a pop-up beauty station run by local vegan skincare company NIU Body. It’s like a one-stop treat yo’self day.
Leslieville Flea Mothers Day Market (Sunday, May 13 ,11–5 p.m., The Broadview Hotel, 106 Broadview Ave). Spend Sunday afternoon at the beautiful Broadview Hotel perusing the vintage, antique and hand-made goods at this pop-up flea market. You’ll also get access to the Lincoln terrace for a BBQ and drinks, so you can chill in the sunshine and toast to your moms.
Sip & Stretch Yoga (Sunday, May 13, 11:30–2:30 p.m., Nickel 9 Distillery, 90 Cawthra Ave, $25 per ticket). If you don’t want to do the brunch thing but still want the option to have a drinky with your activity, this vinyasa yoga class has the best of both worlds. (Cocktails and yoga go together like coffee and Baileys, tbh.) Class is one hour, and you can refuel afterwards with cocktails and Earth + City eats.
Take an AGO gallery tour inspired by mom (Sunday, May 13, at 11–3 p.m., AGO, 317 Dundas St. W., $19.50 per ticket). Let a gallery guide give you a tour of the gallery on the hour from and find out which artists’ moms were their muse. Tours are free with gallery admission.