A: Afternoon tea.
Treat mom to an afternoon steeped in all things tea at the Bata Shoe Museum. Learn about the history and worldwide importance of tea, how to brew the perfect pot, and taste a variety of exotic and familiar teas. $30 per person (must be purchased in advance), with a portion of the profits donated to breast cancer research. 327 Bloor St. W., (416) 979-7799 ex. 445

B: Brunch.
Our favourite late-morning/early-afternoon activity is fit for all occasions and Mother’s Day is no exception. One place to try is Saving Grace (907 Dundas St. W.) or Studio Cafe at the Four Season’s Hotel. The bright, airy space serves brunch until 5, and includes a fantastic prix fixe. Some other ideas? Mildred’s Temple Kitchen‘s famous Mildred Pierce Brunch, Le Select Bistro on Wellington , Cornerhouse Restaurant on Davenport, or Union on Ossington.

C: Cupcake Shoppe.
Both you and mom will enjoy this shop’s sweet treats! Not only are their cupcakes delicious, they have clever names like “James Brown” (chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream) and “Sleepless in Toronto” (vanilla or chocolate cake with coffee buttercream). 2417 Yonge St. at Eglinton, www.thecupcakeshoppe.ca 

D: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.
Mother-daughter relationships are full of ups and downs and this film captures it perfectly. Make sure you have plenty of tissues on hand!

E: Elmwood Spa.
No one is more deserving of a good pampering than mom and this spa is all about de-stressing and renewing. Whether it’s a simple manicure ($42) or their Serenity Retreat, which includes water therapies, manicure, pedicure, and light lunch ($124), she’s sure to leave pleased. 18 Elm St., www.elmwoodspa.com

F:  Fleur Recipe Cards.
Perfect for spring – show mom just how much you love her culinary creations by transcribing her recipes onto these adorable cards.www.anthropologie.com

G: Gardens.
Take a stroll through one of the city’s fabulous gardens, like Edwards Gardens or Cullen Gardens. 

H: Hugs. 
Moms don’t enough of ‘em so treat her to one – or plenty – on her day.

I: It’s Complicated
This hilarious, sweet movie about Meryl (the ultimate Mom actress) finding love, life, and lust post-50 is a great laugh. Curl up with an afghan, a bottle of wine, and a bowl of popcorn and hunker down for the heartwarming hilarity.

J: Jam-Band Inspired Pillows
Boomer Mom? Hippie Mom? Bring her back to her roots with a high-quality pillow that looks like her teenage bedroom all grown up. www.rockmysoul.ca

K: Kiehl’s Deluxe Lavendar Skincare Set
Give the gift of soothing lavendar with this set from skincare wizard’s Kiehl’s-Deluxe Hand & Body Lotion, Foaming-Relaxing Bath with Sea Salts, Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub, Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream

L: Landlubber Gardening Set
This nautical tool set from Anthropologie will brighten her day in the garden. 

M: Make Some Clay!
The Gardiner Museum’s Sunday Drop-In Clay Class is a great way to get your hands dirty together, laugh about your misshapen pots, and torture absent siblings by giving them as gifts later. 

N: Notebook
This Grand Voyage Notebook is perfect for jotting down thoughts, notes, and ideas. Available at The Papery in Yorkville. 

O: Over Easy
Another favourite brunch spot of ours, the sunny decor and delicious food will keep the whole family smiling. Hit up the Bloor St. location for an easy jaunt to the ROM, or Yorkville shopping, afterwards. http://www.overeasyrestaurants.com/

P: Prints of the Great Depression at the AGO
From the roaring ’20s to the dirty ’30s, this exhibit captures images from a time of great upheaval in American history. Spend a day in the gallery with mum. 

Q: Quill & Quire Subscription
Give your mum the gift of great reading with a subscription to Quill & Quire, Canada’s magazine of books, news, and reviews. 

R: Recipe Mastering!
The Calphalon Culinary Centre’s Cooking Classes are the perfect bonding activity. Cook up a storm at their Mother’s Day Brunch happening this weekend, where you’ll make delicious crepes, or buy a certificate for the two of you. Master Indian, Thai  or French cooking, take a basics class to learn some skills, the possibilities are endless! 

S: Simplex Copper Kettles

Simplex copper kettles have a retro spirit and unique, quirky look that would brighten up any kitchen. Pick one up at Pippin’s Tea Company, 2098 Queen St. E.

T: Toronto Botanical Garden
The Toronto Botanical Garden is offering a Mother’s Day Floral Demonstration with Champagne Reception. Mothers will receive a gift at the door, champagne cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and demonstrations on fresh flower and edible container arranging. From 1-4 pm. $55. Pre-registration required. http://www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca/index.htm

U: Umbrella
This chic birdcage bubble umbrella, available at Raindrops, 100 Front St. W., is the perfect chic rainy day solution. Go for a mother-daughter stroll no matter what the weather with a pair of these. 

V: Vinyl Cafe
Everyone’s favourite weekend radio voice has a new book, Extreme Vinyl Cafe. The king of Canadian childhood nostalgia, Stuart McLean is the comforting narrator of a special brand of growing up as a Canadian kid. Mom will grin and groan at these tales. 

W: Wool & Cashmere Throw
This luxurious throw from Restoration Hardware is perfect for curling up for long talks with Mum. 

X: Kisses
Bisous Maman! Shower your mum with affection today, she deserves it!

Y: Young Celebrities
In celebration of Mother’s Day, Vanity Fair has put together an online gallery of Oscar winning moms and their kids. Spend Sunday morning drinking coffee with mom and browsing Audrey pushing a pram, Cate Blanchett and her precocious blonde son, and the infamous Apple. Bonus points if you can convince your mom you’re planning to name her first grandkid after something in the produce aisle. 

Z – Listen to Boom 97.3 to win free passes to the Toronto Zoo on Mothers day! Winners will receive a Zoomobile tour, free lunch, and a chance to win prizes including a Markville shopping Center $1000 shopping spree. Added bonus: all ladies who visit the zoo May 9th get a dose of Hershey’s chocolate. Nothing says mother’s day love like treating your mom like the queen of the jungle.