You don’t have to wait until Mother’s Day to show your mum you love her. You can surprise her with a day out and a special guest at any time of the year. It’s important to reflect on just how much your mum has done for you over the years – throughout childhood and adulthood. We often take our parents for granted and forget to thank them for all the sacrifices they have made.

Here are a few ways you can show your mum you appreciate her.

Send her a surprise gift

Nothing quite beats a surprise gift. Send your mum a box of chocolates online or a bouquet of flowers with a heartfelt note. If words aren’t your strong point, you could just write “love you, mum.”

Gift-giving is one of the five love languages, and it’s a great way to show your appreciation. You could opt for a more personal gift, like a handmade scrapbook of your favorite memories together. A handmade gift is much more sentimental than anything money can buy. You could make her a piece of jewelry or a basket of baked goods if you live nearby. Get creative and think about what your mum would like to receive in the post.

Organize a day out

A day out might be exactly what she needs. Organize a day trip with her and go on a nice walk around the countryside. You could stop at a café along the way and indulge in a piece of cake together. Or, organize a luxurious spa day together if your mum has been uptight and stressed lately. Try to organize everything down to the final details, so she doesn’t have to lift a finger.

Tell her

You don’t need fancy gifts to tell your mum you love her. You should say it every time you see or talk to her. Tell her at the end of a phone call or when you are hanging out with her. Make an effort to remind your mum that you love and appreciate her.

Call her

If you live far away, give your mum a call and ask about her day. It’s nice to check in with your parents and make sure they are doing okay – especially in the current climate. Have a chat with her and respond thoughtfully to her answers.

Show your mum that you love her with gifts, quality time together or a simple phone call.