Shopping with Mom and smelling the flowers. Encore Boston Harbor’s premier Wynn Boutique, an activewear store that carries sought-after brands designed for working out, and Wynn Collection, a fashionable enclave featuring Rag & Bone, Zimmermann, Alice + Olivia, and more, are offering a custom flower bouquet, with a minimum spend on clothing, jewelry, accessories, and more.

Love and brunch are a pair for the ages, and Rare Steakhouse is prepared with a decadent feast this Mother’s Day. Created by Executive Chef Meghan Vaughan, Rare Steakhouse will serve an omelet and carving station, seafood selections, breakfast pastries, desserts, spritz cocktails, and a can’t-miss Grand Reserva Ossetra caviar service. Brunch kicks off on May 11 from 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. for $155 per guest, with one complimentary spritz included.

Relaxation remains the ultimate gift, and the mother figures in your life will appreciate a few hours carved out just for them. Treatments like the Detox Massage with dry brushing can be paired with Himalayan hot stones or CBD as add-on luxuries. Expectant mothers have treatments of their own, like a prenatal massage or the Blissful Pregnancy Body and Face Experience. For further pampering, The Salon offers hair, nail, and makeup services for special occasions—or just because you want to. Reservations can be made online.

Springtime means a walk in the park, and when that park boasts beautiful blooms, that walk can last for hours. Arnold Arboretum welcomes Lilac Sunday for Mother’s Day 2025, where over 400 lilacs blanket the nature floor. Along with an invitation to stroll, the grounds also permit picnics on that day, as well as dancing, meditation, and tours. Visit the Arnold Arboretum on the edge of Bussey Hill Road from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on May 11 to see 173 types of lavender blossoms in the spring sunshine. High volumes of visitors are expected, so driving is discouraged in favor of public transportation for the event.

Need a new trinket or tchotchke to accent a space? The Mother’s Day Market at the Boston Public Market is a charming way to support small businesses. Several vendors, spanning household goods, stationery, art, and other items, will host pop-up areas for a fun day of shopping. Select craft food and beverages will be available to fuel the afternoon. Visit the market on May 9–11 for shopping days, starting at 11 a.m. with free general admission.

Take your skills to the craft table for a seasonal activity with Mom. Boston flower shops are offering a springy selection of floral arrangement courses on Mother’s Day and beyond. Spots like the Cass School of Floral Design and Ritner School of Floral Design offer curated bouquet courses just for the day. Or, branch out to a wine bar or brunch spot to round out the fun. Book online or call ahead to reserve a spot for moms, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts alike.

Moms love to laugh, too, so give the gift of side-splitting comedy. On May 17, funny ladies Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will grace one of Boston's hottest stages to deliver sets and wisdom like only they know how. As mothers themselves, their humor appeals to a wide range of audiences. Catch Tina Fey and Amy Poehler at Boston’s own Wang Theater on May 17 for a 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. show times, and Sunday at 4 p.m. for a late afternoon treat.

Candlelight Concerts hold court as a nationwide entertainment series that transforms local historical landmarks into beautiful escapes full of wonder and music. At The Sanctuary at the Old South Church in Boston, Mother’s Day brings an extra-special show to the Candlelight Concert lineup, with an Adele tribute that covers her most popular tracks across that award-winning discography. Songs like “Rumour Has It” and “When We Were Young” will be played by the Beacon String Quartet during the 60-minute show. Tickets are available online.