Allan Britnell, Editor-in-Chief, News Canada

(NC) Mother’s Day is on the second Sunday of May every year. This year, that means it’s on Sunday, May 12. Which also means you don’t have a lot of time to pull together gifts and ideas to show her how important she is to you. Here are three ideas to get you started.

A shared interest
Your relationship with your mom can be complicated. Consider finding fresh ways to connect this Mother’s Day and then seeing where they lead you. Taking advantage of a shared interest can be a great way to create a reliable conversation starter or spend low-key time together. For example, if you’re both into history you could introduce her to a podcast like Parks Canada’s ReCollections, which brings listeners fascinating stories from national historic sites across the country. That should get you talking.

parks.canada.ca/recollections

A favourite scent to savour

Candles, perfumes, bath bombs and the like are classic gifts for mom, containing essential oils that provide exquisite scents that transport her to another time or place. Just remember that even though essential oils are substances made from plants, that doesn’t mean they are always safe. Under the federal government’s Chemicals Management Plan, Health Canada has been evaluating the safety of different essential oils. Keep an eye out for any findings and remind mom to always follow the product’s directions.

canada.ca/healthy-home

A delicious meal

Brunch or breakfast in bed is a classic Mother’s Day gift that never goes out of style. Consider switching it up a little this year by opting for a theme. It could be anything from creating an international feast to choosing only local ingredients. You can learn about local growing from the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association. Or, give traditional brunch options a twist; think huevos rancheros, a sweet and crunchy salad, or get fancy by grilling asparagus wrapped in prosciutto.

ofvga.org