Celebrating motherhood in the midst of a global pandemic likely feels challenging. How do you show Mom your appreciation during the era of social distancing, especially now that when your usual brunch options aren’t available? 

Let’s get creative, together, friends. We’ve rounded up five Stay At Home-friendly, outside-the-box, and yes, last minute (if you need that, too) offerings from local, Durham-based businesses. 

Let’s turn this into a Mother’s Day for the history books, but like, for positive reasons, shall we?

Yummies and sweets, with cards and handmade gifts too.

If you’re wondering, “Would my mom enjoy a pie?”. The answer is yes. It’s always yes, btw. Especially when that pie comes from one of the best bake shops in Durham, East Durham Bake Shop. Place a pre-order for an entire pie, quiche, or even a jar of locally sourced jams (Pro Tip: Get the strawberry honeysuckle preserves, and you can thank us later). You can even order a card or handmade pottery in addition to the tasty treats. It’s the true total package.

Photographs of life, just as it is right now.

Our beloved Kallyn Boerner of Heart in Hands Photography is offering Backyard Sessions during the time of quarantine. She’ll come out to your house, spend a bit of time (from a safe distance) witnessing life as it unfolds, and capture your family’s magic with her beautiful photography. You’ll be giving the mama in your life a gift that continues to give, as she’s able to look back on these difficult, beautiful moments through the photographs. Bonus: You get to spend time with sweet Kallyn, and that’s a gift that leaves the warmest of fuzziess.

Lunch (or Dinner) out, but, at home.

Lots of our favorite Durham restaurants have pivoted so gracefully towards offering take-out, delivery, and minimal-contact pick-up meal options. Many of them are also offering family-style meals. Take advantage of those offerings during this time, and treat Mama to a meal she doesn’t have to cook (or clean) for herself. Some of our go-to’s during quarantine have been: Viceroy, Luna Rotisserie, Bar Virgile, Pompieri Pizza, and Copa. 

Caffeinate Mom, while supporting fair wages 

When the pandemic halted life as we know it, Cocoa Cinnamon put out a call to the community with stunning clarity offering a simple way we can help them continue to pay their staff a fair wage, from the comfort of our homes. Order coffee. That’s it. Bag by bag, Cocoa Cinnamon and Little Waves Coffee Rosters have set (and met) a goal of 230 bags of coffee sold each day. In honor of Mother’s Day, they’ve put together three gift sets for the Mama-centered person in your life. Best of all? You can ship it easily to your not-so-local mom, too!

Turn your home into a spa oasis for Mama. 

The last few weeks have meant a lot of together time for families. So. Much. Togetherness. All together, in the same home. Everyday. Consider offering the Mom the chance to escape.. um, sorry, we meant, retreat to a home spa experience featuring bath care products from Lo And Behold Naturals. From face masks, to body oils, and a new “Staycation Set”, your mom can spend a bit of time recharging and relaxing from the comfort of their own bathtub. Away from everyone else.

Oh, and by the way …

We wouldn’t be doing our job as doulas unless we shared all your options, now would we? Maybe you’d like to add a layer of pizazz to your mom’s special day with a French 75 or martini in hand? Durham Distillery is now offering curbside cocktail kits and pick-up for their online orders now. You know, just in time for Mother’s Day.