For many, Mother’s Day brings to mind warm fuzzies, flowers and time dedicated to celebrating Mom. But for some, Mother’s Day can be a tough day to get through. It can bring up feelings of sadness or loss, whether because of the loss of a child, the loss of a mother or a strained relationship. Just know that no matter how you’re feeling, your feelings are valid, and you aren’t alone. 

If you’re looking for ways to show Mom — or any woman in your life who means the world to you — how much she means to you, here are our top five ideas: 

1. Create a personalized self-care kit. Women do a lot! Why not gift the chance for some rest and relaxation with a specially curated self-care box? Fill it with single-use face masks, fuzzy socks, calming teas, aromatherapy candles, relaxing bath salts and favorite snacks. Tailor it to her: maybe she’s super into puzzles, loves to relax by picking up her crochet needles, or is never seen without a mug of herbal tea. Adding those few extra touches will mean the world! And if Mother’s Day is a difficult day for you? Pamper yourself at home and do an activity that honors what you have been through.
   
2. A picture’s worth a thousand words. If you have a mom (or are a mom) who has a phone full of photos documenting times you’ve shared together—why not take a trip down memory lane? You can combine them into a virtual photo album or print them out to fill a photo book. Seeing a round-up of all the special moments will make her feel so appreciated!
3. Brunch is a hug from inside. It’s everyone’s favorite weekend treat, Mother’s Day-style! If you’re still under Mom’s roof, wake up early to cook her most-loved recipes. Or consider supporting a local restaurant and get her favorite brunch items delivered to her door. If you find yourself needing extra support on Mother’s Day, consider making a reservation at a favorite spot and invite some other Kappa Delta sisters to join.
4. Mom’s weekend is “booked.” If Mom loves to read, this is the perfect time to grab her next favorite book. Support your local independent bookstores and pick up something on her “To Be Read” list, or ask for a staff rec. If your mom happens to be a Kappa Delta, consider giving her a book written by our notable novelist sister and Pulitzer Prize winner Pearl S. Buck. And it may be that it’s you who needs the uninterrupted reading time, so be sure to tune into what you need, too. 
5. Give the gift of giving back. Is the mom figure in your life passionate about a charitable cause? Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to make a donation in her name, whether it be a local nonprofit or the Kappa Delta Foundation. For those who have dealt with the loss of a mother, most organizations have ways to make a gift in honor of your loved one. 

Mother’s Day honors the women who nurture, support and love us. Yours might be an upbeat celebration, and there are others who need quiet, respect and compassion. Any act of kindness and acknowledgement will bring comfort.

And to all the moms and mom figures out there, we’d like to say thank you for being you! Happy Mother’s Day from Kappa Delta!