It’s time to start planning the best Mother’s Day for the world’s most special person. How can you say thanks this year to the woman who spent a lifetime raising you to be such an amazing human? Sure, there are a million nice (and expensive) gifts out there—but we’ve narrowed it down to our top picks for experiences and meaningful gestures that’ll actually make her feel loved.
The best part? Every one of these ideas is local to Ottawa, so you’re supporting community businesses while creating memories that really matter.
Stay tuned to the end of the list for some totally free activities and even a gift idea that won’t cost you a thing ;)
1. Pottery Class at LOAM Clay Studio
Address: 131 Loretta Avenue North, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2J7
Price: From $75 per person for a 2-hour workshop
There’s something really calming about working with clay—and LOAM Clay Studio has such a warm, welcoming vibe. No experience needed: just show up, get a little messy, and see what you and your mom can create together. Whether your mugs come out perfect or adorably lopsided, it’s all part of the charm.
Want to learn more or book a spot? Visit loamclaystudio.ca and keep an eye out for Mother’s Day special classes—they tend to fill up fast.
2. Tea Tasting at World of Tea
Image taken from booksandtea.ca, go support our local bloggers :)
Address: 174 Colonnade Rd S, Unit 25, Ottawa
Price: $20 per person
Spend a calm, cozy hour tasting premium teas with your mom at World of Tea. You’ll sample four varieties—choose from white & green, wulong, black, or pu er—while learning about each tea’s origin, character, and how best to brew it.
Tastings run Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon, or by request with advance notice. Reservations are required (minimum 2, max 4 people), and must be made at least 72 hours ahead.
To book you can call 613-798-9832 or email at reservation@world-of-tea.ca. See the website for more details.
3. Make a Lamp at Mosaic Art Studio
Address: 115 Bank Street, Suite 23, Ottawa, ON K1P 5N5
Price: Starting at $79 (including tax)
At Mosaic Art Studio, you and your mom can design and build a stunning mosaic-style Turkish lamp—no artistic experience required. Workshops are based on the style of lamp you choose, and the price includes all materials and instruction.
Want to make it a shared experience? You can bring your mom along and work on one lamp together for an additional $39 (excluding tax). It’s a creative, hands-on way to spend quality time together—and spots are going fast for May 11, so book here while you still can.
4. Walk through the Canadian Tulip Festival (FREE)
Location: Commissioners Park - Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 5K7
Dates: May 9–19, 2025
Price: Free
A classic Ottawa spring tradition, the Canadian Tulip Festival is the perfect low-pressure Mother’s Day outing. Over a million tulips bloom across Commissioners Park, creating a stunning backdrop for a leisurely stroll, some photos, and a bit of fresh air.
No reservations are needed—just show up and enjoy. And if you want to add a little more meaning to the walk, check out their free self-guided Tulip Legacy Walking Tour. It adds historical context and stories to the blooms around you. You can access it right here.
5. Picnicking at the Major’s Hill Park (FREE)
Address: Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 1G8
Price: Free (just bring snacks)
Sometimes simple is best. Pack up some homemade goodies or grab takeout from her favorite spot and head to Major’s Hill Park. The views are beautiful, especially this time of year, and there’s plenty of space to stretch out and just hang. No itinerary needed.
6. Matching Compression Socks at TC Wellness (yes, seriously)
Address: 210-18 Louisa Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 6Y6
Price: Free with insurance coverage
Socks might seem like a strange gift, but these ones come with real benefits. TC Wellness carries compression socks that help relieve tired, achy legs—especially for moms managing conditions like varicose veins, lymphedema, or chronic venous insufficiency. If she works in healthcare or is a full-time government employee, there’s a good chance her insurance covers them fully.
And if she doesn’t have any medical conditions? No problem. They also offer 15–20 mmHg socks that are perfect for long flights or staying active. It’s a gift that’s useful and kind of unexpected—plus, who’s going to turn down free socks:)
You can book a free appointment here or send an email to hello@tcwellness.ca
Before we sign off, here’s something to remember: Mother’s Day isn’t just a one-day event. These ideas are a great way to show appreciation, but the truth is, the little things—calls, hugs, support, and time—matter just as much. So while it’s great to go all out on May 11, don’t forget to show your love year-round. She deserves that and more <3