Mom and Me Time

• If your mom can appreciate the very simple pleasures, she's likely to be enthused to spend some quality time with her family. For moms with older kids who have left the nest to start their own families and lives, it may be rare for her to spend time enjoying some of the traditional activities you may have shared as a child. Start her morning by chatting over coffee on the porch or in her favorite room. Get caught up on her life and learn what things she plans on doing. Enjoy lunch and an early movie matinee, or order in and watch one of her favorite movies on the couch.
  
  

Spa Day

• For the overworked mom who would enjoy an entire day getting pampered, book a spa day at her favorite spa salon where she can get head to toe pampering. A new hair cut, manicure and pedicures, and massage appointments will allow her to release the stress of her daily routine and relax. Invite her to share the afternoon with an old friend at her favorite restaurant where you've prearranged reservations.
  
  

Mommy Makeover

• When mom needs a little upgrade to her overall image, book an appointment with a stylist to get her a new look. If she's always wanted bangs, extensions or to chop off all her hair, now's the time to let her try what she likes. A few new items to create a fresh wardrobe are also in order. If she needs to change up her makeup palette or explore options for wearing appropriate light makeup, allow her to indulge. End her makeover with a photo session with a local photographer to capture her new personality.
  
  

Special Event Tickets

• Perhaps she's not interested in primping and powdering. Gift her with event tickets to a new gallery opening, museum exhibit or concert series she's mentioned before. Consider booking a hotel to accompany her event experience, where she can venture out of town to the event.
  
  

Surprise Dinner Party

• Host a cocktail dinner party in your mom's honor.Thomas Jackson/Lifesize/Getty Images
  
  Invite a fist full of close friends and family members to come over for a surprise dinner party in her honor. Make the affair a cocktail event. Designate someone to be the event photographer to capture the highlights of the evening, and frame signature shots to be hung in her house.