Rather than 'treat' your mum to a tired bunch of flowers, stretch the imagination and spend some quality time together this Mother's Day. Melissa Field shares some ideas that won't break the bank

Win big at Bingo!
If you and your mum fancy having a laugh as well as the chance to win a cool half million this Mother's Day, why not take her to bingo? OK, so it might not be the most glamorous night out, but it will be cheap and very cheerful. For £20, you and your mum can enjoy a bite to eat, get all your bingo tickets for the night's game and sip a drink or two. You'll also be able to participate in the National Bingo Game's special Mother's Day Game on Sunday March 21st at any one of 550 clubs across the country. Even if you don't manage to win £500,000, it should be a quirky and fun way to spend time with each other.

For more info go to www.nationalbingo.co.uk

Hot-air ballooning
Just imagine floating serenely over the countryside far below as you and your mum enjoy the ultimate high-flying experience on her special day. Treating your mum to a hot-air balloon ride is fairly easy to organise and accessible from all over the country, thanks to Virgin Experience. There are nearly 50 departure locations available from Avon to York (and everywhere else in between). Your day out together includes your balloon trip, a safety briefing and participation in setting up the balloon as well as a gift box containing a single use camera to help capture the striking views below as well as the smile on your mum's face.

A Ballooning Explorer gift voucher for two costs £349 and is available from www.virgin.com

Make her smell sweet
If your mum's idea of personal pampering includes a dash of perfume, treat her (and you) to a course on perfume-making and become the next J-Lo! The Cotswold Perfumery offers day courses that allow you to explore the mysteries of scent-making and leave at the end of the day with a bottle of your signature scent. If you find you have a flair for it, you can sign up for the more advanced course too!

For more info go to www.cotswold-perfumery.co.uk.
Find out more about the day course in our review

The personal touch
Being a mum has many advantages but being glamorous isn't often one of them (unless you have a full-time nanny or are Victoria Beckham). Mother's Day is a great opportunity to help your mum feel pretty and pampered again. Most of the big department stores have a free personal shopping service or 'image consultants'. A fun day out might include booking both you and mum in for an image re-vamp. You'll get expert advice on what suits you, before you buy a flattering new outfit. If you're feeling extra flash, you could book a table for your mum and partner in a nice restaurant in the evening so she can flaunt her new look.

For more information on personal shopping services, take a look at these websites:

www.debenhams.com
www.topshop.co.uk
www.liberty.co.uk
www.Selfridges.co.uk
www.fenwick.co.uk
www.harrods.com

Farmers' market
Instead of taking your mum to a noisy pub or restaurant this Mother's Day (filled with other people's mums and their kids) why not take a Sunday drive out into the countryside and visit a farmers' market? There you can browse the stalls for fresh, locally grown produce such as eggs, meat, veg and delicious home-made cakes, breads and jams. Once you've finished drooling and loaded up your shopping bags, you can head home and make your mum to a delicious afternoon tea. Just think; a pot of freshly brewed tea, home-made scones and jam and whipped cream fresh from the farm. It's a great way to combine a fun day out with a thoughtfully prepared meal.

For more info on farmers' markets around the country, go to www.farmersmarket.net

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