The ultimate Mother's Day timetable

Mums are special - and that's why there is a whole day dedicated just to them. This year, devote Mothering Sunday entirely to showing your mum just how much you love her

A gift from the heart

Gifts don't have to be expensive: your mum would love a thoughtfully put together bunch of flowers picked from the garden, or a lovingly crafted hand-made card.

But if you want to splash out (and let's face it, she's worth it!), gorgeous pampering gifts, a bouquet of beautiful flowers, an elegant piece of jewellery or a box of mouthwatering chocolates will bring a smile to any mother's face. Remember to make your gift personal to her: it really is the thought that counts.

If expensive gifts are out of the question, why not make a CD of your mum's favourite music, make her a family collage of photographs, recite her a Mother's Day poem (or write one yourself!), and harness any talent in the family to sing her a song or prepare a musical piece.

And mums love anything crafted from chubby little hands - so if she is mother to small children, get them involved!

The gift of time

There are many things that money can't buy, and two of these - love and time - are what all mothers want from their children, so make sure your mum has a relaxing day in the company of the people she loves the most, and devote this day completely to her.

Mums are multi-tasking superwomen, juggling work, home and family, so give her the day off from the endless domestic routines. Make sure all the chores are done and the house is sparkling, the food cupboards are full and the pets all taken care of.

Decadent breakfast

Start your mum's special day with a decadent breakfast. If you're not exactly Delia (or Gordon), keep it simple: warm, buttery croissants or smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels, with aromatic coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice is a heavenly way to wake up.

Dress up the breakfast table with the nicest china, snowy-white napkins and a small bunch of flowers.

If cooking really is your forte, you can go wild with Eggs Benedict, a stack of sumptuous pancakes with all the trimmings, or a full-on fry up! Or why not try these sumptuous breakfast ideas.

A special day out

Your mum's special day should reflect her likes and hobbies, as well as taking into account her 'mothering stage'.

Mums of toddlers might welcome some pampering time while another family member babysits the little ones; and a mum of school-agers and teenagers would not only appreciate time off being the chauffeur/cook/homework advisor, but being in the company of helpful, polite offspring would really make her day (perhaps Dad could give the older children a 'pep' talk in advance).

All women love being pampered, so why not whisk your mum off to a day spa for some serious 'me time'. Or if that breaks the budget, book her for a salon treatment or set up a home spa and treat her to a manicure and a luxurious face pack.

If your mum is a nature lover, take her to a National Trust garden, for a woodland ramble, a riverside walk, or even a day at the zoo that the whole family can enjoy! And if she loves horses why not organise a family pony trek.

For culture vulture mums, start your planning early and get tickets for the theatre, ballet or opera, to see her favourite performer, or even to a movie. If she's an art lover, take her for a leisurely browse around a gallery, or get tickets for that exhibition you know she's been wanting to see.

Is your mum passionate about gardening, cooking or crafts? Treat her to a specialist class so she can perfect her skills - go along with her, and not only will you learn something new, you'll get to spend some quality time with your mum.

And what about the daredevil mums who just love an adrenalin rush? Take her to a theme park and brave the white-knuckle rides; let her try her hand at motor racing, hang gliding, or white-water rafting; or for sporty types, what about a golf or tennis lesson?

If you have the budget and you really want to spoil your mum, treat her to a weekend away or a night in a luxury hotel - you will, of course, have to accompany her! Whisk her off to Paris on the Eurostar or take a flight to Rome; spend the weekend at a smart city boutique hotel or an opulent country manor.

Or maybe your mum would love just to spend some 'mother-daughter' time with you, browsing the shops and having lunch somewhere elegant. Often the simple suggestions are the most welcome.

A memorable meal

Whether it's Sunday lunch or dinner, make sure you treat your mum to a special meal on Mothering Sunday: book a table at her favourite restaurant, or somewhere you know she has always wanted to go. Or for something more low-key and family-oriented, don your apron and cook her something spectacular!

When you're cooking for a special occasion, it's always a good idea to try out the recipe beforehand so that you know it tastes good and you can practise anything tricky. Try these mouthwatering menu suggestions.

Showing your mum how much you love her doesn't have to break the bank: with a little imagination and time you'll make Mothering Sunday a day she'll cherish. Go on, spoil your mum - she's worth it!

See also:

Mother's Day trips in the UK

How iVillagers celebrate Mother's Day