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Only the Best for Mom: Top 12 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas in Calgary (That We’re Sure She’ll Love!)

Clever Canadian Written By: August 2024

There’s nothing like the love of a mother. They took care of us in their tummy, listened to our problems (no matter how minuscule), fed us, helped with our homework, healed our booboos, and continued to love and support us no matter what.

Mothers are superheroes, and I think they’re better than Superman. On the second Sunday of May each year, we celebrate our moms and try our best to surprise them and make them happy—even though they’ll probably appreciate the smallest things.

If you’re thinking of ideas on how to celebrate Mother’s Day, we’ve bugged the moms in our team and compiled a list of the special things to make the day memorable. Surprise the mothers you’re celebrating and let them know you’re thinking of them!

Bring mom to a fancy afternoon tea at Fairmont Palliser

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Website: https://www.fairmont.com/palliser-calgary/ 

Location: 133 9 Ave SW

Contact: 1 (403) 260-1219, [email protected]

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – Friday: Closed
  • Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm – 3 pm

Rates:

  • Per Person: $85
  • 12 years and Under: $47.50

Make this year’s Mother’s Day the fanciest she has ever had! Bring mom to the Fairmont Palliser Hawthorn Dining Room and Bar for the most exquisite afternoon filled with delicious treats!

Pair the sweet delights, finger sandwiches, and fresh scones with high-quality tea. Choose from the curated list of the LOT 35 loose leaf selection available at Fairmont!

It sure is a good coincidence that Fairmont’s afternoon tea is available on weekends. It coincides with Mother’s Day, so reserve your table before the slots fill up!

Pro Tip:

Take it up a notch and buy your mom (or wife) a new dress for the afternoon tea so she doesn’t have to worry about her outfit. I heard sundresses are in these days, so go online and look for the most beautiful one!

Give her a relaxing day at the Riverside Spa

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Website: https://riversidespa.ca/ 

Location: 110 Point McKay Crescent NW

Contact: (403) 270-7500, [email protected]

Operating Hours:

  • Sunday – Monday: 8:30 am – 6 pm
  • Tuesday – Saturday: 8:30 am – 9 pm

Rates: 

  • Massage Therapy: $145 – 230
  • Facials: $125 – $175
  • Manicure: $65 + $75
  • Body Wrap: $160
  • Spa Packages: $270 – $680

Mom is surely going to remember this! After taking care of the household and fixing everyone’s problems, moms deserve a quiet and relaxing spa day!

Drive her to the Riverside Spa for a full day of rejuvenation. She can get a facial, massage, manicure, and pedicure!

The spa packages are a real treat for an all-in-one relaxing visit. Just choose the one you think she’ll enjoy the most and purchase the gift certificate.

After her spa, don’t pick her up just yet! Make room for extra time so your mom can enjoy the spa amenities, such as a eucalyptus steam room, a Swiss shower, and the relaxation lounge to warm up while enjoying complimentary beverages and snacks.

Pro Tips:

If you’re availing of the manicure service and she has shellac nails, make sure they’re removed before visiting the spa since the service doesn’t include removal.

Elevate the spa gift by gifting your mom some at-home spa products she can use anytime she needs a quick pick-me-up! Riverside Spa has products you can purchase or you can stick to her favourite brands and put them in a cute box!

Take her on a brunch at Queens Breakfast Cocktails

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Website: https://queensyyc.ca/ 

Location: 3927 Edmonton Trail

Contact: (403) 764-0878

Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 2 pm

Average Prices: $19 – $23

Mother’s Day is when moms can wake up a little later and get pampered! Take her to an authentic brunch experience at the Queens Breakfast Cocktails for the most delicious meals!

The menu won’t overwhelm you, but there’s still a variety. The bestselling Queens Breakfast is the ultimate brunch, composed of sunny side eggs, chorizo, bacon, lemon ricotta pancakes, and potatoes.

Their cocktail menu is worth checking out! The Beautiful is a good drink before a meal, which is basically chilled espresso with Bailey’s and huckleberry. 

Pro Tip:

Reserve a table very early on—try at least a month in advance or two months if possible. This is a popular spot along Edmonton Trail, so the slots during holidays and special occasions may be fully booked.

Watch a live performance with Mom at Theatre Calgary

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Website: https://www.theatrecalgary.com/ 

Location: Arts Commons, 220 9 Ave SE

Contact: (403) 294-7447

Phone Operating Hours:

  • Monday: 10 am to 5 pm (MT)
  • Tuesday – Friday: 10 am to 6 pm (MT)
  • Saturday: 12 am – 6 pm (MT)

Rates: 

  • Orchestra: $44
  • Mezzanine: $44 – $109
  • Balcony 1: $79 – $109
  • Balcony 2: $79

Subject to change

Come one, come all to Theatre Calgary for live performances. If your mom is a theatre enthusiast, surprise her with tickets to her favourite show.

Theatre Calgary has classic shows available, like A Streetcar Named Desire and The Lehman Trilogy. You can also catch new shows she’s never seen before as a cool surprise.

Tickets for shows are available months in advance, so you can plan this out way early. It also allows you to save up if you want to treat your mom with an orchestra seat so she’s near the stage for a cool experience!

Pro Tip:

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show so you won’t have to run around once you arrive. Make it a relaxing moment for your mom, so don’t be late this time!

Go on a shopping spree with mom at Inglewood

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Website: https://inglewoodyyc.ca/shop/ 

Location: Neighbourhood of Inglewood, at the junction of Bow River and Elbow River

Contact: [email protected]

Operating Hours: Depending on the shops

Our moms used to take us shopping for clothes and toys. This time around, it’s our turn to buy her the things she wants!

Take your mom on a shopping spree in the quirky neighbourhood of Inglewood for the ultimate Mother’s Day! Shop ’til she drops for clothing, shoes, and jewellery.

Ama Jewellery, located on 9th Avenue, is worth checking out if your mom is into intricate and one-of-a-kind pieces. If she’s into feminine dresses, Adorn Boutique is just a five-minute walk away.

Pro Tip:

Before taking Mom on a shopping spree, it’s a good idea to take note of things she wants to buy. Then, list the shops in Inglewood where you can buy these things.

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Website: https://blackearthfloral.com/ 

Location: Britannia Plaza Shopping Centre, 808 49 Ave SW

Contact: (403) 452-9707

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
  • Sunday: Closed

Rates: $25 – $165+

Nothing screams a special occasion like a beautifully created bouquet. Black Earth Floral Gallery on 49th Avenue SW makes the most gorgeous blooms that scream, “I love you, Mom!”

You can pick it up at the shop or have it delivered for convenience—we recommend pickup if you’re unsure your mom will be at home since the shop cannot guarantee delivery times.

The staff will work with you to create a personalized bouquet that your mom will love. If she doesn’t like flowers, you can purchase plants for the garden or candles to keep the home smelling sweet. 

Pro Tip:

Remember to place your order in advance because Mother’s Day is a busy day for florists. 

Sip delicious cocktails at Betty Lou’s Library

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Website: https://www.bettylouslibrary.com/ 

Location: The Devenish Building, 908 17 Avenue SW

Contact: (403) 454-4774

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 5 pm – 11 pm
  • Thursday: 5 pm – 11:30 pm
  • Friday – Saturday: 5 pm – 1 am
  • Sunday: 5 pm – 11 pm

Average Prices: 

  • Food: $13 – $17.50
  • Drinks: $12.75 – $20

Mother’s Day doesn’t always have to be a wholesome event. Bring mom to the Cakgary speakeasy, Betty Lou’s Library, for creative cocktails!

Take her to a secret cocktail bar in downtown Calgary, where you have to pick up the phone before entering. Once confirmed, you’ll be entering through a bookshelf! Totally unique experience!

You’re no longer drinking juice while mom sip on wine. Here, you can enjoy the 1920s vibes and have engaging adult conversations while having exquisite cocktails for the ultimate mommy-and-me night!

You can even bring her for an early Mother’s Day celebration. On Wednesdays, burlesque dancers grace the stage for teasing performances.

Pro Tips:

Don’t be shy to dress up! You can wear your most gorgeous 1920s-inspired outfit to make the night even more memorable!

Best to book a reservation to secure your slot, especially on holidays. And remember, arrive at your chosen time to avoid cancellations.

Create a custom perfume for mom at ol.facto

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Website: https://www.olfacto.space/ 

Location: 319 10 Ave SW

Contact: (587) 581-8389, [email protected]

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday – Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
  • Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm

Rates:

  • Workshops: $31.50 – $84
  • Private booking: $175 (individual)

If your mom is a perfume collector, take her to ol.facto to make personalized scents! You and your mom can join a workshop together—or treat her and her friends—to learn and create scents with personal meanings.

Different kinds of workshops cater to various scents, but all are unique experiences that bring out creativity. You will go home with important perfumery notes during the session and a 3 or 5-ml bottle of perfume.

If your mom likes the perfume she made, you can bring her notes to ol.facto so they can make a 30 ml bottle. It’s definitely a gift that will last a long time!

Pro Tip:

Keep an eye out every 15th of each month. That’s the time they release their workshop schedule.

Find zen with mom at Metta Yoga

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Website: https://mettayogacalgary.com/ 

Location: 500 Country Hills Blvd NE #412

Contact: (587) 350-9642, [email protected]

Operating Hours:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 6 am – 8:30 pm
  • Wednesday, Friday: 6 am – 8:30 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am – 5 pm
  • Sunday: 8 am – 7 pm

Rates: 

  • Single Class $25
  • 5 Class Card: $95
  • 1 Month Unlimited: $165

Gift your mom with a yoga class where she can relax and enjoy the quiet space away from screaming children. Metta Yoga Calgary has a terrific set of instructors who make yoga accessible to everyone by using simple techniques.

With the many kinds of yoga classes, you surely will find the right fit for your mom. If she enjoys this, you can even surprise her with a one-month unlimited yoga class for $165.

Pro Tip:

Bring a yoga mat, a large towel that fits in the yoga mat, and a reusable water bottle. There are no mat and towel rentals, so make sure your mom has those ready.

Learn new recipes with mom at the Cuisine and/et Chateau

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Website: https://www.cuisineandchateau.com/ 

Location: Theodore Presentation Centre, 227 10 St NW #103

Contact: (403) 764-2665, [email protected]

Rates: $86 – $139.95 (subject to change depending on the class)*

Bring mom to Cuisine and/et Chateau for a fun cooking class. Here, you and your mom will learn new recipes you can make at home!

Take part in a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll prepare and cook the meal. With so many class choices, you can find one that mom will enjoy, whether she likes Italian or Japanese food!

You can even book a dessert-making class, such as bread-making and chocolate tempering. Not only will this improve your skill set, but it’s also a delicious gift!

Pro Tip:

Book the class as early as you can. Not all listed classes still have open slots or are active, so make sure you keep an eye out for the available classes.

Take mom to Heritage Park

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Website: https://heritagepark.ca/events/mothers-day-brunch/ 

Location: 1900 Heritage Dr SW

Contact: (403) 268-8500, [email protected]

Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm

Rates: 

  • General (16 – 64): $34.95 + GST
  • Child (3 – 15): $22.95 + GST
  • Senior (65+): $26.95 + GST

There’s always something happening in Heritage Park, especially on holidays and special occasions. On Mother’s Day, they host events that moms will enjoy.

In 2024, they hosted a Mother’s Day Brunch at The Selkirk, which served delicious dishes like Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. Keep an eye out for their calendar of events so you can book a reservation because they sell out fast!

You can stay at Heritage Park the whole day (if that’s what mom wants) and visit the museum, see the exhibits, ride the wagon, and learn about Western Canada’s rich history and culture.

Pro Tip:

Events at Heritage Park don’t usually include admission. Make mom’s day even better by paying for the entrance tickets!

Go on a bike ride with mom at Prince’s Island Park

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Location: Prince’s Island Park

Calgary is home to many biking trails, and Prince’s Island Park is one of those spectacular places you just have to go to! You can finally have that morning bike adventure that has you exercising while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Calgary.

Prince’s Island Park is a popular cycling spot conveniently located near the downtown core. So, after your bike ride, you can take Mom to a delightful brunch.

There are picnic areas in the park as well, which is a good way to have a quick breakfast in the park. Here, you can enjoy the wide open spaces and let mom relax on Mother’s Day.

Pro Tip:

If you’re driving and it’s crowded, you can park from downtown and bike to Prince’s Island Park. Parking spots are available by Sunnyside Bank Park as well.

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