Mother’s Day is right around the corner and while brunch out or a day at the spa may be off the table, that doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate the woman who raised you or your kids. Here are a few projects you can knock out around the house that are sure to make mom happy.

Raised Garden Beds

If your mom is one that loves spending time outside, raised garden beds can make for an excellent gift and are one that you can easily knock out in a weekend with a quick trip to your local hardware store. Surprising mom with them may be a little challenging since hiding an 8ft by 2ft box isn’t exactly easy but she is sure to appreciate them regardless. Not sure what to plant? No problem. Here’s a handy guide on what grows well in Michigan and when to plant it.

Laundry Room Renovation

Ah, the laundry room. A laundry room renovation doesn’t have to be a total gut job. Install some shelving, do some deep cleaning and organizing and Mom with be forever grateful for a more functional space to make the dreaded task of laundry a little more manageable. No one likes laundry- might as well make the space as she spends too much time more enjoyable.

Create an Outside Oasis

Every mom just wants a place where she can disappear to for 15 minutes of peace (she’d like a lot more but as they say, a mother’s work is never done). Carve out an outside oasis for her to catch her breath and maybe sneak in a few pages of a book or half a podcast. You don’t have to construct a she-shed- opting for a hammock or a nice chair/ottoman combination will help show mom that you recognize all she does and that she deserves a break from time to time. Maybe toss in a candle or succulent for good measure and then LEAVE HER ALONE.

Clean something. Seriously, anything.

If your mom is anything like ours, she probably has a lengthy mental list of everything she wants to get done but just can’t seem to find the time for. From deep cleaning the kitchen to just wiping down door frames and walls, anything you can do to lighten her load this Mother’s Day is bound to be appreciated- especially since she’s probably been doing double time since everyone is home. You’d be surprised how far the phrase “what can I do to help you?” can go this year.

How are you celebrating your mom this year? We’d love to hear what creative ideas you’ve come up!