Not all moms want to be celebrated with a fancy brunch or elaborate tea (although some do). Here, our guide to a perfect Mother’s Day, whether she loves history or hittin’ the gym.
SPORTY MOM
Join her on her morning jog for once. Head to Crotona Park in the Bronx for one of the New York Road Runners’ Open Runs (free; 9 a.m.; NYRR.org). Unlike official NYRR races, it’s a relaxed affair and strollers, dogs and all ages of runners are welcome. Afterward, it’s a quick bus or cab ride to the New York Botanical Garden for the annual Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party ($30 for adults, $18 for kids ages 2 to 12; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 2900 Southern Blvd.; NYBG.org), featuring live music and games, in addition to the usual beautiful flowers. Or head to the city’s “real Little Italy” on nearby Arthur Avenue and grab some pastries at Madonia Bakery (2348 Arthur Ave.; MadoniaArthurAve.com) to replenish yourself.
New York Botanical Garden
The gift: Up her running game with some new gear: FitBit Versa, $199.95 at JackRabbit stores, locations at JackRabbit.com, and Veronica Beard x Bandier Ronda Legging, $158 at Bandier.com.
WELLNESS JUNKIE
Take mom for a trendy sound bath at Greenpoint’s Maha Rose Center for Healing, where they’re offering a special version of the auditory meditation just for the holiday ($40, bring mom for $25; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; 97 Green St., #G3, Brooklyn; MahaRose.com). Afterward, head to the always cozy Achilles Heel nearby (180 West St.) for oysters and veggie-centric bites.
The gift: All moms could use more sleep, especially those obsessed with health and wellness. Help her get it with the right accessories. Casper Glow Light, $129, at Casper Sleep Shop, locations at Casper.com; Osea for Parachute Sleep Time Bath Salt, $29, and Osea for Parachute Rest Linen Mist, $19 at Parachute, locations at ParachuteHome.com.
HIPSTER MOM
Start out the day on a roll at Brooklyn Bowl’s Family Bowl ($25 per lane per half-hour, plus $4.95 for shoe rental; noon to 6 p.m.; 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg; BrooklynBowl.com). Then, keep the good times going at Mister Sunday, the all-ages, al fresco dance party at Nowadays (Moms and children get in free; 3 to 9 p.m.; 56-06 Cooper Ave., near Wyckoff Avenue, Ridgewood; Nowadays.NYC). There will be an ice cream cart from the Republic of Booza for the munchkins and craft beer and natural wines for older revelers.
The gift: Give her some cute socks for bowling. I Love You Mom gift pack, $38 at Happy Socks, locations at HappySocks.com.
HappySocks.comMOM-TO-BE
Pamper her with a prenatal massage. Equinox Printing House still has plenty of availability (50 minutes for $124; 421 Hudson St.; Equinox.com). Then, take a leisurely stroll along the Hudson and grab brunch at Santina (reservations not required; 820 Washington St.; SantinaNYC.com) to satisfy any cravings.
Equinox Printing House
The gift: Accessories and beauty products from chic maternity boutique Hatch — celeb fans include Meghan Markle and Kerry Washington — will get her through nine months and beyond. Hatch-to-Hospital Box, $248 at Hatch NYC, 17 Bleecker St.; HatchCollection.com.
HatchHISTORY BUFF
Take Mom all around town on a charming 1920s-inspired wood boat for a look at the city’s past and present on the American Institute of Architects [AIA] Around Manhattan Architecture Tour ($86 for adults, $68 for students and children; departures at 10:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; advanced tickets recommended; Sail-NYC.com). Narrated by an AIA member, the cruise is packed with fascinating details that make it interesting for both tourists and locals. The price includes hors d’oeuvres and one glass of beer, wine or Champagne, and much of the boat is enclosed in case of rain.
Classic Harbor Line
The gift: It might get chilly on the high seas (er, the Hudson), so give mom a versatile wrap to keep her cozy. Open cardigan sweater in linen blend, $98 at J. Crew, locations at JCrew.com.
J. CrewFOODIE MOM
If she loves food and/or gardening, take her to the Stone Barns Center in Pocantico Hills, NY to geek out on how everything from how the best honey to the most amazing spinach to the tastiest pork is grown and raised. The Westchester County farm, which supplies many of the products used at Dan Barber’s acclaimed Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Blue Hill restaurants, is about an hour’s drive from Manhattan or easily accessible via MetroNorth.
Stone Barns Center
The gift: A buzzy new cookbook — or three — will keep her inspired in the kitchen. “My Mexico City Kitchen: Recipes and Convictions,” $35; “Mostly Plants: 101 Delicious Flexitarian Recipes from the Pollan Family,” $29.99; and “Where Cooking Begins: Uncomplicated Recipes to Make You a Great Cook,” $32.50 at Greenlight Bookstore, locations at GreenlightBookstore.com.
MAKEUP MAVEN
The Atelier Beauté Chanel (120.5 Wooster St.) is a haven for beauty buffs, away from the bustling streets of Soho. With so many chic — and free! — experiences, you could spend hours there after brunch. Wash your face at a line of sleek sinks stocked with the luxe brand’s latest cleansers, sample skincare and test out everything from eyeliners to lip color. They’ve got samples of more than 100 colors and textures on offer in darling, little octagonal containers. Make sure to try a fragrance flight, where an expert helps you find your favorite of Chanel’s iconic perfumes. Plus, once you’ve perfected your look with the help of their amazing artists, they’ve got the best lighting for mommy-and-me selfies. It’s all totally free, but if you want to give Mom some extra makeup education, lessons with their makeup artists start at $70, and you can buy any product you try.
The gift: Minimalist, gorgeous hand cream that fits in her purse. The egg-shaped design makes for easy squeezing, so she doesn’t waste a drop. La Crème Main, $50 at Atelier Beauté Chanel.
The Atelier Beauté ChanelAnnie Wermiel/NY Post