Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show appreciation for the women who’ve supported us through every stage of life. If you’re looking for something heartfelt and personal, these Mother’s Day picnic ideas are a beautiful way to celebrate.
Whether it’s your mum, nan, step-mum or someone who’s been like a mum, a relaxed day outdoors with good food, laughter and thoughtful touches can mean the world. With a bit of planning, creativity and a perfect gift for mum, you can turn the day into a memory she’ll cherish forever.
8 Mother’s Day Picnic Ideas If a Restaurant Isn’t Her Thing
1. Offer her an Invitation
To kick start our list of Mother’s Day picnic ideas, you may consider creating a beautiful invitation that sets the tone for the day and will also make it extra special for mum. Whether it’s a handwritten card or an e-invite, make sure to include all the details like the location, time and what to bring. You can even ask your mum’s friends or family members to join in on the fun to make it a group celebration.
2. Get a Basket for your Mother’s Day Picnic
A picnic basket is a must-have for any outdoor adventure. Choose a basket that’s lightweight and easy to carry, but still big enough to hold all your essentials. A wicker basket with a fabric lining is both practical and stylish. Alternatively, you could use a backpack or a cooler bag if you’re planning to go on a longer hike.
3. Portable Picnic Blanket
A good picnic blanket is essential for a comfortable and cosy Mother’s Day picnic. Look for a blanket that’s lightweight, easy to clean and folds up compactly. A waterproof backing is also a great feature, in case the ground is damp or wet. Consider bringing a few extra blankets or throws for added comfort.
4. Foldable Wine Table
If you plan on enjoying some adult beverages during your picnic, a folding wine table is a must-have accessory. These tables are designed to hold a bottle of wine and glasses, and they fold up for easy transport. You could also use the table for snacks or as a mini-bar.
5. Fresh Flowers in a Vase
Adding some fresh flowers to your picnic setup is a simple yet effective way to create a romantic atmosphere. Choose a bouquet of your mum’s favourite flowers and place them in a small vase. This will add a touch of colour to your picnic and make it feel more special.
6. Customise with Pillows
Make your picnic setup feel cosy and personalised by adding some pillows. You could use decorative throw pillows or cushions from your home, or even make your own DIY pillows. This will add an extra touch of comfort and create a warm and inviting ambiance.
7. Make It Eco-Friendly
Beeswax wraps are a perfect alternative when wrapping your sandwiches individually. The wastage is kept to a minimum compared to individual zip-top plastic bags, and they’re super easy to make. They’re also reusable, so your mum can use the leftover wraps in her kitchen.
These wraps have a natural tackiness that keeps your sandwiches sealed tightly. Not only are they functional, but they’re also better for the environment.
Speaking of being eco-friendly, you may even consider packing compostable flatware for your picnic. It’s an excellent way to reduce the number of items you bring back home. You can even make it fun and fancy by sliding your wooden utensils and folded napkins into paper snack bags and sealing them with decorative washi tape.
8. Choose a Simple Menu
When it comes to picnic food, simplicity is key. Stick to easy-to-eat finger foods. Go for foods that can be served cold or at room temperature to avoid the hassle of heating up food on-site.
8.1 / Prepare a Pair of Sandwiches
A classic sandwich is a great option for a picnic. Choose your mum’s favourite bread, fillings and condiments. Wrap the sandwiches to keep them fresh. You could also bring some potato chips or a small bag of popcorn for snacking.
8.2 / Three-Bean Salad
A three-bean salad is a healthy and delicious side dish that’s perfect for a picnic. Mix together green beans, kidney beans and chickpeas with a simple vinaigrette. Pack the salad in a sealable container and keep it chilled until you’re ready to eat.
8.3 / Sweets & Desserts
Finish off your Mother’s Day picnic with a sweet treat. Instead of bringing a whole cake or pie, opt for single-serving desserts like cupcakes, cookies or brownies. This will make it easier to serve and eat, and you won’t have to worry about slicing and serving.
9. Bring a Personalised Gift
Surprise mum with a thoughtful gift during the picnic. Something small yet meaningful, like a personalised keyring, engraved compact mirror or custom photo frame will add an emotional touch to the day. Wrap it beautifully and place it in the picnic basket as a little surprise she won’t expect.
10. Set Up a DIY Drinks Station
Elevate your outdoor setup with a simple drink station. Pack a few mason jars or tumblers, a thermos of tea or coffee and some refreshing cold drinks like elderflower cordial or infused water with cucumber and mint. You could even add slices of lemon or edible flowers for a fancy picnic touch.
11. Include a Memory Jar
Bring along a small jar and a few paper slips for everyone to write down their favourite memory with mum. Whether funny, heartfelt or nostalgic, these messages can be read out during the picnic or gifted to her at the end. It’s a simple way to turn the day into a treasured keepsake.
12. Capture the Day with Photos
Don’t forget to bring a phone tripod or camera to take a few group shots. You could even bring along a mini chalkboard sign that says “Mother’s Day 2025 Picnic” to make it feel extra special. Capture candid moments and create a small photo album or digital slideshow afterwards to share with her.
13. Plan a Little Activity
In between bites and sips, add some light fun to the day. A game of charades, a nature treasure hunt or a quiz about mum’s favourite things can get everyone laughing. If little ones are attending, bring a colouring book or bubbles to keep them entertained.
14. End with a Toast
Wrap up the picnic with a heartfelt toast. Raise your glasses, whether it’s with prosecco, lemonade or even just a warm cuppa, and say a few words of appreciation. Let her know just how loved and valued she is.
A Mother’s Day picnic is the perfect way to show your love and appreciation for the special woman in your life. By putting some thought and effort into the planning, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. From the invitations to the menu to the decorations, there are plenty of ways to make your picnic unique and special. Remember to keep it simple, eco-friendly and most importantly, have fun!
Don’t forget to bring a few extras like sunscreen, wet wipes or a small first-aid kit to keep everyone comfortable throughout the day. You could also create a small playlist of your mum’s favourite songs to play in the background, it’s little touches like these that make the day feel even more personal. And before you pack up, take a few photos to capture the moment, it’s a memory you’ll both want to look back on.
Victoria is an internet-savvy content writer who loves to write content-driven blog posts and descriptive content for e-commerce products. Outside of her main passion, she loves to sing, travel, hike and enjoy a laugh with her friends and family.
Whether he's the BBQ king, a gadget lover or a first-time dad, our personalised Father's Day gifts are made to match his personality…
Whether he's the BBQ king, a gadget lover or a first-time dad, our personalised Father's Day gifts are made to match his personality — from engraved pint glasses and keyrings to keepsakes he'll treasure forever.
