Article by Kara Schwalbe

Photos by Yarra & Yellowstone Photo of the Kirschenmann Family

Mother's Day often gets boiled down to "brunch and flowers," but the real story usually lies in the gap between what's expected and what actually makes a mom feel seen. We asked Billings Moms what they really want for Mother's Day. Dads, partners, and children: consider this your guide to “winning” Mother’s Day. 

Defining Your Own Celebration 

Just like any holiday, there is no single right way to celebrate, and everyone does it differently. Traditions stick for a reason, but they can create a bias for what we think the day should look like. You may remember your own mother’s appreciation for a fancy Sunday brunch, while your partner’s family was the “breakfast-in-bed and homemade cards” type. Perhaps you didn’t celebrate Mother’s Day at all.  

All moms deserve to be celebrated, and every mother’s needs are unique. This is your chance to start a new tradition that actually fits your household.   

Identify the “Era” 

When deciding how to make the day special, consider what “era” she’s in. This can change by the year, or even the day. Is she in Survival Mode, navigating the high demands and low sleep of the early years? Is it her Sweet Spot Era, where she’s loving every minute with the kids and wants those messy, handmade gifts? Or is she looking for connection with her older children as an Empty Nester? Maybe it’s something else.  Knowing this helps you focus your energy when planning how to recognize her.   

“The Big Outing” vs. “The Great Disappearance” 

When it comes to the day's vibe, our survey respondents were split. When asked to choose between a grand family outing and ‘The Great Disappearance,’ 60% of moms favored time to themselves, no strings attached. As one respondent shared, “I want to feel loved and appreciated...surrounded by my sweet family for the day, but with no responsibilities.” 

The Gift of Mental Space 

When asked what’s one thing a partner could do to take the load off, responses were nearly unanimous: meal planning and cleaning. It’s not just about doing the dishes; it’s about removing the "invisible labor."  

As Sarah put it: "I’m just tired. Make the decisions for me and plan ahead. Don’t be scrambling day-of to make it happen." Taking the load off means removing the need for Mom to answer the dreaded What's for dinner? question. Whether it’s booking a reservation weeks in advance or handling the grocery list and the cleanup for a backyard BBQ, the gift is the absence of responsibility. When you handle the planning and logistics, you give her the gift of mental space. 

Navigating the "Mom Multiplier" 

Mother’s Day often involves "logistical gymnastics" because we celebrate more than one person. It's a delicate dance of honoring a partner, a mother, and a mother-in-law all in the span of 24 hours.  

Alli offers a vital tip for those in the thick of it: "Set the boundary with your own mother that this day is now about your own family." Katlyn adds, “It’s a balance! You're allowed to celebrate your mom, but as you become new parents, focus more on your wife.” 

The Village Celebrating Itself 

For single moms or those grieving, the day can feel heavy. Janelle, a single mom, shared how she’s flipped the script, "I’ve started celebrating other single moms! We all gather at my place... we eat and drink coffee and mimosas and remind each other how awesome we are and how wonderful our kids are." If you have a friend navigating motherhood solo or a mom who has lost her own mother, a simple text, or an offer to take their kids to the store to pick out a card, can be the "glimmer" they need.   

Close the Expectation Gap   

Ultimately, disappointment comes from unmet expectations. Start a conversation now, and don’t just focus on gifts; ask questions to understand whether she wants the family to be present or prefers some time alone. Mattie suggests asking her what she wants the day to “look and feel like” and then actually follow through. Remember, decision fatigue and the mental load are real, so aim for understanding in your conversation, but don’t expect her to decide for you.  

“It doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful,” says Marisa. “It loses positive impact if the complication causes stress.” Whether it’s a handwritten note, a FaceTime call, or lilacs clipped from your own backyard, the intention and effort to really see her are what matter most.  

LOCAL FAVORITES FOR HER BIG DAY 

If you’re looking for some ideas to jumpstart your planning, here are some options in Billings that were shared with us. Moms, feel free to use this list when your partner asks you what you want! 

The "Sit-Down" (Brunch & Beyond) 

• Classic brunch: Sophie’s Kitchen  
• Buffet: The Laurel Golf Course, Montana Jacks 
• Brewery Vibes: By All Means, DiamondX  
• Sophisticated: City Vineyard, TEN at the Northern Hotel  

Tip: Book the reservation now and handle the kids' outfits yourself. 

The "Me Time" (Self-Care & Spas) 

• Spa: Sanctuary Spa, Plush Studios 
• Massage & Alternative Health: Body Remedies (they come to you!), Zen RN MT 
• Beauty & Glow: Ivy & Bloom, StarNails, Heavenly Nails, Element Skin Therapy 
• Movement: FIT4MOM Billings, SoleStrength, Studio Soul, Stretch Lab 

Tip: Don't just give a gift card; actually book a session for her and clear her schedule. 

The "Quick Win" (Coffee, Treats & Flowers) 

• Coffee: Black Dog Coffee, BigSky Coffee Roasters, Mazevo 
• Treats: Softies, Brockel’s Chocolates 
• Flowers: Mac’s Floral, Stigma & Style, Lilygrass floral 

Tip: If you buy flowers, find the vase and put them in water. Don't leave the work to her! 

The "Retail Therapy" (Shopping & Gift Cards) 

• Adventurer: BaseCamp 
• Gardener: Roots Garden Center 
• Fashionista: Veldt Clothing 
• A little of everything: Frae, Joy of Living 

Tip: Carve out some time for her to go and shop.  

The "Low-Stakes" (Simple & Sweet) 

• ZooMontana: Moms get in free! 
• FIT4MOM Celebration of Moms: Perfect for the "Sweet Spot" era 
• The Great Outdoors: Hit the local trails or a neighborhood park 
• The Stay-In: A clean house and a nap without an alarm 

Tip: Keep it simple.  Less is more.  

Originally printed in the May 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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