The Perfect Mother’s Day Celebration, Based on Your Mom’s Zodiac Sign

Updated: May 10, 2023

These Mother's Day celebrations are written in the stars

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Mother’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll shower your mom with love on this special day. Sure, you could mail her a card with some Mother’s Day greetings, but she didn’t spend 12 hours in labor with you for a simple Mother’s Day card, did she? (No, she did not.)

If you’re drawing a blank when it comes to Mother’s Day activities, it’s time to look to the stars. Just as your sun sign and rising sign can point to your zodiac sign’s power color or ideal dog breed, they can also indicate how your mom might want to spend her day. Whatever her zodiac sign, she’s bound to love a celebration that is tailor-made for her.

For the best gifts for your mom and solid ideas for how to celebrate Mother’s Day, we went straight to an astrology pro. Here’s how she says each zodiac sign should spend the holiday, plus the Mother’s Day gifts to accompany your plans.

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Aries (March 21–April 19)

“Aries loves a little healthy competition and to work up a sweat,” says astrologer Sofia Adler. Her recommendation for the best way to spend Mother’s Day with an Aries? “Take your mom for a hike, long walk or even scope out a workout class to do together.”

In addition to treating your mom to a fun day of physical activity, give her a present that’ll speak to her personality. You’ll find plenty of Mother’s Day gifts on Amazon, like a fitness tracker in pretty purple. Add a novelty trophy or certificate that she can proudly hang on the wall. After all, Adler says, Aries are natural leaders and typically rack up a lot of accomplishments in life, motherhood among them.

Taurus (April 20–May 20)

According to Adler, a mother who’s a Taurus will prefer “quality over quantity, and really appreciate the finer things in life.” So aim for simple yet exquisite Mother’s Day plans. Adler’s suggestion: Make lunch reservations at an elegant restaurant known for its local, organic produce and fine wines.

Or take Mom out for a day of pampering. Tauruses are all about indulging, so you can’t go wrong with booking a facial or massage at a high-end spa.

Gemini (May 21–June 20)

“Your Gemini mom likely doesn’t want to do just one thing, but all the things,” says Adler. She recommends creating “a celebration that allows her to learn something new and feel stimulated from start to finish.” With that in mind, a trip to the local botanical garden could be a hit for Geminis who love to spend time outside in beautifully manicured landscapes. A cooking class is another fun activity she’s bound to enjoy.

And don’t forget the mother in your mother’s life! Be sure to send a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift for Grandma.

Cancer (June 21–July 22)

If your mom’s zodiac sign is Cancer, she’ll prefer a Mother’s Day celebration that is intimate and cozy. Planning a fun day at home is a great place to start. “Quality time with the family is of utmost importance,” says Adler, adding that Cancers prefer to do the nurturing rather than be nurtured.

A fun way to spend time at home with your mom—and tune in to her nurturing side—is to plant a window herb garden together. Or learn how to create floral arrangements from foraged sprigs. At the end of the day, you can curl up to watch Mother’s Day movies.

Leo (July 23–Aug. 22)

“Your Leo mom loves to be the center of attention, so be sure to go above and beyond and make the day all about her,” says Adler. “Take her out to a delicious meal at a bustling restaurant and pretend it’s her birthday so that the whole place sings for her when you get to dessert.”

Another fun Mother’s Day celebration for a Leo is a family dance lesson that lets her show off her moves. Or sign her up for a DIY class—like painting or pottery—where she can stretch her creative muscles and have something beautiful to take home. Add on a DIY Mother’s Day gift that you made yourself, and you’re golden.

Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

Virgos are all about personal growth and development, so your mom is probably “hyper-focused on constantly growing and evolving into the best version of herself possible,” says Adler. “She does this because she wants to be of service to the world, so plan a day that allows you to spend time together while giving back.”

Volunteering at a local food pantry or community garden is a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Or you could spend some time putting together care packages and writing notes of encouragement to the recipients. You’ll find tons of gorgeous notecards at places like Target, making this an easy-to-put-together last-minute Mother’s Day gift.

Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

“Libras aren’t always comfortable with letting the day be about them, so make the day about the two of you and your relationship,” says Adler. One way to do that is by indulging in activities you both love—perhaps it’s a beloved activity you inherited from your mother—such as strolling through an art museum or picnicking in a community park. After all, a Libra’s desire for harmony and balance includes “a love for art, beautiful spaces, and environments,” says Adler.

And yes, your mother will certainly love any Mother’s Day gift basket you buy her, if for no other reason than the fact that it’s from you. But if you really want to speak to her personality, trade it in for a picnic basket that promises an afternoon of bonding.

Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Scorpio mothers “thrive off intimacy and deep connection,” says Adler, adding that this is especially true when it comes to their children. This Mother’s Day, she recommends you choose “a quiet place or stay home for some true one-on-one time, carving out time for an honest heart-to-heart chat.”

It might also be fun to incorporate conversation starter cards into the day’s activity so you can ask each other questions while sipping on some tea or putting together a photo album of pictures of you together. Across the pages add some quotes about moms and mother-daughter quotes.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)

“The best way to celebrate your Sagittarius mom this Mother’s Day is to make the entire day an adventure,” says Adler, adding that the day will be most successful based on how many risks you take and deep belly laughs you have together. Take your mom back to her hometown and help her see where she grew up through a new set of eyes. Or if that’s not feasible, wander the streets or neighborhoods you’ve never been to before and pop into a hot new restaurant.

However you spend your adventurous day, don’t forget to snap tons of photos for the memories—or, better yet, gift your mom a fun (and indulgent) Polaroid camera so she can capture her favorite moments and relive the adventure as she relays your Mother’s Day story to her friends. And while you’re at it, maybe plan for a fun class to take together as part of your adventurous day. Sagittarius loves to learn.

Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Capricorns are rooted in tradition and routine, which means you don’t have to break away from the status quo to celebrate your mom this Mother’s Day. “Show her how committed you are to her and your relationship,” says Adler, noting that commitment will earn big points from a Capricorn.

Bring your mom a beautiful bouquet of Mother’s Day flowers with a handwritten card, celebrate her with a brunch reservation at a local winery or somewhere you can have a leisurely lunch, and give her the gift of jewelry that serves as a reminder of how much you love her.

Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

“Chances are, your rebellious Aquarius mom doesn’t want you to make a fuss of Mother’s Day,” says Adler. She adds that your mom may believe the celebration is a tad outdated. This might make a Mother’s Day celebration tricky, but it also forces you to get creative.

According to Adler, Aquarius is the sign most likely to be into astrology, so treating your mom to a tarot card reading could be a fun way to spend time together on this day, even if your mom says it’s just another day in the year.

Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20)

If you have a Pisces for a mom, Adler recommends committing to spending the day together, but to “avoid making firm plans.” This will allow your mom to “go with the flow, getting lost in a daydream and carried away by whatever strikes her that day and that moment.”

That said, something creative might definitely be in store, as Pisces love to create. If you prefer to plan a little ahead, you could bring supplies to make your own essential oil rollers or candles and allow for some time to experiment freely with different blends as you both let your inspiration guide the day. And get the tears rolling by coming armed with a playlist of mom songs that’ll tug her heartstrings.

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