By Alana Stroud

A Cuppa with Mum
Take the Grande Dame out for some quality time together over a spot of tea. Chitchat, snack, and catch up on each other’s lives during a leisurely afternoon while sipping your favorite tea at your favorite teahouse. Check out English Rose Tea Room in Carefree for a quaint traditional English afternoon tea or try Mandala Tearoom for organic, contemporary delights.

Lifelong Learning
Does Mom have a passion that she’s always wanted to pursue? Sign her up for a class at your local community college. She could learn something new (art?), brush up on an old hobby (playing piano?), or stimulate her brain (psychology 101?). You’re never too old for education!

She Always Said That She Has Only Two Hands
In a society that’s always on the go, you might as well find your way more easily with a navigation system. Help Mom get there faster while she avoids traffic making hands-free calls using the TomTom GO 720. Other features include an extra-wide 4.3-inch touch-screen QuickGPS Fix for the best navigation, the ability to record your own voice directions, and access to the best maps with TomTom Mapshare. Get it all for only $399.95 through tomtom.com.

Time for a Grownup Trip!
Surprise Mom with a spontaneous road trip or a quick airline flight to somewhere near, but not here. Las Vegas, San Francisco, or Rocky Point, Mexico are all great ideas for quick getaways for spending some time with Mom without having to travel too far. Let your best-always friend have a day at the beach, hit the craps tables, or enjoy a sight-seeing trip without any worries of time, cooking, or chores.

No Kiddy Matinee Today
If she loves the performing arts, check out the Gammage Auditorium, Phoenix Symphony Hall, or perhaps the Herberger Theatre to see what productions are coming to town so that you can take Mom for a thrilling experience of opera, ballet, or symphony. Don’t forget that you can also browse our event calendar for further ideas! balletaz.org, phoenixsymphony.org, asugammage.com

Look! My Kid’s a Success!
Some moms like to look good and drive fast. Treat yours to a day in a supercar—a Lamborghini, Ferrari, or Maserati—and take a day to cruise around the city in style with your hair blowing in the wind. Go shopping, take in a movie, go out to eat—go anywhere so Mom can show off! statustoyrentals.com

She Took Care of You All Those Years
Every woman should know how to protect herself in the event of a dangerous occurrence. Women fall prey to victimization more often than men, and it would should how much you care if you signed Mom up for some self-defense or personal protection courses. These are offered at gyms, karate studios, or even the Scottsdale Gun Club. You can hook her up with a class or a personal instructor for a one-on-one experience. Consider signing the both of you up for an extra shot of fun and bonding.

For All Those Times You Just Plain Tuckered Her Out
A day at the spa may sound cliché, but it’s used often because it’s effective! And the Golden Door Spa at the Boulders, which drew its inspiration from the ancient Honjin inns of Japan, is one of the best we have. With a new spa service designed especially for Mother’s Day, the Golden Door Spa offers their special Apricot Facial Treatment and Body Exfoliation and much more to help rejuvenate her. Organic teas, tasty bite-sized snacks, desserts, and champagne are also available. (866) 397-6520 or TheBoulders.com.