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Choosing the perfect Mother's Day gift can be tricky. Flowers and jewelry are nice, traditional presents, but maybe you don't want to give Mom a bouquet and a necklace year after year. Or, maybe Mom says she doesn't want anything – but you still want to show her how much you love and appreciate her.
Sometimes, the best and most memorable gifts aren't physical things, but time you share together as a family. For Mother's Day 2019 (May 12), consider planning an extra-special activity for your wife, mother, or grandmother.
We recommend booking one of these six awesome experience gifts in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Not only will you give Mom an unforgettable afternoon or evening out, but you'll help support the local small business community, too!
1. A cooking class at The Cookie Cups
If Mom loves to cook and bake, sign her up for one of our cooking class at The Cookie Cups bakery. It's the perfect way for a "foodie" family to spend a weekend afternoon. You and Mom will make savory and sweet bites to enjoy together during the two-hour class, and you'll each get a pack of cookie cups to take home for later.
We're always adding new events to the calendar, so if you don't see one that fits your schedule, you can always purchase Mom a gift certificate to redeem later for the class of her choice. Never been to a Cookie Cups cooking class? Our recent blog post explains how it works.
2. A dinner cruise on Lake Minnetonka
Give Mom an elegant, sophisticated dining experience on one of Al and Alma's "Supper Club" dinner cruises. She'll enjoy a leisurely boat trip while feasting on delicious Modern American dishes like hand-cut steaks, slow-cooked BBQ ribs, and fresh seafood dishes. No matter where she's seated on the ship, she's sure to get a beautiful view of Lake Minnetonka at sunset.
3. Beer tasting at Backchannel Brewing
Want a more casual, relaxed Mother's Day evening? Check out the small-batch, seasonal beers on tap at Back Channel Brewing. This brewery offers a wide range of craft brews for any palette, along some fun food events throughout the week. Best of all, Back Channel is dog-friendly, so bring Mom's four-legged friend along for the ride!
4. A trolley ride on the Excelsior Streetcar Line
Is Mom a history buff? Take her on a journey through the past on the Excelsior Streetcar Line. Ride a historical trolley along a half-mile of track, built on the former right-of-way of the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway. At the carbarn, you can peruse a photo gallery of hotels, trains, paddlewheel boats, and landmarks from the 1800s, and witness a work-in-progress restoration of a vintage streetcar. After your ride, you can check out the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society displays at the rail station, followed by an afternoon of shopping on Water Street.
Image credit: Monkey Business / Adobe Stock
5. A wine club membership at Parley Lake Winery
For the mother who enjoys fine local wines, a membership at the Parley Lake Winery "Goddess of the Grapes" Wine Club is the gift that keeps on giving. As a member, Mom and a guest (hopefully you!) will be invited to the winery's May, August, and November release events, where she'll enjoy a complimentary tasting and take home four bottles of handpicked seasonal wines. She'll also receive generous discounts on Wine Club orders, tasting room purchases, and other Parley Lake Winery merchandise.
6. A European chocolate adventure at L'More Chocolat
Who doesn't love chocolate? Take Mom on a European-inspired chocolate "date" at L'More Chocolat, where you can sample and purchase delectable handmade and imported chocolates from around the world. As you and Mom sip rich, gourmet hot chocolate, you can watch these master chocolatiers make artisan creations right before your eyes.
Interested in reserving a class or redeeming a gift certificate at The Cookie Cups? Stop the bakery or contact us with any questions about our upcoming cooking classes and in-store events.