Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11th, are you still looking for unique Mother’s Day gift ideas? Whether you don’t know what to get Mom or you want to find something that is thoughtful and means so much more than just another candle, you’ve come to the right place. Explore our 2025 Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Moms in Massachusetts full of local gifts and unforgettable experiences.
Celebrate Mom with Thoughtful and Unforgettable Experiences
Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect opportunity to show the moms in your life how much you care. If you’re looking for unique and fun Mother’s Day gift ideas, this 2025 Mother’s Day Gift Guide is what you need. Skip the flowers and chocolates, we’ve rounded up a collection of the best Mother’s Day gift ideas and experience-based gifts across Massachusetts. Whether your mom prefers curling up with a good book, a relaxing spa escape, a garden stroll or a day spent exploring, this guide has something for every Mom. Best of all? Many of these options are accessible via the MBTA Commuter Rail, so no car is needed!
Need help on where to start? Choose what your Mom likes to do in her spare time:
For The Mom Who Loves to Read
Give Mom the gift of a literary escape this year. Treat her to a story-worthy day exploring the home of an iconic author, have stories come to life around her with a tour of filming locations of ‘Little Women’ (2019), or browse the shelves at your favorite independent bookstore!
Experience Ideas:
Spend A Day at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House (Concord, via Commuter Rail Fitchburg Line)
Step into the pages of the iconic novel, “Little Women”, when you tour the home of the author. Not only was Alcott inspired by this home to write the novel, but she set and wrote it here too. On your tour, you’ll get to see the actual desk she sat at while writing. Easily plan a day trip to spend A Day at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House with Keolis massAdventures. Your ticket includes round-trip transportation from Boston – so you don’t have to worry about driving, parking or traffic – as well as your guided tour ticket of the Orchard House. Book this tour for Mother’s Day Weekend, we are touring on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
Visit Authors Ridge (Concord, via Commuter Rail Fitchburg Line)
Some might say this is an unconventional Mother’s Day activity, but readers will appreciate the thoughtfulness of this activity. The peaceful walk through Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to the iconic corner known as ‘Author’s Ridge’ will allow you to pay respects to many legendary authors. Author’s Ridge includes the graves of: Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and William Ellery Channing. Author’s Ridge is a 0.4 mile walk from Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, a short walk for those that want to visit after touring the home.
Embrace Hollywood & History: Guided Tour (Ipswich, via Commuter Rail Newburyport/Rockport Line)
Walk in the shoes of famous actors and historical figures as you enjoy a day out with Mom on the Lights, Camera, Castle Hill: A Hollywood & History Tour. Discover the Crane Estate, former home of the wealthy Crane family who founded the plumbing company Crane Co. Their stunning ‘summer cottage’ has been featured in some Hollywood hits, including the 2019 film “Little Women”. See where scenes including Florence Pugh, Timothee Chalamet and more were filmed and recreate the scenes for yourself! Book your tour with Keolis massAdventures today! It is the perfect choice for those that are already busy on Mother’s Day and want to celebrate another day – our next available date for Lights, Camera, Castle Hill: A Hollywood & History Tour is Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Local Bookstore Shopping Date
A perfect last-minute-but-doesn’t-seem-last-minute Mother’s Day experience is to visit a local bookstore and let her choose her next favorite read. With dozens of bookstores in Boston and many more in the Greater Boston area, the choice comes down to what you’re looking for. Does Mom have niche interests, or would she enjoy sipping a coffee at the bookstore’s cafe? For both niche interests and those who enjoy snacks, check out Dr. Ellie Paris Social Bookstore & Ice Cream Cafe (Brockton, via Fall River/New Bedford line). A half-mile walk from the station will transport you to a one-of-a-kind social impact bookstore and ice cream cafe. Dr. Ellie’s also serves breakfast, pastries, lunch and other freshly-made items that will make your Mother’s Day date a perfect lunch & shopping date. Check out our blog post to see where else you should go using the Fall River/New Bedford line.
Gift Ideas:
Personalized leather bookmark
Every reader will tell you they can never have enough good quality bookmarks. A personalized bookmark will have Mom remembering your thoughtful gift for years to come. Support a small business by buying a personalized leather bookmark from Gallery Leather.
Rechargeable neck reading light
This comfortable neck light is perfect for the mom who reads before bed. It comes in four colors, is rechargeable, and is compact enough that you can use it while traveling via train or airplane. Order a rechargeable neck reading light for your Mom now!
For The Mom Who Wants to Relax
If your mom deserves a little pampering (and what mom doesn’t?), give her the gift of peace and relaxation.
Experience Ideas:
Create your own perfume experience (Boston, 0.5 miles from Back Bay Station)
Indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience at Olfactory NYC where you and mom can create your own signature scents together! You get to choose everything from the core smell to layered scents, the bottle and even the label. This sensory experience will be one she’ll never forget. Find out more or book your visit to create your own perfume at Olfactory NYC.
Tour Castle Hill on the Crane Estate (Ipswich, via Commuter Rail Newburyport/Rockport Line)
Bring mom to the seaside for a fabulous day full of history, glamour, and impeccable gardens. You’ll both enjoy a historic yet entertaining guided tour of Castle Hill as a Guest of the Cranes, visiting their ‘summer cottage’ estate. Afterwards, relax alongside mom in the Italian Garden and savour the moments together. We recommend packing a picnic to enjoy in the garden. For a truly stress-free visit, book your guided tour with Keolis massAdventures; we take care of your tickets and all transportation from Boston, the only thing you have to do is invite mom! This tour will be happening on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025.
Spend the Day at a Local Spa
Treat mom to the relaxing day of her dreams at a local spa. From manicures to massages, facials and sauna packages, there’s something for every mom that wants to relax. Book her a dreamy retreat to Mirbeau Inn & Spa Plymouth. A full-service spa offering daily reservations as well as overnight stays, so you can make it into a peaceful weekend escape.
Gift Ideas:
Weighted blanket
After a long day of work or exploration, mom needs to relax. From stress relief to coziness, these blankets are perfect for moms. Did we mention that weighted blankets made by Bearaby are made sustainably, yet cute enough to leave out on the couch? Buy one for mom today to cover her whole year with relaxation.
Plush spa robe
Bring the feeling of the spa home for mom with a plush spa robe. Reviewers say this one is the perfect weight, not too heavy or too thin, and praise its comfort and coziness.
For The Mom Who Loves the Outdoors
For the nature-loving mom, think of gifts and experiences that bring her outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
Experience Ideas:
Garden Getaway: New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill (Boylston, via Commuter Rail Framingham/Worcester Line)
A peaceful oasis in the heart of Boylston, it is perfect for moms who love nature, flowers or the outdoors. Stroll through blooming gardens and down walking paths. A visit to New England Botanic Garden is both a relaxing and exciting choice for moms who love nature. You can Explore The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill with Keolis massAdventures with Mom in celebration of Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
Wondering what kind of flowers you might see at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill? Check out our blog post to see what’s blooming there in the spring.
Take an Easy Hike at Crane Estate (Ipswich, via Commuter Rail Newburyport/Rockport Line)
Explore the gardens, trails, seashores and more on this grand estate, which features the country-place-era Castle Hill ‘summer cottage’. Perfect for moms who love the outdoors, you’ll trek up to Castle Hill, then down and around the estate. You’ll discover all the hidden gems nature offers on this property. Originally established as “Castle Hill” in 1634, this sweeping estate grew as more surrounding land was purchased over the centuries; you’ll learn about the history of the estate on your hike. Outdoorsy moms who also love the environment will appreciate that you booked your Castle Hill Uncovered: Guided Nature Walk of Hidden Shores, Gardens & Trails with Keolis massAdventures because we offer sustainable transportation to get you there and back.
Kayak & Hike to Thacher Island (Ipswich, via Commuter Rail Newburyport/Rockport Line)
For the ultimate outdoors day trip with Mom, check out our brand-new Kayak & Hike Adventure to Historic Thacher Island. Kicking off Saturday, May 31, 2025, you could treat Mom to a thrilling day trip: kayaking from Rockport to Thacher Island. You’ll spend the day soaking up breathtaking coastal views and hiking on Thacher Island. This is the day trip that outdoorsy Moms have been waiting for!
Gift Ideas:
Wide brim sun hat with UPF
The gift that keeps on giving: a wide brim sun hat with UPF. It’s the perfect Mother’s Day gift idea for moms who love the outdoors as it’s a stylish yet useful accessory. These hats are made to protect your face and neck from the sun, with a UPF of 50+. (According to the Wallaroo Hat Company, “Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) shows how well a fabric protects your skin from solar UV. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is the rating for sunscreens and other sun-protective products.”) These hats are available online. You can also purchase them in retailers such as Clothingware in Cambridge, The Barn Family Shoe Store in Newtonville, and The Grasshopper Shop in Concord.
For The Mom Who Loves Exploring New Places
Curious, adventurous, and always on the go? Whether it’s a new town, new taste or new adventure, these Mother’s Day gift ideas are perfect for all the moms who love to discover something new.
Experience Ideas:
Explore New Bedford: Whaling Museum & Foodie Tour (New Bedford, via Commuter Rail Fall River/New Bedford Line)
Mom will love starting her day out with you at the New Bedford Whaling Museum discovering New England’s whaling heritage. Then, she’ll embark on a guided food tour through New Bedford, sampling the best eats in town! Make sure you tell mom to clear her calendar; this day trip is not one to be missed. It’s a unique Mother’s Day gift experience that she’ll talk about for years to come. Our Explore New Bedford: Food Tour & Whaling Museum Experience offers a seamless and exciting day well-spent with mom. Fill up on good memories and great food; book your tour today.
Discover Historic Concord (Concord, via Commuter Rail Fitchburg Line)
Journey to historic Concord for a day filled with exploring. From historic sites to the Concord Museum, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to the landmark Colonial Inn, this small town offers day trippers lots to do. Moms who love history would enjoy our Exclusive Guided North Bridge Walking Tour in Concord, MA, which takes you around town, visiting historic sites such as Wright Tavern, the North Bridge, The Old Manse, and the Minuteman Statue while telling you the rich tapestry of history woven into the town. Our tour includes your guided tour ticket & Commuter Rail Weekend Pass to get you to Concord, and your guide will meet you at Concord Station to begin your tour!
Make the most of your day in Concord by adding on A Day at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, grabbing lunch in downtown Concord, or visiting Author’s Ridge in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. If your mom loves exploring the paranormal, book an overnight visit at the Colonial Inn. This historic inn has rooms that are rumored to be haunted. Built hundreds of years ago, with many different uses of the building within that time: this Inn has a long history. The building was even used as a hospital during the American Revolution.
Castle Escape: Hammond Castle Museum (Gloucester, via Commuter Rail Newburyport/Rockport Line)
This seaside castle seems straight out of a fairytale. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with gardens outside and amazing, repurposed architecture inside, there’s so much for Mom to explore here. The Great Hall features one of the largest pipe organs in the Western Hemisphere, the Courtyard is made up of architectural elements from medieval Europe as well as artifacts from ancient Rome, and there is a hidden wine cellar – we’ll let you find it on your visit! Exploring Hammond Castle Museum is a day trip for Moms who love history, appreciate architecture, and want a day out where they can explore on their own time. Enjoy it on our Self-Guided Tour of Hammond Castle Museum on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025.
Gift Ideas:
Portable phone charger
Make sure moms phone stays charged throughout all of her explorations with a portable phone charger. This one is equipped with built-in cables to connect your phone, for convenient charging anytime you need.
Whether you’re searching for one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day gift ideas or a meaningful experience she’ll always remember, this guide has everything you need to celebrate the special mom in your life. Let Keolis massAdventures and the MBTA Commuter Rail help you get there – creating unforgettable, eco-friendly moments, while supporting local businesses along the way!
