The 24-hour emergency guide to a special weekend with Mom

SINGAPORE — It’s Mother’s Day weekend and you still have not gotten around to making any plans, except perhaps to do a last-minute sketch of your mother on a white piece of paper, with a hastily scribbled “Happy Mother’s Day”.

Maybe that’s just me.

But between Christmases, birthdays and various other festivals, it’s easy to run out of ideas to please even the least demanding of mothers. (Which, Ma, you most certainly are.)

But not every Mother’s Day has to involve frantic calls to restaurants, expensive flowers and a credit card bill the size of America’s national debt. It’s about spending quality time with the woman who has birthed and raised you, and perhaps surprising yourself when you don’t end the evening quibbling.

Fortunately, in Singapore, there are activities to suit every personality, pocket and procrastinator. Here are some of our suggestions:

TAKE HER AWAY

Let’s face it. There’s nothing more fabulous than a full day at the spa. Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is offering a One-Day Getaway Package that features a body massage, a four-course set lunch at award-winning Chinese restaurant Jiang-Nan Chun, as well as complimentary access to the sauna and steam room, the swimming pool, gym and carpark, all for the cost of S$180++ for a 60-minute massage and S$240++ for a 90-minute massage. For an indulgent staycation, book a 48-hour getaway at W Singapore — Sentosa Cove. For at least S$374++ a night, you’ll get to check out exactly 48 hours after you check in, plus daily breakfast for two at The Kitchen Table. Fuss free, much?

WALK IN THE PARK

Get Mum closer to Mother Nature with a concert by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) tomorrow evening at Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The performance, which is part of the Tan Chin Tuan Music-For-All series, will present a medley of pieces such as The Sound Of Music: Selection For Orchestra and Belle Of The Ball from 6pm. There will also be an SSO booth with special Mother’s Day gifts for those who attend the show with their mothers. You can thank us later.

SPEND QUALITY TIME

So your Mum is a history buff. Take her to the National Museum of Singapore, and present this photo (https://goo.gl/Ld0Cb4) for a complimentary adult ticket to the Treasures of the World from The British Museum exhibition this weekend. The first ten mums to visit each day (today and tomorrow) will also receive a special gift from the British Museum. (Yay, gift sorted). Or perhaps you are the type of mum that wishes your kids have fun on your special day. If that is the case, the National Gallery Singapore is also organising a free activity for children aged 7 and above today and tomorrow, where they can craft their own works of art, inspired by the Gallery’s collection, at the Keppel Centre for Art Education Workshop from 1pm to 6pm.

PERSONALISE IT

Shall I compare my ma to a summer’s day? Or perhaps you are more eloquent on a canvas. Take your mum to a creative session of art jamming at Art Jam Studio, Cups N Canvas and Museo, or treat her to a spot of tea before art time at Arteastiq. You can also design a personalised tote bag at a free workshop, with the help of artist Fadilah Razib at the Esplanade. If you’d rather leave the craftwork to the experts, visit https://giftslessordinary.com/ for customisable gifts like necklaces, embossed bangles and personalised coasters.

IF ALL ELSE FAILS ...

Book her on a special trip to a destination of her choice, and get 25 per cent off with Scoot’s promo code “gomomgo”. No mother would say no to that! HON JING YI