Mother’s Day is right around the corner—falling this year on Sunday, May 11, 2025—and it’s the perfect chance to show appreciation for the women who’ve nurtured, supported, and loved us unconditionally. No matter who you’re honoring—your mom, grandmother, wife, or another maternal figure— the good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to make her feel truly cherished. With a little creativity and planning, meaningful moments can come at little to no cost. From restaurant freebies and sweet discounts to sweepstakes and meaningful DIY gestures, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to plan a heartfelt Mother’s Day—without breaking the bank.
🥞 Mother’s Day Dining Deals and Restaurant Freebies (May 2025)
Looking for a simple yet heartfelt way to treat Mom this Mother’s Day? Food is always a winning idea—and this year, dozens of restaurants are offering exclusive deals, freebies, and delicious promotions to help you celebrate without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a free dessert, a discounted meal, or a bonus gift card, there’s something for every taste. Here’s a roundup of the best Mother’s Day dining deals available in May 2025.
1. Buffalo’s Cafe
🍪 Sweet Freebie for Dessert Lovers
Treat Mom to something sweet! Get a free Buffalo Chip Dessert with the purchase of any entrée priced over $14.99.
📅 Date: May 11 (Mother’s Day)
📍 Dine-in only.
2. Burger King
🍔 Free Whopper with Kids’ Meal Purchase
Royal Perks members can grab a free Whopper when purchasing a King Jr. Meal—perfect if you’re dining with little ones.
📱 Redeemable through the BK app or bk.com for mobile and online orders.
📅 Valid: May 11 only
3. Carl’s Jr.
🎁 Digital Gift Card Bonus
Get a $15 bonus digital gift card when you buy a $50 gift card online—a great way to gift (or save for yourself).
💻 Available online only
📅 Offer period: April 26 – May 15
4. Chicken Salad Chick
🥗 Buy One, Get One on Large Quick Chicks
On May 9, get twice the deliciousness! Purchase one Large Quick Chick and receive another free.
📅 Date: May 9
⚠️ Limit three per guest, while supplies last.
5. Denny’s
🥞 $10 Off on Bigger Orders
Enjoy $10 off any order of $30 or more—great for families or groups celebrating together.
🔑 Use code MOMDAY at checkout.
📅 Valid: May 9–11
📲 Available for pickup or delivery via the app or online.
6. Fazoli’s
🍝 Free Pasta for Mom
For a warm and comforting way to celebrate, treat Mom to a hearty Italian meal. At participating locations, she’ll receive a free Fettuccine Alfredo or Spaghetti entrée with the purchase of another entrée, making it a delicious and budget-friendly way to honor her special day.
🔑 Use promo code Mother25
📅 Valid dates: May 9–11
7. Hooters
🍗 Wings for Two?
Buy 10 wings and get 10 free exclusively for Mom.
📅 Offer available on: May 11
📍 Dine-in only.
8. KFC
🚚 Free Delivery on Digital Orders
Skip the cooking and get KFC delivered straight to your door with zero delivery fees.
📅 When: May 9–11
💻 Available on all digital orders.
9. Panda Express
🍱 Family Feast on a Budget
Get a Family Meal (feeds 5) for just $30—perfect for a cozy celebration at home.
🔑 Use promo code THANKSMOM
📲 Order via the Panda Express app or website.
📅 Valid through: May 11
10. Mountain Mike’s Pizza
🍕 Heart-Shaped Pizza for Mom
Show the love with a heart-shaped pizza—fun, festive, and tasty.
🔑 Use code HEARTMOM3
📅 Available: May 8–11
11. Scooter’s Coffee
☕ BOGO Coffee Deal
Get Mom her favorite drink—and one for yourself too! Buy one drink, get one free.
📲 Must redeem via the Scooter’s Coffee app.
📅 Offer valid: May 11
12. TCBY
🍦 Free Frozen Yogurt for Moms
Moms enjoy the first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt on the house!
📅 Date: May 11
📍 Participating locations only.
13. The Cheesecake Factory
🎉 Gift Card Bonus Offer
For every $50 in gift cards purchased online between April 28 and May 11, receive a $10 bonus card.
💳 Bonus redeemable between May 12 and June 4.
14. White Castle
🏰 20% Off Your Entire Order
Celebrate with sliders and savings—get 20% off your full order with a coupon.
📅 Valid: May 9–11
📄 Coupon required.
🎁 Gift Card Bonuses That Go the Extra Mile
Not sure what to get Mom this year? When in doubt, gift cards are a foolproof option—particularly when they come with a little something extra. This year, several restaurant chains are sweetening the deal by offering bonus rewards alongside your Mother’s Day gift card purchase. As a result, not only can you treat Mom, but you can also enjoy a perk for yourself. Whether you’re planning to gift them immediately, hold onto them for future meals, or even split the benefits, these promos provide great value with every single purchase.
Cinnabon
Deal: Buy $30 in gift cards and receive $10 in Cinnabon Rewards.
A delicious way to treat Mom (or yourself) to sweet rolls and bakery favorites.
📅 Valid through: May 11
📱 Rewards are loaded directly into your Cinnabon Rewards account.
Subway
Offer: Buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 bonus card.
Perfect for sandwich lovers—use the bonus card on your next visit.
📅 Bonus card redeemable through: July 31
💳 Available at participating locations and online.
The Cheesecake Factory
Promotion: Receive a $10 bonus card with every $50 in gift cards purchased online.
A great excuse to plan a future lunch or dessert outing—because who doesn’t love cheesecake?
📅 Gift card offer valid: April 28–May 11
📅 Bonus card redeemable: May 12–June 4
💻 Online purchase required for bonus.
🛍️ Retail & Online Shopping Deals for Mother’s Day
Still searching for that perfect Mother’s Day gift? If so, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Whether you’re planning ahead or scrambling at the last minute, you’re in luck. Thanks to this year’s lineup of retail and online deals, it’s easier than ever to find thoughtful gifts without stretching your budget. As a result, you can surprise Mom with something special, even if you’re working with limited time or money. From relaxing spa kits to creative digital subscriptions, you’ll find a little something for every kind of mom—from the cozy-homebody to the curious lifelong learner. Here are some of the top offers to shop this May:
Amazon & Target
🎁 Affordable Gifts with a Personal Touch
Both Amazon and Target are rolling out curated Mother’s Day shops filled with budget-friendly options, starting at just $3.89. You can mix and match to build a themed gift set, or find a single standout item that speaks to her personality. Some of the most popular gift ideas this year include:
- Skincare sets and DIY spa kits for a relaxing at-home experience
- Personalized mugs, cutting boards, and other custom kitchenware
- Scented candles, plush blankets, and loungewear for cozy evenings
- Jewelry, bath bombs, journals, and wellness tools to promote self-care
📦 Available for quick shipping or same-day pickup, depending on location.
🎯 Visit the dedicated Mother’s Day gift sections on Amazon and Target.
Ulta Beauty
🌸 Fragrance + Free Tote Gift Set
Spoil Mom with a new scent! From now through May 11, Ulta is offering a free tote bag with any $70 fragrance purchase. The promotion applies both in-store and online, making it easy to shop however you prefer.
👜 Tote styles vary, while supplies last—so shop early for the best selection!
🎁 Perfect for packaging your fragrance pick into an instantly giftable bundle.
Masterclass
📚 Learn from the Best – 50% Off Annual Memberships
For the mom who’s always eager to learn something new, MasterClass is offering 50% off their annual subscription, making this the perfect time to gift an all-access pass to some of the world’s most inspiring instructors.
She can dive into hundreds of courses across categories such as:
- Writing & storytelling (taught by authors like Margaret Atwood)
- Culinary arts & baking (with chefs like Gordon Ramsay)
- Business & leadership, mindfulness & meditation, and more
🎟️ Digital gift cards available—ideal for last-minute gifting via email.
📅 Offer valid through: May 12
🎉 Mother’s Day Sweepstakes and Giveaways
Feeling lucky this Mother’s Day? Brands across the country are celebrating moms with fun giveaways and exciting sweepstakes—offering everything from cruise vacations to free gift cards and delicious treats. Whether you’re entering for yourself or for the special mom in your life, these contests are free, fast, and could make this May a month to remember. Here are some of the most buzzworthy promotions happening now:
Biscuitville’s Mother’s Day Giveaway
Biscuitville is honoring moms with a sweet giveaway! Five lucky winners will receive a prize package just in time for Mother’s Day.
📅 Deadline to enter: May 11
🔗 Visit Biscuitville’s official website or social media pages for full details and entry form.
Boost Mobile Mother’s Day Cruise Sweepstakes
This is your chance to win the ultimate escape! Boost Mobile is giving one grand prize winner a luxury cruise vacation to celebrate the occasion.
💎 Prize: Cruise package for two
📅 Deadline to enter: May 9
🌍 Head to Boost Mobile’s sweepstakes page to enter and review rules and eligibility.
Mother’s Day Gift Card-a-Day Giveaway
Celebrate all month long with daily chances to win! This generous sweepstakes will choose 21 winners, each receiving a valuable gift card.
🔄 You can enter once per day, so the more days you try, the better your odds.
📅 Deadline to enter: May 11
📝 Check the official giveaway site for entry instructions and prize breakdown.
Nothing Bundt Moms Sweepstakes
A little cake goes a long way! Nothing Bundt Cakes is spreading joy with a sweet sweepstakes open to all cake-loving moms (and those who love them).
🎉 Number of winners: 11
📅 Entry ends: May 12
🍰 Visit their website to enter and view the official contest rules. Bonus: Some locations may offer in-store surprises too!
✅ Reminder: Always check the official sweepstakes websites for full eligibility criteria, prize details, and entry rules. Some contests may require sign-ups, email confirmations, or social media follows.
Good luck—and may your inbox be full of “Congratulations!” messages this Mother’s Day!
💡 Creative, Budget-Friendly Ideas to Celebrate Mother’s Day
You don’t need a big budget to make Mother’s Day feel special. In fact, some of the most meaningful gifts cost next to nothing but leave a lasting impression. Even so, they often carry more emotional weight than anything money can buy. Whether you’re celebrating with a group or planning a solo surprise, these heartfelt ideas emphasize time, thoughtfulness, and creativity—exactly what Mom deserves. Moreover, they show that genuine love and appreciation don’t require a big budget, just a big heart.
1. Plan a Homemade Brunch
Surprise her with breakfast made with love. Whip up pancakes, fresh fruit, eggs, or whatever she loves most. Brew her favorite coffee or tea, and serve it all on a nicely set table.
✨ Add a few finishing touches like fresh-picked flowers, cloth napkins, and a handwritten card or drawing. Bonus points for letting her sleep in while you prep everything quietly!
2. DIY Spa Day
Turn your living room or bathroom into a peaceful sanctuary. Gather candles, soft towels, essential oils, and a few homemade facials (think honey, oatmeal, or avocado masks).
🎶 Create a calming playlist and encourage her to relax with a book or soak in the tub while you take care of the details. End the evening with a cup of herbal tea and cozy slippers.
3. Picnic in the Park
Pack a basket with homemade snacks, sandwiches, or simple treats and head to a nearby park or garden. Bring a soft blanket, a deck of cards, or a journal to write down shared memories.
🍓 If the weather’s right, it’s an effortless way to spend quality time outdoors. And don’t forget to take photos—candid moments often become the most treasured keepsakes.
4. “Why I Love You” Jar
Take a mason jar or small box and fill it with little notes, each one sharing something you admire about her. You can include memories, inside jokes, life lessons she taught you, or quotes that remind you of her.
📜 These notes are something she can return to whenever she needs a little boost of love—and it’s a gift that lasts far beyond Mother’s Day.
5. Host a Family Movie Night
Let Mom pick the film (or surprise her with an old favorite), then transform the living room into a cozy theater. Prepare popcorn, drinks, and maybe a small dessert station.
🛋️ Add comfy blankets and dim the lights for that cinematic feel. It’s low-key but full of heart—and perfect for families of all ages.
6. Create a Custom Playlist
Music has a way of capturing emotions words can’t. Curate a playlist of songs that remind you of her—childhood classics, songs she used to play around the house, or tunes that express how you feel.
🎶 Send it as a digital link with a sweet message, or burn it onto a CD or USB stick with a handmade cover for a nostalgic twist.
7. Memory Book or Scrapbook
Gather your favorite printed photos and arrange them in a scrapbook, photo album, or even a simple journal. Write little captions, draw doodles, or include letters describing the moment or memory behind each picture.
💬 Final Thoughts on Mother’s Day Freebies: It’s the Thought That Counts
At the heart of Mother’s Day is a simple truth: what matters most isn’t how much you spend—it’s how much love you put into making Mom feel seen, appreciated, and cherished. Whether you’re treating her to a restaurant freebie, surprising her with a heartfelt DIY gift, or simply spending the day by her side, every gesture counts—especially when it comes from a place of genuine care.
In addition, this year brings a wide variety of thoughtful 2025 Mother’s Day deals, discounts, and creative ideas. As a result, it’s easier than ever to celebrate Mom without stretching your budget. In fact, you don’t need luxury to show love. Instead, all it takes is intention, kindness, and a little planning.
Moreover, spending quality time together can be more impactful than any store-bought gift. Whether you’re sharing a meal, walking in the park, or watching her favorite movie, those simple moments can leave lasting memories.
So, whether your tribute is big or small, fancy or frugal, remember this: the most meaningful gifts are the ones that quietly say, “I see you. I appreciate you. And I love you.” Ultimately, it’s not about how much you spend—but about how deeply you make her feel valued.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms, grandmothers, bonus moms, mother figures, and caregivers out there—you deserve to be celebrated every single day.
Happy Mother’s Day! 💐
