Do you need ideas for a Mother’s Day like no other? Here are some meals and deals
The COVID-19 crisis has consumers tweaking their traditional Mother’s Day plans.
While many are hopeful they will be able to take mom out, they also are making plans that include ordering feasts for curbside pickups, and spending more on gifts than in 2019 — maybe to make up for having to stay home. Those strapped for cash because of the pandemic are making plans for special at-home and low-cost treats, according to a new survey of 8,294 adults by the National Retail Federation.
Most of those surveyed (86 percent) will celebrate Mother’s Day this year, spending $8 more than they did in 2019 (or $205 on average). Housewares, books or CDs, and electronics will be top gift choices, and the federation said an optimistic 26 percent want to plan an outing, brunch or other activity. With some cities relaxing their stay-at-home orders, they may get their wish.
Younger consumers (under the age of 25) are planning on spending $39 more than they did in 2019, and are more likely than the average consumer to list electronics as their gift of choice — Alexa, Google Home devices or Facebook Portals that make it easier to connect with mom.
People ages 35 to 44, who are most likely to be celebrating a spouse this Mother’s Day, also are planning to spend significantly more.
But many households are dealing with financial hardships, health concerns and other burdens as a result of the pandemic and might not be able to splurge on gifts. The vast majority (77%) of those who are spending less on Mother’s Day this year say it is due to the impact of COVID-19. They are looking at gifts such as treating mom to a “spa day at home” with her favorite nail polish, letting her sleep in and enjoy breakfast in bed, doing a puzzle together, or planning a family video call.
For those who can’t take mom out, gift cards may be an option. Some restaurants and retailers are adding perks to gift card purchases, such as bonus gift cards for the purchaser. Trezo Mare in the Northland will hand out a $25 gift card with the purchase of a $100 gift card.
The majority of the consumers surveyed (71 percent) said they are social distancing and concerned about the pandemic’s impact on their personal health and financial stability.
Among the local Mother’s Day meals and deals:
▪ Bonefish Grill (Leawood, Northland): From May 8 through May 10, customers can call in advance to order for the Mahi & Shrimp Family Bundle ($49.90) that feeds up to five people and includes salad, sides, fresh bread with pesto and a dessert.
▪ The Capital Grille, Country Club Plaza. Three-course dinner includes lemon blueberry bread; salad; a choice of tenderloin of beef and butter poached North Atlantic lobster tails, or tenderloin of beef and jumbo shrimp scampi-style with white wine and garlic; sides and dessert. $195 for four to six people, $110 for two people.
▪ The Culinary Center of Kansas City, downtown Overland Park. Mother’s Day Foodie Box starting at $30. The center will box up a variety of gift items, including kitchenware.
▪ Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Social media giveaway in honor of Mother’s Day. From May 1 to 31, customers are invited to tag Dickey’s on their social media and use the hashtag #motherlyadvice and share the best advice their mom ever gave them. A random winner will be chosen to receive free barbecue for a year (weekly coupons, totaling a retail value of $520).
▪ Green Dirt Farm, Weston. Create your own care package to send to mom — local artisan cheese and food pairings.
▪ Outback Steakhouse (Independence, Overland Park, Zona Rosa): From May 6 to May 12 it will offer a special Mother’s Day filet and lobster tail, or a prime rib and crab cake dinner. Curbside pickup or free delivery. For every $50 gift card purchased online, customers will receive $10 off their next order.
▪ Pearl Tavern, Lee’s Summit: Family meal serving four to six people for $125. Includes poached Atlantic salmon, bourbon brown sugar-glazed ham, Romano potatoes, grilled asparagus, dinner rolls and chocolate gooey butter cake. Place orders by 2 p.m. May 8. Pick up orders from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mother’s Day. Regular to-go menu not available on May 10.
▪ Summit Grill (Gladstone, Lee’s Summit, Waldo): Family meal serving four to six people for $125. Includes poached Atlantic salmon, bourbon brown sugar-glazed ham, Romano potatoes, grilled asparagus, dinner rolls and chocolate gooey butter cake. Place orders by 2 p.m. May 8. Pick up orders from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mother’s Day. Regular to-go menu not available on May 10.
▪ Third St. Social, Lee’s Summit: Family meal serving four to six people for $125. Includes poached Atlantic salmon, bourbon brown sugar-glazed ham, Romano potatoes, grilled asparagus, dinner rolls and chocolate gooey butter cake. Place orders by 2 p.m. May 8. Pick up orders from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mother’s Day. Regular to-go menu not available on May 10.
▪ Trezo Mare, Northland. Mother’s Day menu includes cinnamon rolls, Italian sausage links, quiche, soups and salads, pasta, a choice of entrees include prime rib, roasted and sliced turkey breast and braised boneless short rib with horseradish gravy, and desserts. Must order by May 8.