What can you do for free on Mothers Day?

Are you looking for a way to celebrate Mother’s Day with mom while still saving a little bit of money? Then check out these foodie deals and freebies!

From Serendipity3 to Auntie Anne’s, these are some of our favorite Mother’s Day deals when it comes to finding treats, meals, and whatever else mom may like. So no matter what you have planned for mom this year, you may want to make a stop at some of these restaurants to spoil mom and save some money.

Foodie deals for mom this Mother’s Day

• 7-Eleven, Stripes, & Speedway – According to a press release from 7-Eleven, moms can snag a $4 pizza this Mother’s Day, whether it is a 7-meat pizza, a pepperoni pizza, or a classic cheese. All you (or mom) needs is to be a member of their rewards program – the 7Rewards or Speedy Rewards programs!
• Serendipity3 – In a press email from Serendipity, we learned that mom’s who head to Serendipity3 in New York City on Mother’s Day can head home with a free pint of their favorite flavor of ice cream, whether that is their Unicorn Bliss Sundae, the Cookies & Cream Remix (a Selena Gomez favorite), or even the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate! So take mom to brunch to try Serendipity3’s new brunch menu items (Avocado Toast or Smoked Salmon Toast anyone?) and then let her have her dessert too.
• California Pizza Kitchen – Mom can enjoy a heart shaped pizza for Mother’s Day at CPK as long as they are eating at the restaurant, and not only that but there is a special deal for diners on May 8. According to the press email we received, “guests will also be offered a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) free card which can be redeemed for pizza, pasta, or salad between May 9 – May 17.”
• Auntie Anne’s – For Mother’s Day weekend, Auntie Anne’s decided to treat all the moms out there to some pretzel awesomeness. And as Chew Boom reported, Pretzel Perks members are being offered a “special buy one get one free pretzel product offer.”
• The Cheesecake Factory – When it comes to giving mom a gift for Mother’s Day and beyond, why not get mom a $50 gift card from The Cheesecake Factory since she will also get a $10 bonus card that can be used from May 9 until June 19.
• BJ’s – Head to BJ’s on May 8 with mom and she will get “a free commemorative stemless wine glass with a 2022 Happy Mother’s Day logo.”
• TCBY – On May 8, moms can get themselves a free cup of frozen yogurt at TCBY, which means after you treat mom to dinner, take her for her free dessert!

Next: SusieCakes is taking the magic of their celebration cakes nationwide

How are you celebrating Mother’s Day in 2022? Will you be taking mom to dinner or maybe out for dessert? Will you take advantage of any of these offers?

INDIANAPOLIS — As you plan to celebrate Mom this year, Cherie Lowe, the Queen of Free encourages us to try to think about ways to spoil her without having to come back asking for cash a week later to help pay for her gift. 

On 13Sunrise and in her blog, Cherie said showing mom you care doesn’t require financial irresponsibility.

So here are some affordable ideas for Mother’s Day 2022.

Think about your mom's favorites, or just ask her

Before shopping, Cherie said, "Sit down and think about the things that your mom really loves. Flowers are lovely, but if she’s allergic, that will be a miss."

Because not all moms like the same things, just responding to a TV or radio ad and buying that item won't necessarily please your mom. 

What your mom loves and who she is should dictate how to celebrate her. All she may want this year is a nap. But you won’t know unless you ask.

On the flip side of that, if you're a mother and reading this, Cherie implores you to please tell us what you really want when we ask. 

"Don’t use the 'you don’t have to get me anything' line when we ask," said Cherie. "We’d rather spend our money on things we know you’d love and enjoy than those items that will go unused."

To avoid being disappointed, share exactly what you’d like.

Flowers for free

Many moms love flowers. If yours is one of them, Cherie suggests you buy her flowers that can be planted instead of cut flowers so that she can enjoy them all summer rather than a week or two. If you’d still rather do cut flowers, head to the grocery store or a warehouse retailer like Sam’s Club or Costco this week for special deals. 

Also, check participating Lowe’s Home Improvement stores that are giving away free annuals for moms. Local schools will also be hosting fundraisers with flowers, too. 

RELATED: Queen of Free: Research and planning summer travel

Gift cards

A gift card is always a good choice. Just be sure to include a thoughtful handwritten note or card in the envelope.

You can save a few dollars on discount gift cards at Costco, which often sells local gift cards for less than face value. Cherie said she found a $100 Cake Bake gift card for $79.99. Sam’s Club carries a wide variety of gift cards from Disney to DSW and a number of restaurants, too. The majority come in at least a dollar or two under face value.

Restaurants are offering gift card bonuses, too. 

• Bonefish Grill
• Carraba’s
• The Cheesecake Factory
• Cracker Barrel
• Chili’s
• Grubhub
• Red Lobster
• Metro Diner

Many restaurants will be offering freebies for moms to get you inside. But don’t let the deal determine where you go. Ask mom where she’d like to go and then see what deals and offers are available at the places she likes. Restaurants are likely to be very busy, so reservations if you can. 

Mom's chore checklist

Maybe you should give your mom a service gift by tackling her to-do list as a gift. Do the dishes or the laundry. Hang pictures on the wall or pull weeds to help mom. "She will be so grateful," said Cherie. 

On that note, unless she wants it, don’t buy an appliance like a vacuum or a dishwasher. "Those are household needs, not a Mother’s Day gift," said Cherie.

RELATED: Queen of Free: Spring cleaning basics on a budget

Words mean the most

Your mom will love being spoiled, but saying 'thank you' and writing her a letter might mean even more. And those don’t cost a cent. Deliver your message in person or on the phone or on FaceTime so you can deliver your words intentionally.

What can I do for mothers day with no money?

What special we can do on Mother's day?

Does Mcdonald's have free Mother's day breakfast?