Mother’s Day Gift Ideas to Make Her Day in Tampa Bay

While physical gifts are nice, gifting someone with an experience is a great way to create lasting memories. It could be tickets to their favorite show, a culinary adventure, or a beachy experience. And this list of Tampa Bay Mother’s Day gift ideas covers it all.

Our Mother’s Day gift guide will help you create unforgettable memories on this special day to celebrate mom and the mother figures in your life. 

Remember, Mother’s Day is this week (!!!) Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

We’ll start off with Mother’s Day gift ideas for the foodies, retail therapy spots, relaxation ideas, theater experiences, theme parks, and more.

Of course, flowers are always appreciated, so check out our list of Tampa Bay Florists for Mother’s Day.

Free Offers for Moms in Tampa Bay

Mother’s Day Weekend at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa | Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12

The Florida Aquarium is offering a BOGO deal for Mother’s Day weekend. The offer is one free admission for one paid admission. You must purchase tickets at the Aquarium to take advantage of this deal.

The James Museum in St. Pete | Sunday, May 12 from 10 am-5 pm

Celebrate Mother’s Day at The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art! Moms get free admission with another paid admission.

For the Foodie

Book a Hands-On Cooking Class

Located in Hyde Park, Sur La Table offers an array of cooking classes. Attend a themed date night class and learn how to create cuisine such as lobster ravioli, Thai food, and Italian specialties. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth by learning how to create doughnuts and French pastries.

For those who want to learn basic kitchen skills, they also offer classes such as knife skills and cast-iron cooking. Other cooking class options include Cozymeal and AJ’s Kitchen Drawer.

For a unique experience, try your hand at a cheesemaking class at Cheeseology in Tampa.

Take a Food Tour

We love this idea to take a standard meal to a whole new level. Tampa Bay Food Tours offers guided walking tours in Tampa, St. Pete and Dunedin, offering a chance to explore cuisine all over Tampa Bay. Tours begin at $98 per person – just pick a city and book a date! Conveniently, they offer gift cards, making a food tour a great option for a Mother’s Day gift.

For Retail Therapy

Ok, ok, we tried to stick to experiences but can’t resist an opportunity to highlight some local shops moms would love a gift, or a gift card from.

Kids Shops

Some moms love shopping for their kids. Butterbug Boutique in South Tampa is owned by a local mom and has the best curated selection of toys, clothes, PJs and even some matching items for mom. We also love Ellie B. and Plain Jane St. Pete.

Shops for Her

Let the mom in your life treat herself with gift cards from any of a myriad of shops with items moms love. We can’t get enough of the Maker and Merchant in Citrus Park Mall. This huge retail space is filled with an array of items from local vendors – think of it as if Etsy was a physical store! There are tons of items from jewelry to food to housewares. And the best part? It’s all unique and you’ll be supporting local small businesses.

Don Me Now, located in Channelside, has a great variety of clothes and accessories at a variety of price points to meet any budget. Other favorite womenswear boutiques in the area include Sunni Spencer in Hyde Park Village, Penelope T and Why Not Boutique.

For the Relaxation Enthusiast

StarLite Cruises

StarLite Cruises gift certificates make for a perfect Mother’s Day present! StarLite Cruises has been serving locals and visitors in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area a unique experience for the best value for over 35 years.

Gift a day or evening on the water for two, inclusive of cruise & meal service, entertainment, taxes & gratuities! Certificates purchased online are immediately emailed for quick & easy gift giving.

ResortPass Day Passes

ResortPass allows you to visit local hotels and resorts for a day to enjoy all that they have to offer without booking an overnight stay. It’s the perfect way to plan a fun local daycation of swimming and feeling like a VIP that’s not too far from home.

Visit the website, search your location, and browse through all of the participating hotels. Some hotels also offer passes available as monthly memberships so you can make daytime relaxation a regular part of your monthly routine.

A few of our favorite options:

• Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa: Pool and beach access, plus 10% discount on bike rentals and spa services, and more
• The Don CeSar: Pool and beach access, discount on water sports rentals
• Tampa Marriott Water Street: Rooftop pool access, poolside service, discounted parking and more

Spa Experience

Give the mom in your life the gift of relaxation by booking a spa day! I can’t think of a single mom who wouldn’t love a day away at the spa. Check out our post on the best Tampa Bay Spas – Perfect for Couples for more ideas.

Private Sauna Suite

For the ultimate peace and quiet, book Mom the private sauna suite at The Salt Room South Tampa. She’ll enjoy 45 minutes of uninterrupted bliss with cold lavender towels and her own shower while listening to her own music via Bluetooth. Their massage therapist is divine, as well.

MiniLuxe 

Treat mom to a special manicure at Tampa’s nail studio on Water Street! The leading ethical and clean self-care brand, founded with a vision to radically change the nail industry, is opening its first Florida location in Tampa.

Guests can enjoy the highest quality self-care services with safer products, ultra-hygienic services, and peace of mind that each employee is empowered with fair wages and upskilling programs. After you get your nails done, shop for some of their signature items to take home such as their hand and body cream and exfoliating sugar scrub.

For the Theatre-goer

Straz Center and Ruth Eckerd Hall

Broadway is back! The Straz Center has an exciting lineup of shows for the 2024-2025 season including Some Like it Hot, The Cher Show, MAMMA MIA!, Disney’s The Lion King, and more. At Ruth Eckerd, you can catch concerts like Amy Grant, Michael Bolton, and Bonnie Raitt. 

Other shows at both venues include off-Broadway musicals, plays, stand-up comedy, and The Florida Orchestra. Individual tickets and season tickets are available.

Funny Bone and Side Splitters

Funny Bone (formerly Tampa Improv) and Side Splitters are two of the Tampa area’s premier comedy clubs. Located in Ybor, the Improv has a calendar of upcoming shows that include stand-up by TV and movie personalities, as well as open mic nights. Side Splitters, which has locations in Carrollwood and Wesley Chapel, also has a lineup of shows for 2023 including comedians from late night TV and traveling comedy troupes.

All three locations also have a full food and drink menu.

For the Theme Park Fan

Busch Gardens and Adventure Island

There’s something for everyone at Busch Gardens! The park is home to some of the best roller coasters in the world, as well as over 200 species of animals and live entertainment. There are also tons of special events throughout the year that are included in with admission such as the Real Music Series, Mardi Gras, Food and Wine Festival, Howl-O-Scream, and Christmas Town.

Adventure Island has an array of thrilling waterslides. The Hang Ten Tiki Bar is a great place to hang out after splashing around and checking out the new virtual reality snorkeling experience. Both parks offer single day tickets, Fun Cards, and annual passes.

Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay

Whether you’re into movie magic or roller coasters, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have got you covered. Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, experience the thrill of the Hulk roller coaster, visit the new Minion Land, and come face to face with dinosaurs in Jurassic Park.

If water parks are your thing, you can make waves at Universal’s Volcano Bay. You can slide down thrilling water slides, relax in the lazy river, or splash around in the wave pool. All parks offer single day tickets, annual passes, and Florida resident specials.

For the Animal Lover

ZooTampa

This award-winning zoo is a must-visit for any animal lover. The wildlife habits are spread out into Africa, Asia, Australia, and Florida. Visit the elephants, feed the giraffes, and watch the manatees swim. There are also exhibits and live entertainment. ZooTampa also hosts several annual events such as Creatures of the Night and Christmas in the Wild. They also have several fundraising events such as Zoo Brews (not included with admission). ZooTampa offers singe day tickets and annual passes. An animal encounter is a great add-on, too!

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA)

CMA offers a recently expanded aquarium for rescued marine animals such as dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, otters, pelicans, and stingrays. Guests can participate in animal encounters and enjoy live presentations. Single day tickets and memberships are available. 

In The Breeze Ranch

Treat your partner to a horseback ride down a nature trail or, for more seasoned riders, there is an advanced trail. For a more romantic setting, you can take an evening ride after 6pm. They also offer opportunities to swim with the horses in their spring-fed creek.

Discovery Cove

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Discovery Cove in Orlando has announced savings of up to 40% on visits through 2024 to the one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive day park. The perfect gift for the mom who thinks she has seen it all, a day at Discovery Cove can include swimming with dolphins, snorkeling among thousands of tropical fish and rays, strutting with flamingos, encountering playful otters, or the rare chance to relax in paradise. This exclusive offer is available for visits through Dec. 31, 2024 to guests who book their reservations by April 28.

For the Adventure Seeker

Empower Adventures

This is the perfect experience for thrill seekers. Guests can take a two-hour ziplining adventure that sends them over 3,000 feet of water and land preserves. Travel across a 200-foot wooden suspension bridge and partake in an aerial obstacle course, all while taking in the panoramic views of Tampa Bay. The sunset zip-lining tour is the perfect gift for a little added romance.

Freedom Boat Club

This membership-based boat rental club gives you access to boat rentals in over 300 locations in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. With a plethora of locations in the Tampa Bay area, it’s perfect for a weekend boat day with friends or a romantic sunset cruise. Check out membership options here.

For the Crafter

Painting with A Twist and Pinot’s Palette

You don’t have to be a professional artist to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! Painting with A Twist and Pinot’s Palette are instructor-led classes that give you the chance to create a painting on canvas. Paintings can be chosen online and booked ahead of time.

Guests can also bring food and drinks to enjoy while they paint. Painting with A Twist also has designated date night events and Pinot’s Palette has options to paint wine glasses, vases, and cookie jars too. Both places have multiple locations in the Tampa Bay area, making either a great Mother’s Day gift idea.

Color me Mine

Located in the heart of Hyde Park, Color Me Mine is a pottery studio where guests can paint their own ceramic pieces from ring dishes to sculptures. After painting, the pieces are glazed to lock in the paint and can be picked up for guests to keep and display. It’s a great option for date nights, girls’ nights out, or to make and give as gifts. 

The Candle Pour

Create your perfect scent at The Candle Pour in Hyde Park. Guests can choose from over 100 different fragrance oils to create their own custom candle to take home. After they’re created, they need to set for about two hours which creates the perfect opportunity to enjoy the plethora of food, drinks and shopping around Hyde Park.

Flower Workshop

The Roaming Petal offers all kinds of special events involving flowers throughout the year. Treat mom to a special night of learning all about flower arranging with one complimentary drink. The best part? Mom gets to take the flowers home! Tickets are $40.
You can book the Mother’s Day Flower Arranging workshop here.

For the Beer Lover

My Beer Spa

Orlando Beer Spa is a fun, unconventional spa experience centered around beer. Private rooms featuring spacious hot tubs filled with a unique “beer treatment”; a foamy, moisturizing, aromatic hop infusion full of antioxidants and minerals.

Relax and sip local brews from the unlimited self-serve taps located right next to the tub. Upgrade options include Prosecco and Sangria.

This Mother’s Day gift idea will help her relax for sure.

Tampa Bay Ale Trail

The Tampa Bay area has one of the largest craft beer scenes in the country. The Tampa Bay Ale Trail is a “passport” that gives you the opportunity to make your way around some of the best breweries in the state and earn incentives as you go. It’s a fun way to experience new breweries on a day date or an evening out.

Purchase one for the beer lover in your life and then visit the breweries together throughout the year.

For the Earthy Mama

Gems & Crystals

Crystals have been trending and we’re guessing you probably know someone obsessed with them by now. If pretty things excite the Mom in your life, Main Street Rocks is new to South Tampa and has the most gorgeous gems and crystals to add to her collection.

We also love Royal Suzie in Seminole Heights for all of your metaphysical needs. They offer tarot readings as well, if your Mom’s into that.

Unique Art & Things for the Home

You’re sure to find Mom that truly one-of-a-kind (and a little funky) art piece at ArtsiPhartsi on S. Mac Dill Avenue. More than 500 artists have pieces displayed in rooms devoted to jewelry, wall art, furniture, home accessories, stationery, as well as metal and glass works.

Salt Room Membership

The latest trend in holistic healing to hit South Tampa features the vast benefits of Halo Salt Therapy. Membership packages at The Salt Room make taking care of herself a breeze. Mom will breathe in the health benefits during the 45-minute sessions while relaxing in one of the comfy lounge chairs. If total peace and quiet is what she’s craving, their private sauna suite is heavenly, and has membership packages as well.