It’s Friday night. You just finished up a grueling week of finals. You’re rushing like a mad-woman to pack your entire dorm into six cardboard boxes, when you get a call from your sister:

“So, what are we doing for Mother’s Day?”

Oh, crap. You totally forgot about Mother’s Day. The one day when under-appreciated moms all over the world are treated like queens, you forgot.

Luckily, you don’t have to spend a second college tuition or plan an extravagant outing to show your mom how much you appreciate her. All it takes are a few simple ingredients and materials to convince her you spent more than 24 hours planning her special day.

When I think of Mother’s Day, I immediately think “brunch.” Like in my head is a picture of my mom’s face next to a picture of Eggs Benedict. My two favorite things. On such short notice, however, it is too late to make reservations at that fancy, shmancy restaurant with $60 orange juice. Don’t freak. You can completely create an amazing brunch experience AND save those bucks (#collegebudget).

The perfect way to do this is a picnic. They’re fun, personable, relaxing, and Mom will LOVE posting all about it on Facebook. You really only need a few items to construct the ultimate Mother’s Day picnic:

Yogurt parfaits

mother's day

Photo by Alyssa Parker

Yogurt parfaits are easy and portable. Plus, they are completely customizable so everyone will be satisfied. For these parfaits, I layered yogurt, agave nectar, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, granola, and cinnamon in mini mason jars. Mason jars are perfect because they guarantee non-spillage, plus they make your inevitable Instagram shot look (even more) retro.

Baked Goods

mother's day

Photo by Alyssa Parker

Go to her favorite bakery and pick up some croissants. Seriously. Croissants not only say, “Hey, I’m a buttery, delicious, filling breakfast” but, also, “I’m classy AF.” The croissants featured in this picture are almond, plain, pistachio, and chocolate. They’re like little rolls of flaky heaven.

Caffeine

mother's day

Photo by Alyssa Parker

NEVER forget the coffee. Fill up a thermos with the goods, and bring a couple of coffee mugs. Cream and sugar optional.

Presentation

mother's day

Photo by Alyssa Parker

Pack everything up in an adorable picnic basket (that you may or may not have ran out the day before and purchased from Goodwill for $5). Make sure you remember the essentials, like plates, utensils, napkins, and a picnic blanket.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your morning talking and reminiscing with your mom rather than hovering over a menu and shouting over restaurant chatter. This is also an ideal time to give out gifts.

Need ideas?

I went with a homemade coffee basket, which included coffee beans and truffle almonds (from Highland Coffees on Highland Road. Bonus: they accept Tigercash), a couple of chocolate bars, which you can use up any leftover Paw Points to buy, and, of course, an LSU Tiger Mom coffee cup, because nothing says “Happy Mother’s Day” like “I bought all of your gifts within walking distance of my dorm.”

So good luck, kids, and, remember, your mom will love anything you end up doing, because, let’s face it, she’s awesome, and it should be Mother’s Day everyday.

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