There’s no reason for you to drop a wad of cash on outrageously expensive gifts this Mother’s Day. After all she’s done for you, you can thank Mom by showing her a good time. That’s right. Celebrate your mother, your wife, your grandmother, your aunt or your sister with your presence. Quality time spent with the ones you love need not require a whole lot of money. Just get out there and get creative. And don’t worry. We’ve compiled a few fun ways to help you make it happen:

• Have a hike and a picnic. If she likes to stay active (or should), take your favorite lady on a light hike at a nearby park or walking trail that offers a scenic opportunity to exercise and reconnect at the same time. Bring along some healthy snacks from home, choose a great spot to spread out a picnic and relax for no more than the cost of your time. Not sure where the closest park is? Check out the National Park Service site to find the green space closest to you and Mom.
• Document your memories. Many websites offer online photo gifts, which make wonderful keepsakes. It’s about time you uploaded those photos from your digital camera, anyway. Turn your images into photo books, cards, mouse pads, mugs and more for under $20. New customers are often eligible for store credit, free prints or free shipping, too. And if you don’t have any updated family images, this is the perfect opportunity to get the gang together for a backyard photo shoot.
• Pamper her. Book a manicure with mom at a local beauty school, where you can both enjoy discounted spa services like massages, facials and pedicures. Or stop by a discount beauty supply store and pick up whatever you need to make it a DIY night at home.
• Volunteer together. Figure out what’s dear to her heart and make a day of it. If she’s an animal lover, spend some time playing with homeless dogs or cats at the local shelter. If she’s a bookworm, volunteer at the library together. And if food is her forte, head to the local food pantry, soup kitchen or other organization whose mission is to stomp out hunger.
• Be her escort. She’s a fan of the theater, you say? Take her to see some community theatre or attend a local high school play. Tickets are guaranteed to be much cheaper than the Broadway variety and you’ll be supporting local talent.
• Shop online for less. If you know she’s had her eye on that new spring bag or summer sandals, take her on a virtual shopping trip. Sites like Offers.com provide thousands of coupons, like Macy’s promotional codes to ensure that you’ll never have to pay full price at any of your favorite stores.

This guest post is by Ann Smarty, a blogger and social media user. Join Ann’s community of guest bloggers called MyBlogGuest to exchange guest posts and build contacts.