Just as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day is one of those holidays that's either celebratory or obligatory. Whichever school of thought you belong to, KL comes to life every second Sunday of May. And to help you choose where to take her and what to buy her, we’ve come up with a guide - as we always do. Plan away, daughters and sons.

Around Town
Publika
The Mother’s Day family celebration at Publika is ideal for those with kids. Sons can walk in their mother’s shoes (literally), daughters can take part in a mother-daughter lookalike contest and a huge bazaar will be set up. If you’re in the area, attend the all-star gig at White Box in support of Alda Evan Tan’s recovery or catch a few laughs with Douglas Lim at The Bee.

Bangsar
Bangsar-ians, get your fingers dirty at the BBQ Barn Hoedown for what is promised to be a rootin’ tootin’ good time. With plenty of sausages and grilled meats to go around, we suggest you head to Ben’s General Food Store after for one of their lemon meringue tarts as dessert.

Body & Mind
Spa
Nothing says it better than a massage. Vila Manja's signature hot stone massage is the way to go this year – she’ll get a face spa thrown in too. Also, Urban Retreat is offering reasonable spa packages comprising of a milk foot soak, back scrub and scalp massage. If you can afford to stretch the luxury extremes, Spa Village’s Dream Package is exactly as it is called. Meanwhile choose between the Ginger Scrub or Rose Scrub at St. Gregory Spa.

Fitness
If your Mom is more of a fitness Queen, the Bodytone premium package is ideal as she’ll also receive a free Crabtree & Evelyn Bodycare set worth RM228.

Nails
Treat your mother to a spa manicure or pedicure at Sommerset Nails & Waxing and enjoy a one-for-one deal. Logically, this is best if you too, would like your nails done. Colour Culture is also offering their signature OPI spa treatment at a discounted price.

Food
Because there's so many buffets, brunches, teas and dinners in KL, we've compiled the best in a separate article. Advanced reservations are a must, don't say you weren't warned.

Performance
Music + Dance
The 'Together We Care' charity concert at Plenary Hall makes for a good outing with your mother. Soloist Umar Hasfizal and pianist Clarence Kang will perform alongside Ning Baizura while dancer Suhaili Micheline will lead a troop of dancers from ASWARA. All proceeds will be channeled to the National Autism Society of Malaysia.

Comedy
The cast of D'Arranged Marriage enjoyed a successful run in KL last year as well as sold out shows in New Zealand, Singapore and Australia. If the relationship with your mother is of the strained kind, an entertaining comedy about arranged Indian marriages will ease tension.

Shopping
Gift guide
We’re fed up with flowers and frills being associated with Mother’s Day. This year, buy something your mother will actually use. We’ve compiled four on-trend products as well as a list of anti-ageing treatments she might appreciate.

Markets/Sales
If you insist on buying flowers this year, attend the annual tulip sale where over 3,500 multi-coloured types will be on sale. The Little Red Market at Publika will see quirky handmade items and crafts on sale so if you’re on a budget, pick up a cute vintage vase or badge for her.