40 Activities Every Mom and Daughter Should Do Together at Least Once

It's a huge undertaking, no doubt, when you consider the turkey, appetizers, side dishes, desserts and the tablescape. But doing it together — with a bangin' Spotify playlist — will make it feel like a party. (Plus, it's a sneaky way to pass on all your tricks so she can take the reins next year!) 

Ask for a taste of their newest gouda, the latest apple variety or a garlic-y pickle. Today is a cheat day — no calorie-counting allowed! 

Once you're at the point where you can joke about missed curfews and silly fights, you can also afford to get a little tipsy together (drink responsibly!) and dish on the latest neighborhood gossip ... or even the cute waiter. Another round, s'il vous plait! 

Whether it's a fish pedicure when you're abroad, a mud bath or a snake venom facial, get one together, then compare notes. Who knows, maybe one of you will be into it!

Because who better to love you despite your off-key Beyonce-ing? Challenge each other to see who really knows all the words to "I Will Survive."

Save this one for when you realize you're both spending way too much of your precious Sunday phone dates venting about work. Zen-ing out with your favorite person will leave you feeling refreshed, centered and ready to take on life — plus, it will become a memory that only you two will share. 

Pups that need a forever home need some serious TLC. Sign up to volunteer one day and play with them, cuddle them and take them for walks. They'll reward you with kisses. And she'll learn about how wonderful it feels to help all creatures.

What's way more fun than shopping together at IKEA? Scoring one-of-a-kind antiques for your daughter's new apartment at the flea market. Add to it the challenge of discovering who has the best haggling skills. Winner buys lunch! 

If there's one thing that goes well together it's wine … and wine. Put on your snootiest face as you pretend to properly sniff and swirl, and dive head first into numerous cheese plates. (You can set-up shop at home or go to an actual vineyard!) 

Call in sick and swear off any emails. Don't worry if all you want to do is lay under a beach umbrella, read magazines and just hang out together. Umbrella drinks (even if they're virgin) required.

Now that she's all grown up, the tables have turned. If she's excited to take you out for a change, why not let her? She gets to pick the place, and you get to enjoy her company and pat yourself on the back for raising a loving, generous human. 

Don't underestimate the mood-lifting powers of the banana split (or whatever ooey-gooey creation you two want to dig into). Also: It doesn't matter if it's in the middle of July or sometime in January; ice cream always tastes good. If it's cold out, order it with hot fudge.

Who's afraid of a little friendly competition? Not your daughter. Have a Scrabble marathon, play checkers or hone your skills at charades. Don't call "last game" until you're both rubbing your eyes. 

September is the month to go, so head out and pick as many apples as you can spot. You may even find varieties that usually aren't available in stores (like a banana apple). When you get home, stock up your fridge with your favorite apple dishes. 

You were once young, too! (Hello, you still are.) This is especially relevant if she's heading off to college soon. Point out the place you used to love to grab a slice of pizza, your old dorm (yes, it probably still exists) and all the time you spent laying out on the quad.

She was always so cute and sweet, right? (Except for the photographic proof you have of the stink-eye she gave you when she was three.) You'll laugh and probably cry at how — cliché as it sounds — time really does whiz by. 

Whether its Des Moines or Denver, head into the city for a day. You can plan your itinerary of sights to see, things to do and restaurants to visit, or go ahead and let the day unfold spontaneously. You're guaranteed to have fun either way.

Whether you're making crepes, pain au chocolate or poulet au vin rouge, take up the challenge together to immerse yourself in a new type of cooking where you're both newbies. Don't be afraid to pronounce the dishes in your best French accent. Oh la la! 

You'll find studios all over the country that invite you to drink vino while learning how to paint. (The wine not only makes it more fun, but it'll loosen up your Picasso skills.) When you're done, you can compare your creations and see whose painting matches the instructor's the most. 

Movies film in big cities and small towns all the time. The best part about visiting them is seeing how they've transformed the street. Take her to see a few scenes being filmed. Who knows, maybe they'll ask you to be extras!