What Moms Really Want for Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is just around the corner; are you ready?! If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your mom, check out our guide to what moms want – and don’t want – for Mother’s Day.

A recent poll shows most moms want either free time to relax or enjoy a hobby or quality time with family for Mother’s Day. Our gift guide covers some ways to make free and family time extra special.

Free Time: Consider these ways to make a gift of free time extra special.

·       If she likes to read, give her a book by her favorite author and a quiet afternoon to read.

·       Does she like to be pampered? Book her time at a spa for a massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure.

·       Would she like a morning to sleep in? Give her a new set of PJs and let her sleep as long as she wants.

·       Are there young children in your house making it hard to carve out some free, quiet time? Gift your mom a night at a local hotel.

Family Time: These options are fun and fit many budgets.

·       Host family game night.

·       Treat your mom to a meal at her favorite restaurant. No electronics allowed.

·       Go for a hike or bike ride together.

·       Explore your town or a neighboring town. Go to the museum you’ve been wanting to visit. Check out the zoo. Enjoy a show.

·       Plan a weekend getaway.

Things to do For Your Mom

·       Make your mom’s favorite meal (but do not ask her to help cook!). No electronics allowed.

·       Clean the house. Have everyone pitch in (even young kids can help) or hire a cleaning service.

·       Clean her car – inside and out.

·       Give her a handwritten note expressing your appreciation for all she’s done for you. (We have a downloadable coloring page for kids here.)

·       If you’re talented in arts or crafts, make her a special gift.

·       Has your mom been nagging you to make a change? Older and adult children can warm their moms’ hearts by promising to do something positive: quit smoking, go back to school, start an exercise plan, etc. Just make sure to follow-through on your pledge.

Traditional Gifts

Flowers and jewelry are traditional gifts that moms still enjoy.

·       Flowers: Try to find out your mom’s favorite flower and get an arrangement with those flowers. Some moms say to avoid roses as they’re associated with Valentine’s Day.

·       Jewelry: Consider what type of jewelry your mom wears before purchasing. If she prefers small earrings, she likely won’t wear the large hoops you have your eye on.

What NOT to Get

In general, moms prefer NOT to get things from this list. That being said, you know your mom. If she’s an avid runner and would love new gear, if she’s out of her favorite perfume, or if she’s had her eye on a new air fryer, don’t let this list stop you from getting what could be the perfect gift.

·       Diet, self-help, or fitness products

·       Wrinkle cream or cosmetics

·       Bath and body lotions, soaps, etc., or perfume

·       An empty frame (include a new family photo!)

·       Clothes

·       Gift cards

·       Cleaning equipment

·       Appliances

·       An “IOU” for chores, dinner, etc.

·       Anything that says #1 Mom, World’s Best Mom, etc.

Still stuck for a gift idea? You can always make a donation to One by One in honor of your mom! Your donation will help us help new moms looking for parenting support. Donate by clicking here, and we’ll send your mom a note to let her know you donated in her honor.

Whatever you decide to get your mom, remember the most important thing is that you thank her for all she’s done for you and remind her how much you love her. Those sentiments will fill any mom’s heart.

Do you have a heart for working with new moms? Click here to learn how you can support new moms looking for help by volunteering with One by One.