What Do Moms Really Want For Mother’s Day? These 11 Things
If you’re like me, the pressure to determine how to make your mom happy on Mother’s Day can make it a stressful affair. Where and what should we eat? Who should we celebrate with? Will I be able to come up with a great gift?
Since Mother’s Day 2024 is coming up, it’s definitely time to start thinking about how to make Mother’s Day special! But I’ve given you a head start by doing some research to find out what moms really want for Mother’s Day.
Mothers are very special people who deserve to be recognized for all they do. They also deserve to get things for Mother’s Day that they actually want, rather than what we think they want (nor whatever we can find at the last minute!)
That’s why I set myself the task of answering the question “What do moms like to receive on Mother’s Day?” Below, you’ll find a list of 11 gifts that Mom actually wants on her special day!
11 Things Moms Really Want For Mother’s Day
1. Time Alone
In a survey among mothers of young children, “alone time” was by far the most requested Mother’s Day gift! This could be time alone at home while Dad takes the kids to the park or zoo, or even a night alone at a nice hotel where she can take a bubble bath, order room service, and enjoy a night of uninterrupted sleep.
2. Time With Her Kids
Somewhat ironically, what mothers of older children often want is to spend time with their kids. So give her the gift of quality time together, whether that’s going on a hike, playing a board game, going out to brunch, sitting outside and catching up — it could be anything, as long you’re spending time together!
3. Handwritten Note Or Card
Let’s face it — everyone enjoys compliments, and that includes Mom. Write her a letter or card and mention cherished memories from your childhood, events that made a positive impact on your life, and tell her what a great mom she is!
Related: Gifting A Memory For Mother’s Day
4. Dining Out
If eating out is something that is saved for special occasions, there’s no more special occasion for a nice meal out than Mother’s Day.
5. A Home-Cooked Meal
If going out for a meal is a fairly regular occurrence, make Mother’s Day a special occasion by making real food from a recipe that takes some time and effort. She’s worth it!
Related: Give The Gift Of Food (And How To Make Cheesy Baked Ziti)
6. A Clean House
Whether it’s the family that all pitches in, or you hire a professional service, you can’t go wrong with the gift of a clean house. Older kids and teenagers looking for nice things to do for their moms can surprise her by cleaning their rooms and putting ribbons on their doors. (Just make sure paramedics are standing by in case she goes into shock!)
7. A Relaxing Spa Treatment
Whether it’s a full-on spa day or an individual service (like a massage, facial, or pedicure), moms love getting pampered. And who deserves pampering and relaxation more than a mother?
8. Peace And Quiet
For moms that have to do a lot of refereeing, a day of peace and quiet would be a truly cherished gift. Ideally, that would involve the kids agreeing to a day-long ceasefire, but if that’s not in the cards (kids will be kids!) then Dad should be the referee or negotiator.
More Ideas You'll Love
9. Getting To Sleep In (Or Take A Nap)
The gift of sleep is a valuable one for moms. Let her sleep in or give her time alone during the day to take a nap. (Or, if you really want to knock her socks off, let her sleep in and take a nap!)
10. A Clean Car
Wash mom’s car at home on the driveway, or take it to a good car wash. Don’t forget to clean the inside, too!
Related: 17 Brilliant Hacks That Will Make Cleaning Your Car A Breeze
11. A Promise
One thing every mom wants is the very best for her kids, so making her a promise that you’re going to do something positive for yourself is something she’s sure to appreciate. It could be, “I love you Mom, and I’m quitting smoking,” or “I love you Mom, and I’m going back to school.”
More Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
For even more Mother’s Day ideas, check out all of my Mother’s Day-related posts!
What’s your idea of the perfect Mother’s Day gift?
I’m not a mom. My family and I have always been lucky that my is very easy to get along with and talk to. I was really glad to see the printed card on the site for ordering. I don’t have a color printer , so I colored it in. Even though I love my mom it’s always a massive headache trying to find the right card without spending a lot. My mom and sister and I were saying yesterday – we wish they would re- name the day Women’s Day. The Mothers Day name is just rubs insensitive to those of us without children.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love all these suggestions. My love language is “service,” so a clean house, clean car or a cooked meal would be perfect.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Actually, Jillee, I want a “Honey-Do.” Is there such a service out there? Because I’ve been disabled for over 20 years, (and am now getting old), etc., etc. — the roof leaks in spots, the grass needs weedeating — I want a Honey-Do. (yes, please laugh) Hugs & Blessings
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes! Just look up “handyman for hire” in your area :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.http://www.homeadvisor.com/handyman is a good one. Or you need to Google a local handyman service. Good luck!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I booked a service tech on Home Advisor to come out and help me install a new garbage disposal. My appointment was rescheduled twice. When he finally did arrive, he said he had never installed my “type” of garbage disposal before and that he’d have to come back and install it later when he “did some research”. I paid $85 up front for this service. I ended up getting under the sink with him and installed it. He also said that although services like Home Advisor and Angi’s List do background checks, anyone can sign up regardless of skill set or experience and they don’t have to have any licenses to be a Handy Man. He also confirmed that he gets paid $35 whether the service took an hour or took 3. I will never use those services again. Total rip off.
Questions. How to clean a sink in laundry room, have no idea what has been cleaned in it but will not come clean.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Try this: https://jillee.co/2HCdwW8 :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Girl…spot ON! The only other item I would want, is time to spend with MY mother!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A best friend of mine received a spa gift certificate and we made it a all girly spa day and we had a blast. (here’s hoping she gets another!)
How fun!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Mother’s Day, Jillee. From all your One Good Thing children (that’s us)!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you Judy!! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.These are wonderful ideas. I have two estranged daughters and Mother’s Day is the most difficult day of the year for me as I miss them so much. My best Mother’s Day would be their return. It is a struggle to get through the day, but thankfully, I have three boys that love me and want to be with me.
Each year on this day, I also remember with great fondness my own mother-and while things were less than perfect at home, I respect her and love her more with each passing day. I wish she were still here.
My advice to children–no matter what the issue, take time to work things out with your mother. Don’t just leave. Happy Mother’s Day ladies.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Best of luck to you Karen – I hope you enjoy your Mother’s Day. Great advice!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you and Happy Mother’s Day to you too!
I had an estranged daughter (she does not like her step father), so I have to separate the two. She has two (precious) little girls; 9 and 6; and a sweet lil baby boy (born 8/2017). I went up for his birth and my husband literally freaked out! My daughter’s family lives in Utah; I live in Texas.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.So I am “friends” with my daughter, but it does not seem to be a very “loving” relationship. I am not employed, but I try to find things to make to send for their birthdays and other occasions. Sometimes I get a gift, something… but I see my friends who are mothers, getting all these loving “tributes” on Facebook by their daughters, but not me.
For all of my grand babies, I have made blankets (crocheted). I made her little baby son 3 “cocoons” and a baby blanket with a baby cap. When I was up there and putting my things away in the closet, I saw the beautiful things I had made for her on the floor of her baby’s room. It hurt, because i had really worked hard to make those things! Plus, my husband and I do not have the kind of money that I can just go out and buy stuff and I scrimped and saved for the yarn for those things I made for her, so it really hurt! Her excuse: Oh well Mom, the carseat, well it does not allow for cocoons; the baby’s hands have to be free.” I said, “the blanket and cap I made; you never used those either?” She said “no,” with NO explanation!
My other friends have LOVED the baby blankets I have gifted them with, gushing over them, sending me pictures of their babies with them… NOT my daughter!
Then she goes and gets a carnation on her foot in tribute to MY mother, who did not raise her as a single mom, who did not make the sacrifices I did to have her, raise her to adulthood, making sure she graduated from high school and went to University until she got married and dropped out! She said “I will get a tattoo for you when you die. What in the Hell did I raise? Am I being entirely too touchy and sensitive about this? We used to be closer than mom and daughter and when I married, it all went to Hell!
I am sorry to vent here, but I read the other woman’s post about being “estranged” and I know exactly how much that hurts! I lived it for about a year, until I could not stand it anymore! All I know is to “bite the bullet” and apologize, even if you are in the right, because otherwise, you are going to grow old, not see your grand babies and you will never be a part of their life- so you have to be the “bigger person.” Good luck!
My best gift was a scrapbook with a letter from each sweetie. My oldest daughter coordinated it for the other 3.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How sweet!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Me and my siblings that live nearby usually help with Dinner on Mothers Day when our Sunday schedules allow. This year we are having a family party today for the 2 recent birthdays in the family at my Sister’s place.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Mother’s Day is not always a celebration for all. Please remember those who have relinquished children, those who have lost children to illness or accident, those who have children overseas or that they are unable to share time with, or any other tragic circumstances. Peace and love may be the best gifts.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great reminder Chrissi! ❤️
Please log in or create a free account to comment.constantly i used to read smaller posts which also clear their motive, and that is also happening
Please log in or create a free account to comment.with this piece of writing which I am reading at this place.
Thank you for some other informative site.The place else
Please log in or create a free account to comment.may I am getting that kind of information written in such a perfect means?
I’ve a venture that I am just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.
My mom seemed to really like the framed portrait of all the grandkids together. Your list is spot on with things I would love…now to figure out how to get my family to see it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have had a few mothers days as a mom, but I will always remember making breakfast in bed for my mom and how excited she was even though it was just toast!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My most memorable Mother’s Day was my second when my husband made a fabulous brunch to honor me, my mom and my mother in law all together. It was nice because of its simplicity and how it celebrated us all together. And the food was amazing. He’s a great cook! We ate outside and enjoyed being waited upon.
I also follow you on instagram!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My favorite mothers day gifts were the ones that my kids made when for me while they were in Sunday school. The best one was a handmade “dirtcup” made with loving little fingers – chocolate pudding with gummy worms topped with crushed Oreos and a paper flower on a straw! It really did look like dirt “)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I gave my mother a gift, I don’t remember what it was, but along with the gift I wrote a very heart felt letter thanking her for all the little and big things she did as a Mother for me. I did not realize until I had children of my own how much she did for me, I just thought “that’s what Mothers do” She died before I thanked her enough. I miss her every day, yet it has been many years. I was very lucky to have had a wonderful Mother.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A custom infinity ring in my son’s birthstone. It is wonderful!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi, Jill! I followed on Instagram :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My 6 year old son was frantic realizing he did not get me anything and he did not want to make me anything “again” so he found his prized possession and almost fighting back tears yet with a smile gave it to me with a cheery “Happy Mother’s Day Mom”
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My husband got me an all day spa package for my first mother’s day and it was even more amazing than I thought it would be!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I finally got myself an Instagram account! Following you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My best Mother’s Day memory was when I was a kid. We went up a canyon and had a KFC picnic and explored the area on foot. Sad to say, I haven’t had any memorable Mother’s Days during the time I’ve been a mother. If I want something special, I’m the one who has to create it. I do want something special, but I’d LOVE for someone else to plan it! :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Instead of posting a memorable Mothers Day gift, I’d just like to say that if there is a single mom in your circle of friends and family, it would be a wonderful gift to her (and her children) if you helped the kids to shop for or make a gift for their mom.
I am grateful that I have family close by who takes my daughter shopping for me or helps her to create a gift. The gift itself isn’t what’s important, but having something to give her mom on special occasions (birthdays, Christmas too) means A LOT to my sweet daughter. She wants to surprise me which is hard to do if I’m involved.
So if you see an opportunity to bless a stretched-to-the-limit single mom I bet it would mean so much to her and her children.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The notes my daughter has written inside my mother’s day cards have absolutely melted my heart. Telling me how much she loves and appreciates me is the best gift of all.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Last year my husband and our three boys all let me sleep in, then woke me with breakfast and handmade cards. It was the best! :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My sons and husband took me to the zoo on Mother’s Day. I love the zoo!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My most treasured Mother’s Days are the ones when my children write down what they love about me, or what they love that I do for them. It gives me insight into their love language and helps me to see if the way I’m showing my love is registering on their radar. Plus, it’s fun to look back on the handwritten notes that capture their misspellings and child-like sentiments.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love it when my husband and kids take me out to eat for Mother’s Day….no cooking and no clean up! :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I play the violin. One year I recorded myself playing and gave my mom a cd of my music. She loved it! Sharing talents is a great gift to give.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I also follow on instagram
The year my last child was born, my husband bought a pink dogwood tree and planted it for me. Every year since, (20 now) I have enjoyed its beautiful blooms in Spring. Beside the children themselves, best gift EVER!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When my kids were three and five, their daddy spent time with them in our basement making homemade cards. I was not aware of this until the three of them came upstairs with the looks of expectations and smiles! The kids had each made a card from construction paper and crayons, with a paper made tera cotta flower/pot on the front of each. What touched me most was the sparkle in theirs eyes and how proud they were to give them to me. I will always treasure these moments over any store boughten items ever!!! Love my kids and my husband!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For many years, my children would get together and give my car a good cleaning and a car wash. I loved this!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My favorite gifts are the ones that take some thought. It doesn’t matter if it’s a pack of gum I’ve been saying I want to try or a new set of pens, as long as it is something they have paid attention to and took the effort to remember.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.One of my most memorable Mother’s Day celebrations included breakfast made by the children, dinner made by my husband, and little bits of pampering all day long. House being cleaned as I relaxed on the couch with the remote, back rub, flowers. It was an all day treat, one that I will always treasure!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My mom always enjoyed it when we cleaned the house for her so she could relax on mother’s day. This is my first mother’s day as a mom so I’m looking forward to seeing what my husband does. All I really want is a little extra sleep!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m now following on Instagram :O)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Favorite Mother’s Day Gift is spending the day with all of the generations of Moms in our family getting a mani/pedi and having a nice lunch! I look forward to it EVERY year!
My fave memory is spending my first Mother’s Day with my mom and mother-in-law and families and being pampered by the men in the family :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My favorite memory is of a mothers day when my children were young, My husband took the kids to a hotel overnight, with an indoor pool, and I got to stay home by myself. He even tidied up the house before they left. I was in heaven!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Years ago, my husband and kids took me to a nice brunch at a hotel. It was really nice.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Most memorable was when the kids put together a “show” and then we had brunch. They were pre-schoolers. So much fun!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My husband is helping me build a garden box in our backyard this year for Mothers day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Good ideas. One of my favorite things to do for mothers day is all usually contribute to the meal on mother’s day. Good ideas. Your email feed keeps kicking me out. Very frustrating.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Started following on instagram
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A few years ago my family gave me a spa day! It was a few months after my daughter was born so it was much appreciated!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My husband rounded up the kids and cleaned the house, best mother’s day gift ever!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A few years ago my three siblings and I ( who were all in our 20s living spread outacross the country) flew home and surprised my mom for the weekend! Great Mother’s Day surprise!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I named my daughter after my mother (she was born on Mother’s Day).
Please log in or create a free account to comment.On Mother’s Day fifteen years ago, I surprised my mum with a visit ( I was living another country away).
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Except for “time alone” and “solo shopping “, your list exactly matches what I would love to have for Mother’s day.! Mother of 5(3 girls & 2 boys) and grandmother of 5 (3boys & 2 girls) <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m a follower!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My favorite Mother’s Day was my very first. My husband took care of our newborn and let me rest the whole day!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.By far, the best Mother’s Day gift was when my children sang me “HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY SONG” to the tune of HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. They were ages 2,4 and 6 at the time and sang it so out of tune that it was hillarious. I laughed so hard that my side ached. They are now 29,31 and 33………………………THE GOOD OLD DAYS……..AND A VERY HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO JILLEE AND ALL OF YOU…………….
Please log in or create a free account to comment.“If Mom loves to cook and/or bake” are definitely important words to remember before buying someone cookware or bakeware. My father once bought our mother a large toaster oven “from all of us.” It was an awesome, sturdy, reliable model, and it made toast for our big family much easier, and turned cheese toast, a family favorite into a one step treat instead of a drawn out thing with the broiler, a sheet pan, an eagle eye… See, Mama didn’t and doesn’t like to cook, and she was very insulted that Daddy would give her a present implying she needed to do more of it. She let him know that on the spot in front of us kids. But it sat on the kitchen counter for years and years, and was used several time a day till it finally just wore out.
P.S. I didn’t get the reference to teenagers putting ribbons on their doors after cleaning their rooms. Is this a popular culture thing, or some family thing?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Every Mother’s Day we would head to the nursery and load up the little red wagon with beautiful flowers. I love gardening. This was always my absolute favorite part of every Mother’s Day!
Follow on Instagram. ;)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.One year, I made my mother coasters with photos of our family with white tile and some mod podge. She loves them so much she refuses to put drinks on them!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My most memorable gift was when my 8 year old tried to make breakfast in bed all by himself. He made a tray of toast, cream cheese, strawberries, grapes and orange juice.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I follow on Instagram (salma_shirazi)
Actually, my best Mother’s Day gift was this year! I was able to get a bunch of essential oils I have wanted and took advantage of the free shipping from Spark Naturals!! Sweet!!! :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My ex-husband bought me the Willow Tree mom and sons. He took the time to remember that i loved the figurines and found one I didn’t know existed. My boys (now yoyng men) are the world to me!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A most treasured Mother’s Day gift that is used over and over again is a Treasure Box given to my mother several years ago. All of her children and grandchildren wrote on a piece of paper “What I Love About Grandma Hap.” Some of the messages were carefully written in a small child print with a colored picture, some were long or short, some were typed; all fitting the personality of the writer. Each piece of paper was then placed in a special wooden box and given to her on Mother’s Day. That box holds a special place on Mom’s bedroom dresser and each time she re-reads those notes she feels the love we all have for this amazing woman.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I follow on instagram.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The first time I got pregnant my mom gave me a gift on Mother’s Day. It was so sweet of her and meant a lot to me that she would think of me on HER day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My first Mother’s Day as a new mother will always be my most unforgettable.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Following on Instagram.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The photo book I made my mother one year was a big hit!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I follow on Instagram. @shanleann
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m expecting our 3rd and last child, my boys got me a necklace with 3 arrows stamped on it. I LOVE it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A few years ago we drove 2 hours to my in laws to surprise my mother in law. We made her breakfast in bed and she got to spend time with her grandkids (none of her kids or grandkids live close by…so she doesn’t get to see us as often as she’d like).
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Spot on list! I think each item you listed has been a favorite one year or another!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Looking back over 24 years of parenting (so far!) my favorite Mother’s Day gift was the night out away from the kids when they were little. I just needed one night of self care to make it through those tough years of parenting young children.
Currently my fave is bags of soil for my raised beds. I love gardening!
When I lived at home, we made mom breakfast in bed every single Mother’s day. It became a tradition…when I left home, I passed on the torch to my dad and youngest sister…
Please log in or create a free account to comment.my favorite gift from my son has been the Willow Tree angel with a girl holding a puppy. We have rescue dogs, and my son painted the puppy to look just like my sweet little min pin.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I loved the home made presents the kids would make a school. I still have many of them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Follow on Instagram
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love homemade cards and written letters from my kids.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My most memorable gift was when my kids made me breakfast in bed one year for Mother’s Day! They tried so hard to work together and not bicker with each other. I love my little…not so “little” anymore…monsters :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.One year my daughter made me a cup with pictures in it of her as a little girl…precious.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Brenda
That list is perfect! When my kids were young, they used to make me coupon books for extra chores they would do, or to give me a back massage. Loved those!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This year is my first Mother’s Day as a mom, so whatever my daughter decides to do will be memorable!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am so fortunate to spend every Mother’s Day with my Mom, my children and now grandchildren.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Typing is another thing altogether: promissory.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The best gift I got was from my own mother, a lifelong voracious reader and professional proofreader, which was the gift of knowing correct spelling (and punctuation). This is how I know that “promissary” is not a word, but “promisisory” is. Happy Mother’s Day!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.“promissory”. Still can’t type perfectly!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I follow on Instagram!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My daughter painted a self-portrait of herself to give to me one Mother’s Day when she was about 12. I cherish it as one of my most special gift items.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My most memorable Mother’s Day, was celebrating the very first one, with my precious 2 month old son, and the just rent news that another miracle of life was growing inside of me! I felt so proud that God had bestowed me with the honor of motherhood and the ability to enjoy such an incredible miracle!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My first mothers day…a little hand printed flower vase for all the tiny flowers that will be brought to me when playing outside!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.One of the most memorable gifts I received was a weekend trip to Myrtle beach, the hotel had an ocean front view, and we went to the melting pot one day for dinner.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Now that my oldest is 18, when I look back on our Mother’s Days, dining al fresco at a favorite restaurant with my little family is my favorite memory. You are so right on with the “time” theme. Happy Mother’s Day, Jillie; such great ideas.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My fav Mother’s Day gifts are always the handmade items from my children Or if they purchase them, I know they have well planned to tailor the gift to my heart! (ie: thrifted vintage items for the kitchen.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I follow on instagram :-)
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