What Mom’s REALLY Want for Mother’s Day

Inside: A list of gift ideas for what moms want and would truly appreciate receiving for Mother’s Day, holidays, and birthdays.

One of my favorite Mother’s Days ever was three years ago when I went on a girls’ weekend to Palm Springs. It was a guilt-free trip to enjoy sunshine and sleeping in. Plus we were home by Sunday afternoon to spend the rest of the day with our families.

It. Was. Fabulous.

That year it hit me. While flowers and fragrances are lovely ideas, what moms really want cannot be found inside a Hallmark store.

A weekend getaway is not always possible. However, there are ways family members can be creative in providing true gifts of appreciation moms so deserve and actually want right at home.

A Little Time Off Goes a Long Way

Instead of an Insta-worthy set up with the obligatory happy family activity, how about a day when mom doesn’t have to be a mom?

Every mother would enjoy a break from the physical, mental, and emotional energy it takes to parent children.

A simple release from these responsibilities would be a dream.

Moms are moms 24/7/365. This round-the-clock job can be draining and Mommy Burnout is a real thing.

While a full-blown weekend may not be possible even a few hours off can do wonders. I promise, no mom will be picky about when just as long as it happens. You can still do the happy family activity too!

Below are a few ideas on how to give mom time off:

• Have a family member take children to breakfast so mom can quietly sleep in (see below) and start her day her own way.
• Trade-off a couple hours of childcare with the parents of another family.
• Ask Dad or partner to keep the kids at home so mom can enjoy a neighborhood walk by herself.
• Set up a happy hour with other mom friends while dads host a playdate at someone’s house.

A Well Rested Mom Is a Happy Mom

Every parent knows how sleep-deprived Moms (and Dads) are.

Even when babies start sleeping through the night, that is quickly followed by toddlers’ scary dreams or older children getting sick. Then you have the early riser kids (raising my hand here) who wake up with the sun no matter how late they go to bed.

So for a special occasion day, let Mom sleep in. Even better…set up a way for the kids to eat breakfast out so Mom can rest in a quiet house.

This simple pleasure may be all she wants on her special day.

A Simple Expression of Gratitude

Every mom feels like she is doing 100 things all at once and at lightning speed. Motherhood can be very mundane and sometimes it feels like all the little things you do are never noticed.

A genuine thank you can go a long way. To know that her hard work is noticed, to hear “I see you and the work you do” is so meaningful.

This expression of gratitude can be shown in person or through thoughtful letters or even a video message or Zoom call.

Mom’s Personal Needs Are Important Too

Some moms feel guilty when they take time for themselves or spend money on “luxury” services, i.e., a professional massage or time at a day spa. If beauty treatments are not her thing, there are lots of other ways to gift or encourage self-care (see below).

Self-care looks different for everyone but it’s whatever restores and revitalizes her. This is what moms want or certainly what they need!

Below are gifts that encourage self-care:

• A gift card from a local health and wellness business for future use. Not only will mom have something to look forward to but you’ll be supporting a local business as well.
• An online fitness subscription so she can workout from home (if it’s something she wants — not to give as a hint!).
• A gift card to Barnes and Noble for the mom who loves to read.
• Upgrade her at-home beauty routine with a set of face masks or a manicure set.

Make Dinner Easy

Often the most dreaded question of the day is “What’s for dinner?”

Meal planning and cooking for a family can become so monotonous.

I have several go-to meals on rotation and try new recipes occasionally but wouldn’t mind some inspiration. While our family mostly eats at home, the meals are pretty repetitive.

Meal prep delivery services such as Dream Dinners and Hello Fresh can help out when you just don’t know what to cook. A gift card or a 3-month subscription to one of these services would what mom would want to avoid the dinner dilemma.

Find a local farm in your area that delivers produce boxes, also known as CSA (community supported agriculture). You can do this through LocalHarvest.org. Having fresh, seasonal produce delivered will inspire healthy eating, encourage new recipe ideas, support local farmers, and benefit the environment all at once!

A weekend getaway may not be in the cards, but moms around the globe can be celebrated in small, yet special ways.

Give moms what they want for a Happy Mother’s Day, birthday, every day to all the amazing mamas out there.

Is there something you love to receive (or give) as mom? If so, I’d love to hear, please share in the comments!