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Are you curious about what moms really want this Mother's Day?
I turned to Google for some advice, but the answers weren’t great. I was directed to a long string of gift products to purchase. So I decided to do things the old-fashioned way and I asked 60 of my friends and colleagues – all moms – what was truly important to them on this special day.
The heartfelt answers I received were all shockingly similar and had nothing to do with pricey presents. Instead, it is mostly the small, non-material gifts, moments and gestures that make moms the happiest.
I'm spilling all the tea on the most heartwarming ways to make this Mother's Day extra special.
Moms unanimously agreed that quality time is the ultimate gift
Whether it is a shared activity, or simply being present, moms want nothing more than to spend time with their own mother and their children and make memories. Or, if they can’t be physically together, they want to receive a phone call.
Moms of older children commented, “Time spent with my kids, particularly now as they are busy young adults, is especially treasured.”
Appreciation, affirmations and “thank yous” for the little things a mother does every day that are often overlooked
One mom expressed that she appreciates, “Recognition from the kids that they see all that I do for them, and that they love me and see me as more than the family cook/chauffeur/event planner/fun police.”
These feelings of appreciation need to be expressed and put into words.
It makes moms feel incredibly special when they know that their children put forethought into Mother’s Day
Regardless of how simple, having a plan in place in advance will make her feel like a priority instead of an afterthought. (This of course requires the help of another parent if the children are young and can’t create special memories on their own.)
Thoughtful planning equals Mother’s Day moments that she will never forget!
Anything that you can do to make mom’s life easier is a sure winner
This one was especially important to the moms with younger children, who feel loved when their partner lends a helping hand with the practical things she takes care of each day.
For the especially exhausted (when a baby is young), a few hours of extra sleep is also a treasured gift.
Moms love to be pampered
Treat her to the ultimate experience of self-care by giving her the opportunity to relax and recharge. Gift her a home-cooked meal, a massage, facial, or a spa day – either in the comfort of her own home or at a salon.
Allowing her to have some peaceful time and space to herself will show her just how much you appreciate her.
Memory makers – experiences, adventures and laughs shared together
Creating lasting memories as a family doesn't have to be a grand affair – sometimes, the most meaningful experiences are the simplest.
One mom found fun and creative ways to bond with her brood by scripting, acting and editing together a memorable home video. For another family, a two-day farm stay was the perfect way to get away and enjoy each other's company, with campfires, board games and delicious home-cooked meals.
No matter what your family's dynamic is, there's always something you can do to create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.
When kids choose a gift, it means the world
When asked if they were to receive a physical gift on Mother’s Day, what gift would mean the most to them, all answers centered around how happy it makes moms when they see how excited their children get when spoiling them.
One mother said, “My favorite Mother’s Day memory was when my two children were quite young. I wanted some cheap flannelette pyjamas and they both chose a set each for me. The prints were loud and colorful, but I loved them and they were super excited to give them to me.”
Gifts from kids that moms loved
“Waking up to a house full of happy kids all helping each other to make me brekkie in bed.”
“Cuddles and a hot cup of coffee in bed.”
“I love sentimental gifts, capturing this moment in time as a mother to small people. A hand drawn card of me and them, one of those ‘What I love most about my mother…’ questionnaire sheets from school, photos taken on the day to capture me and them.”
“A piece of jewelry that I can wear all the time, because it reminds me of my family.”
“Flowering plants that I can enjoy for years to come.”
“The only gift I want is a card from my kids. Anything after that is a bonus.”
“Nothing big, but something thoughtful.”
“Something handmade by my child or a nice photo of me and my child.”
“School artwork from kids listing what they love about me.”
“A collage of photos saying they loved me.”
“Anything that the kids make or thought that I would love.”
Moms appreciate the little things
So there you have it. Mothers actually don’t want much! From quality time to appreciation and pampering, to thoughtful gifts, moms appreciate the simple things that demonstrate thought and care and remind her that you value her.
The best presents come from the heart and prove that time and effort was taken to make her feel special.
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