We all know it’s tempting to grab a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates and call it a day, but honestly, moms and mothering figures deserve so much more on Mother’s Day. Taking a little extra time to think about what your loved one truly enjoys can make all the difference. Sure, gifts are lovely, but this day is also about honoring all the hard work moms, mamas, grandmas, nanas, and aunties put in day after day. Speaking for myself – and many moms I know – here are a few things we really want for Mother’s Day, along with some thoughtful ideas to make them happen.

Rest and Relaxation

If someone could give me eight extra hours of quality sleep, that would be my dream gift. Unfortunately, no one has figured out how to bottle time yet! But there are definitely ways to bring some calm and relaxation to the day:

• Quiet Morning: Start Mother’s Day by making the house as peaceful as possible. Get the kids up and out for a park trip or a long walk, and let mom enjoy a slow, quiet morning with no interruptions—whether that means extra sleep or a quiet cup of coffee in peace.

• Movie and Treats—Alone: I love my family, but I’d also love the chance to sprawl on the couch and watch a movie I choose (no cartoons or action flicks!) with all my favorite snacks. Stock the pantry with her top picks (candy, popcorn, maybe a nice bottle of wine) and plan an outing for the rest of the crew so mom gets the TV all to herself.
  

• DIY Spa Day: Set up a spa-like atmosphere at home with fluffy towels, a cozy robe (gift idea!), bath salts, and maybe even a new candle. Draw her a bath, play her favorite relaxing playlist, and let her soak and unwind without anyone knocking on the door!
  

• Nap Time: Yes, I’m serious. A good, solid nap in the middle of the afternoon feels like winning the lottery. Keep the house quiet and the kids entertained while mom sneaks in a little extra shut-eye.

Self-Care

Another thing I wish I had more of? Time for self-care. Whether it’s a big gesture or a small one, these gifts say, “I see how hard you’re working—and you deserve some you time.”

• Personalized Pampering: Massages, manicures, facials—you name it, I love it. But not every mom is into the same thing. Instead of grabbing a random spa gift card, do a little sleuthing. Does she have a favorite salon? A massage therapist she swears by? Book her something tailored just for her, so it feels extra thoughtful.

• A Night Out (or In!) with Friends: Sometimes, what we really need is a break from being “mom” and a chance to catch up with friends. Organize a night out—or even a fun girls’ night in—with her besties. You handle the logistics; she just has to show up and enjoy.

• Subscription Service: Give the gift that keeps on giving. Whether it’s a beauty box, a book club, or a wine delivery, there are so many subscription services out there that can bring a little joy to her doorstep month after month. I’ve personally had my eye on one called Appy Hour that delivers charcuterie boards!

• Wellness Goodies: Think about her self-care beyond just spa days. A cozy weighted blanket, a fancy herbal tea sampler, or a beautifully illustrated gratitude journal can all show that you care about her well-being. I’m addicted to flavored sparkling water so a sampler box of those would be on my list or my own sparkling water maker? Now, we’re talking. 

Quality Time

Sometimes the best gift of all is simply spending meaningful time together. I know it sounds cliche but I treasure moments that feel intentional and full of love—whether it’s something small and simple or a little more elaborate.

• Craft Corner: Doing messy crafts with my toddler is one of those love-hate activities—it’s super fun but so much work! A wonderful gift would be setting up a creative session and taking charge of everything: prep, supervision, and cleanup (yes, even washing paint out of hair and clothes). Even better would be a project with a tangible gift to be made – a vase, a mug, etc.
  

• At-Home Entertainment: My kiddo is a little young for this, but growing up, my younger brother and I loved putting on little performances for our parents. It’s such a sweet, low-cost way for kids to express themselves. Whether they act out a scene from a favorite movie, write a poem, or put on a silly dance routine, it’s guaranteed to make mom smile.
  

• Memory Lane: Put together a slideshow or photo book of favorite family moments. Even a simple folder of digital photos with funny captions or heartfelt notes can mean the world. If you want to go big, check out Skylight or similar digital frames that you can keep up-to-date with family pics.  

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At the end of the day, what most moms really want is to feel seen, appreciated, and loved. Whether it’s a quiet moment to ourselves, a thoughtful gift that shows you really know us, or time spent making memories together, it all matters more than you might realize. No matter how you choose to celebrate, a little extra care and attention can turn Mother’s Day into something truly special. And hey, if you want to throw in a box of chocolates too—no complaints here!

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