11 Surprising Things Moms *Truly* Want For Mother’s Day

What Moms Really Want - collage: woman relaxing outside; woman holding a Mother's Day Card; woman reading in bed

What Do Moms Want For Mother’s Day? These 11 Things

If you’re like me, your desire to figure out nice things to do for your mom on Mother’s Day can make it a stressful affair. Where and what should we eat? Do we celebrate with just our family, or include others? Can I find the perfect gift?

Fortunately, we won’t have to worry about that last one this year, because I’ve been hard at work researching what moms want for Mother’s Day.

With few exceptions, mothers are very special people who deserve the best. And more importantly, they deserve to get what moms want — what they really want, not 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?” And today I’m sharing 11 things that moms want more than anything on their special day!

11 Things Moms Really Want For Mother’s Day

What Moms Really Want - woman relaxing outside in a lawn chair

1. Time Alone

Among mothers of young children, this 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 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 together outside — it could be anything, as long you’re spending time together!

What Moms Really Want - woman holding a Mother's Day card and smiling

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.

What Moms Really Want - Adult woman and older woman embracing and smiling

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!

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. Teenagers can surprise Mom by cleaning their rooms and putting ribbons on their doors. (Just make sure paramedics are standing by in case she goes into shock!)

What Moms Really Want - woman sitting on the edge of a bathtub with a cold drink in her hand

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.

What Moms Really Want - woman sitting cross legged on a bed in her pajamas

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!

What Moms Really Want - close up of a woman's hands as she hand writes a note

11. A Promise

One thing every mom wants is what’s 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.”

I enjoyed this little “research project” quite a bit, and I hope you gained some useful insights as well!

What’s your idea of the perfect Mother’s Day gift?