On Sunday, we celebrate Mother’s Day in North America. Are you still looking for that perfect gift? Look no further! Let me tell you what mom really wants for Mother’s Day. You might be surprised.

This post was originally published in May 2022 and republished in May 2025.

Mother’s Day is big business

Mother’s Day was started in 1905 when Anna Jarvis started a campaign for an official holiday honouring mothers, following the death of her own mother.  

Like most holidays, Mother’s Day has become big business. This is actually not what Anna Jarvis had in mind. In fact, after she was successful in getting Mother’s Day officially recognized in 1914, she fought to prevent businesses profiting from the day.

The National Retail Foundation estimates Mother’s Day spending in the United States at over $25 billion, with the average person spending over $200 on Mother’s Day gifts and cards.

Honestly, though, most moms are easy to please. Before you splash out your hard-earned cash on flowers, chocolates or fancy gifts, let’s look at what mom really wants for Mother’s Day this year.

What mom really wants for Mother’s Day

Many of the things that will really make mom happy this Mother’s Day are simple ideas that don’t cost any money. Here are six ideas to get you started.

Time alone

Anyone with small kids knows how hard it is for mom to get any time to herself. Dads and partners, take note. If you really want to give mom a special treat, take the kids to the park for a couple of hours so mom can spend time doing whatever she wants. She will love it.

Your presence

Considering the first item on the list was time alone, this might seem like a contradiction. But now that my daughters are grown up, the best Mother’s Day gift for me is just spending time with them.

It doesn’t even matter what we do when we’re together. I’m happy to simply go for a walk or watch a movie. If you’d like to do something a little more special, check out my list of experience gifts she’ll love.

A break from cooking and cleaning

Household chores are never-ending. Busy moms would appreciate a break from cooking and cleaning for the day. Younger kids could surprise mom by getting up early and cleaning the house. For adult children, a cleaning service would be an awesome gift.

As for cooking, why not take her out for a nice meal? Or make her a nice dinner at home—but don’t forget to clean up afterwards.

Something home-made with love

When my daughters were small, I loved the home-made gifts they would bring home from school. Many of those precious items have survived my decluttering efforts because I can’t bear to part with them.

One of the best gifts you can give mom is something you make yourself. She’ll appreciate the time and care you put into it. A knitted scarf, home-baked cookies, a painting or drawing, or even a Spotify playlist of music you both enjoy, are all great ideas. Get creative!

A handwritten card

You can never go wrong with a beautiful card with a handwritten message inside. It’s such a simple thing, but it always means a lot. If mom is environmentally conscious, though, skip the cards with glitter and other embellishments.

Share your memories

When kids grow up, you can’t always be with mom on Mother’s Day. If you’re not together, or even if you are, share a greeting and some pictures of your favourite memories on whatever social media platform you both use. I always love reading those greetings and seeing the pictures.

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In recent years, I’ve given my mum a potted tomato plant for her balcony. She loves it! Every time I talk to her all summer, she gives me an update on how it’s doing. It is such a simple gift that brings her so much pleasure.

I hope these simple ideas will help you give your mom what she really wants for Mother’s Day. What are you doing for your mom this Mother’s Day? Tell me your ideas below.