Moms work hard. REALLY hard. And there’s one day out of the year that’s dedicated to celebrating all that they do. Mother’s Day is May 10, so the countdown is on. Make it special!
We all know that young kids won’t magically behave all day and shower their mom with appreciation, so it’s up to the significant other (or a friend or family member) to show mom some love.
» » » » » » RELATED READ: When Mother’s Day Is a Set-Up for Disappointment « « « « « « «
The ABQ Mom team has got you covered. We polled our large group of ABQ mamas, and here’s what they REALLY want. Now obviously, each mom is different. The most meaningful gifts are the ones that show that you know your loved one well, so consider that when planning your gift.
Family Photos
Moms love ’em. The rest of the fam usually hates them. Show mom that you love her by donning your nice clothes and cooperating for some photos. Bonus tip: A lot of photographers in town offer Mother’s Day Mini-Sessions!
Time Away
Yep, a lot of us moms want to spend some guilt-free time away from our kids on Mother’s Day. And that’s because we spend all the other days of the year working so hard for our families. Shoo your wife out the door and tell her to enjoy herself with some shopping, a manicure, a pedicure, a massage, a hike, or whatever activity she likes to do. Bonus points if you get her a gift card so she has to use it and doesn’t guilt herself out of doing anything special.
Breakfast in Bed
Always a classic. Make it special with some fresh flowers and a card from the kids.
House Cleaning
We all know that the vast majority of domestic tasks fall on moms, and there are so many things we’d rather be doing. Take that burden off her back!
Let Her Sleep In
Moms could really, really use some rest. We are tired. Pro tip: get the kids up and ready and then leave the house so the kiddos don’t sneak up there to wake her.
Charcuterie Board
Order or make one. Have a picnic or a no-cook dinner at home. Moms love a good charcuterie board—we just can’t help ourselves.
A Pot or New Plant
Mother’s Day always rolls around when we all get that itch to spruce up our backyard and start a garden. But plants can be expensive. Buy her a beautiful new plant or send her on her way to pick her own.
Fancy Cup/Tumbler
Stanley or Yeti are both good options. Coffee stays warm, iced tea stays cold. Enough said.
Flowers
Perhaps cliché, but we still like them. Moms like beautiful things.
Appreciation/Acknowledgment
Most moms just really want people to notice and appreciate all that they do for their families. It’s a LOT. Consider thanking mom for all she does and then taking over all her usual chores for the day with the help of the kids.
DIY Gifts from the Kids
We all love a card or painting or something that was made by the kids. These options work best if you can get the project completed when mom isn’t around and make it a surprise!
Personalized Jewelry with Kids’ Names or Birthstones
I know, I know, I just said that we want to get away from the kids on Mother’s Day, but we also love them more than words can express and want a personalized reminder of them to wear everywhere we go. Both of those truths can coexist.
Brunch or Dinner
Pick a place she likes.
» » » » » » RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: Guide to Brunch in the Albuquerque Area « « « « « «
Car Detailing/Cleaning
This idea came to me when I was cleaning taco sauce off the inside windows and upholstery in my car. Moms don’t want to vacuum up goldfish and scrub ketchup off the seats. No one wants to do that.
Relaxation Gear
Comfy socks or sweatpants or a super soft blanket. Maybe a microwaveable heat pack. Does your wife ever get headaches (perhaps from all the sleepless nights and screaming children)? This thing looks AMAZING.
Hobby Splurge
Get her something she’d love for one of her hobbies but she doesn’t want to buy herself: new hiking shoes, a fancy kitchen item, art supplies, or an embroidery kit.
There you have it—what moms really want for Mother’s Day, courtesy of the ABQ Mom team. You’ve officially been reminded, and you’ve got two weeks to get it done. Ready, set, go!
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
