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The ultimate guide of What Moms Really Want - from tangible gifts to acts of service

Mother’s Day is just around the corner (Sunday, May 11, for those of you who may not know), which means you’re likely being inundated with emails about what mom “absolutely has to have”, or “really wants”, or… fill in the blank, y’all. It’s wild out there.

As a mom myself, I really loathe the idea of making a list of what I want, because frankly—I don’t want to have to think about it.

What I really want is to remove the mental load from my proverbial shoulders and just… receive what I really want, without any effort of my own. I realize, however, that to get what I “really want,” I’m going to have to make a list.

Blerg.

Apart from the pressure of making a list, there’s also the difference between tangible gifts and service-based gifts. Speaking to real-life friends and Insta-friends, I found that most moms wanted some kind of a combination of the two.

I took all the best answers, scoured all the best prices, and put together a list so that you don’t have to.

I present to you: What Moms Really Want

This is going to be split into two parts: acts of service, and tangible gifts.

Service-Based Gifts (note: this doesn’t mean “free.”)

When I polled my audience the other day, I’d say that 75% of the answers I received were service-based. A *lot* of them also included alone time. Evidence:

And, while you may be thinking, “why does mom want to spend time away from her kids on the day that’s all about being a mom?” just– roll with it. It’s not that moms don’t absolutely love and adore and cherish their children, it’s just that being Mom is a job that comes with zero days off. Let’s change that.

Here are some non-tangible gift ideas for mom:

1. A night away in a hotel

2. A professional massage

3. A home task to be completed in a complete (!!) and timely manner

4. Meal plan for the week

5. Cook dinner for the week

6. Handle one week of summer camp planning/booking

7. Guilt-free brunch with the girls

8. A date night that she doesn’t have to plan at all (you handle the reservations, the babysitter, the transportation. But, let her order for herself.)

9. A clean house without her help

10. An immaculately clean car (we’re talking fully detailed)

Any others I missed? Leave them in the comments below!

Tangible Gifts

While service-based gifts are fantastic, they aren’t always practical for some people. Fear not. I’ve put together a list of tangible gifts for a range of budgets (Under $50 up to Under $500) - all with links.

Rifle Paper Zippered Pouch Set ($38) - 20% off with ELIZA20

Weezie Makeup Towels ($40)

Audible Subscription ($45/3 Months)

Rifle Cruiser Cup ($49.95) 20% off with ELIZA20

NYT Games Subscription ($50/year)

Climbing Roses ($35-$50)

Small Beginner Needlepoint Kit ($65)

Rifle Canvas Carryall Tote ($79) 20% off with ELIZA20

Bird Feeder with Camera ($94)

Warby Parker Sunglasses ($95)

Literally Any Furbish Pillow ($98)

Ember Mug ($119)

Lenora Terry Robe ($140) 15% off with ELIZA15

Aurate Emerald Stud Earrings ($148) 20% off with ELIZAM

Digital Picture Frame ($149)

Chappywrap Blanket ($150)

Lenora Travel Bag Bundle ($166) ELIZA15 for 15% off

Daphine Antoinette Necklace ($225)

Oura ring ($256)

A ticket to CSU’s Red Dot Show Event¹ ($300)

KitchenAid Stand Mixer ($349)

Aurate tennis bracelet (emerald baguette, $398 or white sapphire, $278) - 20% off with ELIZAM20

LED Light Therapy Mask $469

Paper Geranium from The Green Vase ($450)

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This list is certainly not exhaustive. But, hopefully, it takes the legwork out of Mother’s Day for you. As always, thank you for being here. Don’t forget to forward this to a significant other (or friend who may also need help!)

1. CSU’s “Funding Future Artists” Red Dot Show is an annual event and would make a truly fantastic gift. Tickets are $300 and guarantees the ticket holder a 10x10 piece of original art, donated by CSU-adjacent artists. Numbers are drawn at random and ticket holders are able to choose their selection in the order that they are drawn. You do not have to be local to participate. Selections are made online and CSU is happy to ship! Hurry - this event starts in just a few days and tickets are very limited.