What do moms really want for Mother’s Day? Here’s what our survey says…

As Mother's Day approaches, everyone’s looking for great gift ideas. This year, we're exploring holiday trends from the perspective of moms themselves. It's a journey to understand not just the popular gifts and activities, but to truly grasp what mothers cherish and desire for their special day.

We conducted a survey* of 3,000 moms, asking what they would most like this upcoming Mother’s Day. The results reveal a strong preference for gifts that promise:

• Deep sentimental value
• Personalized experiences
• Emotional connections
• Celebration of personal interests

Honoring your mom on Mother’s Day isn’t just about finding the perfect present; it's about recognizing and celebrating her preferences, hobbies, and dreams.

Whether it's the tranquility of a spa day, the joy of a homemade meal, the excitement of a new adventure, or simply the warmth of quality time spent with loved ones, understanding what mothers really want is key to making Mother's Day unforgettable for the incredible women in our lives.

How do moms want to celebrate Mother’s Day?

Our curiosity about how mothers prefer to spend Mother's Day led us to ask moms about their typical activities for the occasion. Here are some interesting takeaways:

• Highlighting the importance of togetherness and the comfort of familiar surroundings, 38% of moms enjoy family gatherings at home.
• Restaurant meals are a popular choice for Mother’s Day celebrations—17% opt for the indulgence of dining out.
• Many moms desire simplicity, with 14% of moms reporting a desire to do “nothing special.”
• Brunch is the top choice for 12% of moms, offering a perfect balance of relaxation and indulgence earlier in the day, leaving.
• Close behind, 11% of moms prioritize relaxation and self-care, embracing the day as a chance to recharge and pamper themselves.
• Only a small fraction, both at 4%, either venture out for a day or engage in the exchange of gifts, indicating that while these activities are valued, the emphasis remains on more personal or intimate forms of celebration.

Moms’ feelings about the holiday & gifts

We also asked moms how they feel about Mother’s Day, including their preferences for handmade, personalized, or experience-based gifts. Here’s what the moms had to say:

• Half of the moms felt that Mother's Day has veered too far towards commercialization, losing sight of the heartfelt simplicity that once defined it. For these moms, the allure of handmade gifts or the joy derived from shared experiences far outweighs the appeal of store-bought presents.
• A significant 34% of mothers underscored the importance of handmade or personalized gifts, valuing the thought and effort that go into creating something truly unique for them.
• A whopping 69% of moms expressed a preference for experiences over physical gifts, signaling a strong desire for meaningful, memorable moments spent with their families.
• Responses revealed a desire for presents that mirror their personal hobbies and passions, with 40% expressing a preference for items related to their interests, such as gardening, art, or cooking.

These statistics highlight a clear preference for the gifts of time, creativity, and shared experiences, underscoring the idea that what mothers cherish most on Mother's Day—and indeed, in life—are the bonds and memories forged with their loved ones, rather than the material possessions they receive.

We asked about your Mother’s Day traditions

Here are some interesting findings about Mother’s Day traditions and activities:

• A significant majority, 64% cherished the idea of going for lunch or brunch together as a family.
• Beyond meals, 11% of moms eagerly anticipate a family game night, relishing the fun and laughter such gatherings bring.
• Watching a film together as a family was the choice for 9% of moms, showcasing a desire for relaxed, shared experiences that foster closeness and create lasting memories.
• Taking a family photo every year resonated with 7%, a tradition that captures the passage of time and the growth of the family. These photos could then be turned into a Mother’s Day gift such as a custom photo book that preserves memories across the years.
• Going for a walk together as a family is important for another 7%, reflecting a yearning for quiet, reflective time in each other's company, connecting with nature and each other.
• Lastly, 2% of mothers noted the importance of visiting a loved one's grave, a poignant reminder of those who have been celebrated on Mother's Days past.

Top 10 Mother’s Day gift ideas (that moms really want!)

Based on the findings from our survey, we’ve identified 10 great gift ideas to consider for your mom this year.

1. A photo book filled with memories

A photo book of memories stands out as the top choice because it's a deeply personal and sentimental gift. It's a tangible collection of cherished moments that mothers can revisit anytime.

Crafting a photo book involves thoughtful selection and organization of photos that tell a story of special moments, making it a highly personalized gift that reflects the effort and love put into it.

Get started by browsing Mixbook’s collection of Mother’s Day photo book themes.

2. Home-cooked meal

Having someone cook your favorite meal is a gesture that goes beyond just the act of cooking. It signifies someone taking the time to know your preferences, putting in effort to prepare something that brings you joy, and sharing time with you over the dinner table.

This choice highlights the appreciation for personal touches and the comfort found in favorite foods, which often evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and love.

3. Homemade cake

Similar to having your favorite meal cooked for you, receiving a cake that someone has baked especially for you is a deeply personal and thoughtful gesture. It’s not just about the cake but the love and consideration baked into it.

Cakes are synonymous with celebrations and joyous occasions, making this choice a symbol of celebration of motherhood. It reflects a desire for a personalized celebration that’s sweet and crafted with care.

4. A bouquet of beautiful flowers

Flowers are a go-to Mother’s Day gift for a reason—they’re a timeless symbol of affection, appreciation, and beauty. Receiving a bunch of your favorite flowers signifies a personal touch, as it shows that the giver has taken the time to know and remember your preferences.

5. A printed photo of the family

A beautiful photo of the family is a gift that captures a moment in time, preserving it as a visual reminder of love and togetherness. Choose a custom wall art format that fits with Mom’s home decor, such as a canvas print, metal print, or acrylic block from Mixbook. You could also pick out a nice frame, or have the kids or grandkids decorate a photo frame.

6. Coffee & catch up

This simple yet meaningful gift simply means taking your mom out for coffee at her favorite cafe, providing an opportunity for quality one-on-one time. It’s a way to break from daily routines and enjoy each other's company.

7. Handmade painting

For an unforgettable gift idea, find an artist whose work suits mom’s style and commission a unique painting from them. It could be a family portrait, a beloved pet, or a favorite landscape. The uniqueness and personalization of a painted picture offer a sentimental value that mass-produced items cannot match.

8. Personalized poem

Writing or commissioning a poem especially for a mother is a deeply personal and thoughtful gesture. It could express love, gratitude, and appreciation in a creative and unique way. This option suggests a preference for gifts that communicate emotions and thoughts directly, offering a tangible form of the giver’s sentiments.

9. Jewelry

Jewelry is a classic gift that combines aesthetic appeal with lasting value. Personalize it for her through the choice of stones, engravings, or designs that hold special meaning. Jewelry is always a popular choice because it offers a balance between personal significance and aesthetic beauty—a wearable reminder of love and appreciation.

10. A book

Gifting a book reflects an understanding of the mother’s interests, hobbies, or desires for self-improvement. Choose a book by mom’s favorite author, or pick out an eye-catching coffee table book on a subject she’s passionate about. This option underscores the importance of recognizing and nurturing the individual interests and intellectual curiosity of mothers.

Bonus: More ideas for “experience gifts” for Mom

Because so many moms expressed a preference for “experience” gifts over physical items, here are some extra ideas to consider:

• Spa day or massage therapy session: A day of pampering with a professional massage, facials, and relaxation at a spa can be a wonderful escape and a way to show appreciation for all the hard work moms do.
• Cooking class: If she enjoys cooking or has always wanted to learn a new cuisine, taking a cooking class together can be a fun and educational experience you both can share.
• Wine-tasting tour: Visit a local vineyard or wine bar where you can indulge in wine tasting. Some places offer tours of the vineyard and insights into the winemaking process, making for an enjoyable and educational day out.
• Weekend getaway: Plan a weekend escape to a destination she has always wanted to visit. It could be a cozy cabin in the woods, a beach resort, or a cultural city break, depending on her interests.
• Tickets to a live theater performance: If she enjoys the arts, tickets to a live theater performance, such as a play, musical, or opera, can be a wonderful experience to share.
• Hot air balloon ride: For the more adventurous moms, a hot air balloon ride can offer breathtaking views and a unique experience that she'll never forget.
• Gardening workshop: If she has a green thumb or has expressed interest in gardening, attending a gardening workshop together could be both educational and fun, plus it's a gift that keeps on giving as she applies her new skills at home.
• Yoga retreat or wellness workshop: A day or weekend focused on wellness, with yoga classes, meditation sessions, and healthy eating, can be a rejuvenating experience that benefits both mind and body.
• Art workshop or pottery class: A creative activity like painting, drawing, or pottery not only allows for a fun learning experience but also gives you both a keepsake to remember the day.
• Scenic cruise: Whether it's a river, lake, or ocean nearby, a scenic cruise can offer a relaxing and beautiful way to spend time together, often with options for dining or entertainment on board.

This Mother’s Day, give her something she’ll really love

Leslie Albertson, director of brand at Mixbook, says “Celebrating Mother's Day doesn't have to be expensive. It's the thought, effort, and love put into the gesture that counts the most. Whether it's through a heartfelt gift like a personalized Mixbook photo book capturing cherished moments and memories, or spending quality time together, there are countless ways to make Mother's Day special for the beloved mothers and mother figures in our lives.”

Our survey reveals preferences among moms for gifts that combine the thoughtfulness of an experience with the lasting presence of a physical item, whether it's a piece of jewelry that holds sentimental value, a custom-made photo book from Mixbook, or a book that reflects her interests.

Armed with this deeper understanding of what moms truly want, choosing the right gift should not only meet but exceed her expectations, making this Mother's Day both memorable and profoundly personal.

*Methodology: Online panel survey of 3,000 adults based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting. April 2024.