I remember my first Mother’s Day—and no, it wasn’t the year after I delivered my son (but that’s a post for another day). I also remember my second Mother’s Day, when my son was just a little seven month old. It was the Mother’s Day I figured out what moms actually want on this day.
We went to church as usual, went out to eat for lunch. I took a nap in the afternoon while my son slept, as usual. Later that evening we were back at church. Things continued as usual the next day.
I’m not complaining—honest.
But as this Mother’s Day comes closer, I’ve learned that what moms really want to celebrate the day typically isn’t what most people think of. In fact, sometimes the completely free Mother’s Day gifts are the best kind.
Yes, handmade cards, flowers, chocolate, and gifts are all nice to have and certainly appreciated. But really, what would make most moms day usually isn’t the first thing others think to give.
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What Moms Really Want For Mother’s Day
Now, don’t get me wrong. Moms also love the gifts you buy her. I don’t know any mom who doesn’t appreciate a well thought out gift on Mother’s Day.
But the truth is that some of the best Mother’s Day gifts are free. They’re simple, but often overlooked. And I think they’re often overlooked because they aren’t as easy as buying (or ordering) and wrapping a gift.
The best free Mother’s Day gifts often take more time and effort on the giver’s part. It’s not always painless, but it’s always worth it.
It’s totally okay to go ahead and buy her a gift. But consider also giving her one of these free gifts that truly make her feel seen, loved, and appreciated.
I’ll let you in on a little secret. Here’s what moms truly want on Mother’s Day.
Free Mother’s Day Gifts Mom Actually Want
Keep in mind that while these Mother’s Day gifts are don’t cost money, they aren’t totally free. They will require your time, effort, and intentional love to pull them off. But they are so, so worth it!
Moms Want…To Sleep In
I’m pretty sure I would give just about anything to have a day to sleep in.
Don’t get me wrong. My husband is amazing and there are Saturday’s when he gets up with Elijah and lets me sleep in. And those days are the awesome.
To be honest, most moms would love to sleep in on Mother’s Day—or any day.
Just one day to not be the one who has to get up and take care of the kids.
Moms Want…To Not Wash Dishes
Dishes are the endless curse in my house.
No matter how on top of it I stay, there always seems to be more dishes to wash.
Typically I don’t mind washing the dishes. It’s usually just something I have to do every day.
But every once in a while, it’s nice to not have to do them.
And not just have them pile up waiting for later, but for someone else to actually take care of the washing and drying and putting away.
Moms Want…To Not Do Laundry
For most moms, laundry is another never ending chore that keeps piling up. Especially if you have young kids!
Sometimes, it’s nice to not have to take care of it.
Throwing in a load of laundry is pretty easy, and doesn’t take much effort.
Small as it may seem, it will mean a lot to have someone care enough to take care of it for her.
Moms Want…Their Kids To Eat Their Dinner
My toddler recently decided he doesn’t like anything I serve for dinner. Even if it’s something I know he likes.
I know it’s just a phase, and probably more toddler independence showing itself more than anything.
But for one night, it would be awesome if he would just eat everything on his plate without making a fuss over it.
Moms Want…To Not Have Kids Eating Off Their Plate
Another thing my toddler loves to do: while refusing to eat the food on his plate, he simultaneously begs for the food on my plate.
The exact. Same. Food.
I don’t know why the food on my plate is looks any better than the same food on his plate. But it would be awesome to have my own plate all to myself for a night.
Moms Want…To Not Hear Whining
When my son was a baby, everyone thought we were so lucky that he would only whine rather than crying outright.
Wrong.
At least for me, whining is 1,000 times worse than crying.
For whatever reason, whining just grates on my nerves. Kind of like listening to nails on a chalkboard.
For Mother’s Day, most moms I know would love to not hear the whining from their kids.
Moms Want…Their Kids To Get Along
Right along with whining, there’s few things worse than your kids not getting along.
I remember that some Mother’s Days, my mom would say that all she wanted was for all of us to get along.
No arguing, no bickering. Just get along for one whole day, start to finish.
And I think most moms would agree.
Moms Want…Their Kids To Be Healthy
While a lot of moms are blessed to have happy, healthy kids, some are not so lucky.
Some moms have babies in the NICU.
Some moms have a very sick child who may or may not be getting better.
Even those who just have kids running fevers, having a sick child is a terrible feeling for a mom.
For Mother’s Day, most moms just want their kids to be happy, healthy, and safe.
Moms Want…To Feel Appreciated
So many of these things seem simple, maybe overly so.
But the truth is, moms just want to feel appreciated and loved.
As it turns out, it isn’t too hard to make a mom feel that way.
You just have to be willing to put in the effort.
What Do Moms You Know Know Really Want For Mother’s Day?
Does any of this ring true for you? Share with me in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
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