Valentines Day is getting closer, but are you struggling to come up with great ideas for gifts for the moms in your life?
Pre-kids, I always had a hard time thinking up gift ideas for moms that weren’t lame. Now that I’m a mom myself, I know that gift giving to moms isn’t nearly as complicated as it can sometimes feel.
And actually, some of the most meaningful gifts are ones that don’t cost much money, but may cost a bit more of your time instead. Of course, if you’re into buying gifts, that’s totally fine too.
In this gift guide, I’ve compiled some ideas for gifts in a variety of price ranges. I’ve also included a section dedicated to some free gift ideas as well.
Be sure to check all the way at the end of the post for some tips on what moms really want…it may surprise you!
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Valentines Gifts For Moms (That She’s Actually Love!)
Big Ticket Valentines Gifts ($$$)
If you really want to go all out and totally spoil her (highly recommended), here are some great ideas she’s sure to love.
Professional Massage
I recently got my first professional massage, and it was freakin’ awesome. Seriously.
Taking care of little ones is stressful and hard on a mom’s body. After I had my massage, I felt so much better. Muscles were looser, my neck and shoulders felt so much better (I have chronic neck pain from breastfeeding & poor muscle strength). I was so much more relaxed.
And while I thought the effects would only last a day or two, I actually have felt better for months after! I was very surprised by just much I needed a professional massage, and how much it affected my well being.
If you’re looking for a higher priced gift for valentines, definitely consider booking her a professional massage!
Chiropractor
I know. A chiropractor appointment does not sound like a great, romantic valentines gift. But if you really want to give a meaningful gift, consider a chiropractor.
Look, moms carry their kids around all the time, constantly pick them up, bend over, and play with their toddlers. While all of that is great, it makes it very easy to have a misalignment. Which in turn leads to pain and discomfort.
One of the greatest ways to show a mom you love her is to recognize the discomforts she deals with, and find a way to alleviate it if possible. So while it’s not the sexiest gift ever, it truly will make her feel better physically and mentally.
Massager
Of course, some moms would prefer to have a massage in the comforts of home. (No judgment, that was me for a long while!) If that’s the case, you might consider getting a massager for her to use at home.
I like massagers for use at home, especially when I get knots in my back and shoulders but can’t afford a professional massage. I’ve used both a Shiatsu massager and deep tissue massager.
Medium Priced Valentines Gifts ($$)
While it’s nice to be completely spoiled, don’t feel like you have to break the bank to do so. There are still plenty of things you can do for her without spending a ton of money.
Dinner
A classic valentines gift, dinner out is a great way to treat a mom. Bonus points if you get a babysitter to watch the kids so she can have a quiet, kid free dinner away from home.
Maybe this one seems a bit unoriginal, but I’ve learned since becoming a mom that often times it’s the small things that can really make a mom feel better about life.
Even if you can’t or don’t want to do something bigger, don’t underestimate the simple power of just taking her out to eat, just the two of you.
Night Out Together (Without Kids)
Again, don’t underestimate the power of simple gestures! If you’re looking for a great way to treat her for Valentines Day, try hiring a babysitter and taking her out for the night. Go see a movie, go bowling (or whatever you have available to you)
Look, all moms go just a little tiny bit crazy while raising their kids. I’m fairly certain that’s just a fact of life.
It’s really important for moms to have times to get out of the house without the kids. This Valentines Day, consider taking her out for a night out, sans kids.
Mama Swag
Is she even a mom if she doesn’t have some sort of mom swag? (I joke! I was a mom for a two years before I bought anything swag related.)
But really, the more I get to know other moms, the more I think there are very few who wouldn’t appreciate some swag.
Right now, one of my favorite places to get mom swag is from Little Mama Shirt Shop. She has the cutest clothes for moms (also for baby and toddlers, too!).
First time I ordered I was a little apprehensive (I like to see and feel stuff before I buy, when possible), but her shirts ended up being so soft and comfortable! No regrets whatsoever.
Rachel Allene Gift
I would be remiss if I did not mention of my favorite small shops while suggesting Valentines Day gifts for moms. Let me tell you, I love Rachel Allene’s products!
Her mugs are so stinking cute, I wish I had money to buy all of them.
But her shop isn’t just mugs. Rachel’s shop also carries clothes, digital downloads, gratitude journals, and more. Seriously, anything from her shop would make the perfect Valentines gift for any mom.
Pedicure/Manicure/Haircut
Sometimes it can be hard to feel good about yourself after you become a mom. Pregnancy and childbirth put a lot of strain on a woman’s body. And a lot of times, it can be difficult for moms to feel good about their bodies after kids.
One really great Valentines gifts for moms is to pay for her to have a pedicure, manicure, or haircut. These things may not sound like “Significant Other Of The Year Award” type gifts, but remember—it’s seemingly ordinary things that can really make an impact on moms.
I know personally I always feel way better after getting a fresh haircut. This Valentines, try giving gifts that help moms feel more like their old selves.
Budget Friendly Valentines Gifts ($)
No shame if you skipped straight down to this section! I know how it is to be barely afloat in the financial department.
Even with a small budget, there are plenty of things you can do and get for her to make her feel valued.
Flowers
I love flowers. I loved flowers before I was a mom, and I still love them as a mom. Honestly, there are probably very few moms that wouldn’t appreciate getting flowers.
Pro Tip: Don’t feel like it always has to be roses! Take some time to find out what her favorite flower or type of flower is, and shoot for that. (And if it happens to be roses, that’s totally fine!).
But, if you’re looking to save money, especially around Valentines, try getting a bouquet of wildflowers instead. Wildflowers or non-rose flowers are typically cheaper, but are just as beautiful and well loved.
Also, if perchance you and your SO won’t be in the same area during Valentines, due to work or whatever, you can order flowers on Amazon and have them shipped right to their door!
My husband used to send me flowers this way back when we were engaged and living in different states prior to our wedding. The flowers always showed up on time, and always looked amazing—better than the ones in the store!
Favorite Snack
Whether it’s chocolate (guilty) or something else, a favorite snack or treat is a great Valentines Day gift for moms.
Be sure to give it to her at a time when little ones aren’t around to make her feel guilty for eating it herself! And, of course, have a good hiding spot for it if she chooses to spread it out over several days.
Jewelry
Jewelry is just one of those things that makes you feel more like your pre-kid self. Whether simple or elaborate, jewelry is a great gift to give a mom.
Personally, I’m a bigger fan of simpler jewelry that I wouldn’t feel weird about wearing day to day.
For me, jewelry that isn’t too elaborate or expensive to wear around my toddler gets worn far more than fancier jewelry. Just something to think about as you pick out the perfect piece for her!
Card
So often people thing of cards as the bare minimum, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Honestly, most moms need to hear some extra words of encouragement any chance they can get.
Cards are the perfect way to express some extra love and support to her. Be sure to add in some of your own handwritten notes to the card.
Coffee
Are you even a mom if you don’t like coffee? Just kidding, I actually don’t like coffee. But that’s besides the point.
The point is that most moms like coffee, and an awful lot of us use it to help us get through the day. Surprising her with her favorite cup of coffee can serve as great low cost Valentines gifts for moms.
Bonus points if you get her a gift card to get more coffee whenever she needs an extra caffeine boost.
At Home Massage
If a professional massage isn’t in your budget (no judgement here, I totally get that!), you might consider an at home massage instead.
Light some candles, grab some massage oil, and give her a massage right in the comforts of home.
This is fantastic way to show her you appreciate her, without spending a ton of money.
Free Valentines Gifts For Moms
And now the moment you’ve been waiting for—free gifts. While these gifts are free, keep in mind that they will require more time and effort on your part.
Morning/Afternoon/Evening Without Kids
There are definitely days where I’d love to have a few hours kid free. It can get wearing to constantly be “on call” 24/7 as a mom to little kids.
Sometimes moms just need a break and some time to themselves to recharge and refill their cup.
Honestly, this is probably an even better gift than anything you could buy. Offer to watch the kids yourself for a few hours, or hire a babysitter.
Do Housework For Her
Every now and then I manage to get all the housework done during the week. On those rare weeks, I end up with a pretty free Saturday. And it is amazing.
If you’re struggling to come up with gift ideas this Valentines or need a budget friendly option, consider doing some housework for her. Again, most moms just want a break. She’ll love you for it.
Cook Dinner For Her
This may not work for everyone, but if you’re able to cook decently, consider offering to cook dinner for her.
I know I personally don’t like cooking, so this would be a fantastic break for me. Of course, some moms do like to cook, so take that into consideration.
Honestly, She Really Wants…
Feel like you’re still scrambling to figure out the perfect gift? I’ll let you in on a little secret. Here’s what she really wants:
…To Feel Loved
Moms just want to feel loved. They want to know that you care about them, and still love them.
Despite their flaws, despite their periodic frustration with trying to raise their kids, despite the ways their body has changed postpartum.
Anything that reminds her that she is loved is a worthwhile gift to give.
…To Feel Validated
Sometimes moms feel like they’re going just a little bit crazy. Sometimes they feel like they shouldn’t be feeling what their feeling.
At times the mom guilt gets the better of them, and makes them feel like they ought to be better, feel better, do better. Like they’re not enough already.
Don’t be afraid to take the time to listen to her thoughts and feelings, and validate them. I’m not saying every feeling that is felt is right, or shouldn’t be worked on. But it is absolutely okay to acknowledge that those feelings exist.
…To Feel Seen
It is so, so easy to feel invisible as a mom. Make sure this Valentines Day she feels seen—this is one of the greatest gifts you can give her!
Don’t let her feel like she’s been taken for granted to the point of being ignored constantly. Let her know you see her, you see the work that she does (even if the kids undo it ten times over the course of the day), and you love her for it.
…To Feel Appreciated
Being a mom is probably one of the most underappreciated jobs you can have. It’s so easy to get into the routine of things and forget to thank her for all that she does.
It’s easy to fall into a complacent place of expecting things to be done, without showing your appreciation for it. Make a point to show her that she’s appreciated.
Let’s hear your best gift ideas!
Have more great ideas for Valentines gifts for moms? Share them with me in the comments! What’s the best Valentines gift you’ve received?
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