They teach us how to tie our shoes and how to say “I love you.” They wipe our tears, bandage up our scraped knees, comfort us after heartbreak, and cheer us on when we take a risk.
Moms are truly an incredible force in our lives. They’re there on our toughest days (and still show up on their toughest days, too!)
Every year, when Mother’s Day rolls around, if your mom is still with you, it can be hard to know what to get for Mom. What do you get for the woman who has given so much to you?
As a mom of five, I’ve learned something over the years:
Deep down, most moms are longing for the same thing. It may show up in different ways, but at its heart, it’s simple: we want to feel seen.
We want to know our families notice the everyday moments—the effort, the sacrifices, the love that often goes unspoken. We want to feel appreciated. Valued. Remembered.
And on Mother’s Day, that desire tends to rise a little closer to the surface.
It doesn’t have to be something big or expensive. But when a gesture is thoughtful—when it reflects that you truly know her and took the time to consider what would mean something—that’s what really touches a mom’s heart.
To help give you some meaningful gift ideas this year, I asked my Empty Nest, Full Life Facebook Group to share their thoughts on what moms really want for Mother’s Day. Here are some of their responses:
1) Quality Time
“Their TIME and PRESENCE ♥️” – Melissa
“Mostly, time spent together.” – Ruth
“A meal sitting down together.” – Rebecca
“Family hike and no phones!” – Lora
I just love how many moms asked for this gift! In fact, it was the most requested gift out of all the comments I received! Whether it’s coming over to share a meal and conversation, going to church together, or enjoying a hike, moms cherish spending quality time with their kids. Remember, the key word here is “quality!” Here are some pointers for how to make sure the time feels special for Mom:
- Set a positive mood – This doesn’t mean putting on a show or being overly nice. But it does mean that a smile and an enthusiastic spirit go a long way! It also means that Mom is the center of attention. Moms are used to being the person who has to take care of everything and everyone. If you can lift some of that responsibility off of her on Mother’s Day, it will mean the world to her.
- Be fully present – We’re all guilty of scrolling social media during a family dinner or interrupting a social outing to take a work call from time to time. But on Mother’s Day, leave the screens at home (or at least face down on the table). Avoiding these distractions can help you fully enjoy one another’s company in a way you may not have experienced for a long time.
Too often, we can focus so much on material items that we forget how valuable it is to gift your time. One mom in my group even suggested coming over and helping with projects or gardening. Regardless of what you do together, moms long for a slice of your undivided attention.
2) Handle the Details
“I want to be pampered! Bring me breakfast, flowers, hold the door for me, drop me off and pick me up, honor moms from the pulpit, take me to lunch, and have all the details worked out!” – Beth
“Some kind of meal or activity together that they plan. I always make the plans, and it would feel so special if they thought of something.” – Julie
“Really just a day of having to do nothing. Time for church, reading, and maybe a beach walk. A family game of Scrabble and not having to prepare any meals or clean the kitchen would make the day complete.” – Jill
“I love having a Mother’s Day lunch with my crew – I just don’t want to do dishes!” – April
Moms often are the master coordinators. They make the reservations months in advance. They coordinate a place and time that works for everyone. They’re always checking in to make sure others are enjoying themselves.
But too often, moms end up being the one-person party planning committee for Mother’s Day festivities. What if you took the opportunity this year to organize and manage the day’s agenda for her?
Now, it’s your turn to take care of her and ensure that all the details are handled so that all she has to do is show up. Moms often carry a heavy portion of the mental load, so imagine what an incredible gift it is to have all the details worked out.
Not sure how big or small to make the event? Here’s a hint: pay attention to how Mom usually plans parties for other people. The way people celebrate others can tell you a lot about how they themselves would like to be celebrated!
3) A Heartfelt Note
“A handwritten note from my son, plus a big hug!” – W.
“I think it would be nice to have some acknowledgment of love and lessons they’ve learned at home. It’s reassuring to be appreciated and remembered.” – Susan
“Personally, a potted plant or flowers to plant and a heartfelt note.” – Marla
“A handwritten card means so much! Especially when they share a happy memory they have of us together.” – Julie
“If they give me a card that seems like they put thought into what it says or write a short note expressing how they feel, that is the most precious gift of all.” – Betsy
Words of affirmation are so valuable in letting moms know that they are seen and their efforts are appreciated.
When we were little, we may not have had the words or the perspective needed to let Mom know what she meant to us. But once you’re an adult (or young adult), you can really reflect on all the things your mom has done, and is still doing, for you.
Taking the time to write out all the ways you felt her loving care means so much more than anything you could purchase at a store. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Share your favorite memory with Mom
- Write about the qualities you admire in her and hope to emulate
- Reflect on some life lessons she’s imparted over the years
I hope these ideas have sparked some inspiration as you search for a meaningful gift or experience to give your mom this year.
I want to leave you with one more response I received from a mom in my Facebook group. I think it perfectly encapsulates the heart of all moms and highlights the gifts that mean the most to us. And to all the moms reading this, “Happy Mother’s Day!”
“The best gifts that keep on giving for me is the year-round love and respect I get from all four of my adult children. They are all in different stages in their own lives, some with their own families, and if all they can afford is a phone call or greeting card or a kiss on the cheek or a potted plant, then I’m the luckiest mom on the planet.”
I’m so grateful to the wonderful women in my Empty Nest, Full Life Facebook group who took the time to share their thoughts. This group has become a special place for Christian moms who are approaching—or already in—the empty nest season. It’s a space to ask questions, offer encouragement, share ideas, and find support from others walking a similar road. We’re always glad to welcome new members, so feel free to join today or pass it along to someone who might benefit.
This group was started after I wrote my book, Empty Nest, Full Life: Discovering God’s Best for Your Next, which resonated with so many moms. If you—or a mom you love—are stepping into the empty nest season, I’ve also created the Empty Nest, Full Life Course, a 4-part experience designed to help you navigate this transition with purpose, hope, and a deeper sense of peace.
