If you’ve never experienced the joy of little humans supervised by a grown adult who isn’t you (who aren’t chefs by trade or in a competition to become one) prepare you “breakfast in bed” on Mother’s Day, count yourself blessed.

Don’t get me wrong. They are absolutely adorable and often mean well. But that day usually goes a little something like this:

“Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! Don’t move a muscle, we’re making you breakfast!!”

Their excited little giggles bring a warmth every mother recognizes. But, as you sit in bed for what begins to be a very prolonged period of time, and as your stomach starts speaking in every conceivable language, that warmth quickly fades. You think to yourself, “I could’ve ordered something faster.”

By the time your err little minions’ creative concoction food arrives, you’re not entirely sure if it’s fit for human consumption.

You take as small of a bite as you possibly can and say all the encouraging words so as to not destroy their delicate little souls, all the while wondering why you didn’t just DoorDash when you thought of it.

Well, this Mother’s Day, I’ve compiled some of my favorite gifts and experiences moms like you might actually enjoy (you know, without having to fake it). Because, sometimes, it’s more than just the thought that counts.

Feel free to send this list to your spouse and family for hints of what you might actually want. Mother’s Day shouldn’t be just another day where we moms “grin and bear it” because our families “tried hard.”

You work hard with the double shift that is work and family obligations and deserve to be celebrated in the way you would like to be celebrated.

 

Ideas Working Moms Might Actually Like for Mother’s Day

1. A massage or spa day to help relax and unwind. And I do mean spa DAY. As an introverted mom, I love a period of time to be left absolutely alone to recharge before spending time with every member of the family. Moms rarely get time alone and sometimes this is what we crave most.

2. A subscription to a meditation or mindfulness app to help with stress relief or set a sleep schedule. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used Calm to help me get to sleep quickly so that I have the energy to attack my schedule the next day.

3. A personal assistant to help with household tasks or errands. Don’t forget to actually write up instructions for the assistant to help carry out her duties. Don’t leave that for Mom, it’s just additional work!

4. A weekend getaway to help disconnect and recharge.

5. For the entrepreneurial mama out there, a professional development course or workshop to help advance her business.

6. A new piece of tech to help with their work (such as a laptop, tablet, dual monitors, or noise-canceling headphones).

7. A cozy bathrobe and slippers to relax in after a long day.

8. A stylish and practical work bag or tote. Heavy on the practical.

9. A new planner or notebook to help them stay organized. Who doesn’t love planners?

10. A gift card to a favorite restaurant or coffee shop for a treat.

11. A personalized photo album or memory book.

12. A subscription to a book or audiobook service for some self-care time.

13. A gift certificate for a photography session to capture memories with their family.

14. A new set of sheets or bedding for a comfortable night’s sleep. Everyone’s different, so make sure to investigate the types of sheets she likes!

15. A gift card for a streaming service to help unwind after a long day.

16. A personalized wellness or work-life integration plan from a career coach.

17. A luxury candle or diffuser to create a relaxing ambiance at home.

18. A ticket to a concert, show, or event she’s been wanting to attend.

19. A heartfelt letter or card expressing gratitude and appreciation for all they do. This one needs to also come with something else on this list. Don’t get lazy, moms do the most!

20. A personalized self-care basket with items like face masks, bath salts, and candles.

21. A subscription to a delivery service with items she enjoys (that could be wine or cocktail, books, gourmet cheese, etc.).

22. A digital photo frame to display family photos on their desk or at home.

23. A cozy blanket or throw for snuggling up on the couch.

24. A gift certificate to try that new hobby she’s been talking about, but hasn’t had the time to go try. Also, taking on her home duties for a day or night so she has TIME to use it!

25. A donation to a charity or cause that is important to her.

26. A new gadget or tool for her favorite hobby or interest.

27. A surprise day trip (on the weekend) to spend time with family and loved ones where she had to do ZERO planning.