These Moms Shared What They Actually Want For Mother’s Day

Being a mom is a thankless job— except for that one day in May when card and flower shops everywhere get to cash in on parental appreciation. We assume that moms want breakfast in bed, but did you ever think to ask her if there was something else that she would prefer? Maybe she doesn't like coming down to the kitchen to see a mess of pancake batter and dirty dishes in the sink. Pro tip: if you're going to make your mom breakfast in bed, always clean up after.

Moms took to Reddit to share what they would actually want to receive on their special day.

Just Being A Basic Mom

A Target Corp. store in Emeryville, California, U.S
Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

"I want to go to Target alone, get Starbucks, and live my best basic life for two hours." —whtgrlxtrm13

Sometimes a little bit of alone time is all you need. Caramel Frappe, anyone?

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So Many Questions

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an Carroll and her daughter Ellie are shown in their temporary house at the McIlhenny Company, known for producing the famous Tabasco Sauce in Avery Island, Louisiana
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Photo credit: OMAR TORRES/AFP via Getty Images
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"To not be bombarded with a million questions, the majority of which are, 'Why?'" —PimpOnTheBarbie

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Let's let dad field some of the many "why" questions on Mother's Day. It's his turn.

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That New Car Smell

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"To get my car professionally detailed. There are McDonald's chicken nuggets stuffed so deep into the seats I'm pretty sure they're mummified." —macaroniartwork

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Oh, this is a good one. Do this for a mom in your life.

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We Have Enough Mugs

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"Anything but a mug — oh my god, please don't get any more mugs. They are the mother equivalent of ties." —UnicornontheJayneCob

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You heard it here first, people. Moms are done with mugs.

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Right In The Feels

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Photo credit should read Haziq Qadri / Barcroft India / Barcroft Media via Getty Images
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"I want a call from my kid in which he says 'I love you' first, not just after I say it." —TheNotUptightMe

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Well, that one hit us right in the feels.

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A Clean House

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Photo by: Jim Lane/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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"One night in a hotel to sleep. And to come home to a clean house that wasn't cleaned by me." —__mamabear

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A clean house really is the best gift you could give your mom.

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Gamer Mom

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"A new PS4. I'm sick of sharing mine with my kids and my husband.

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I want a new one that I'll set up in my bedroom and declare a Fortnite-free device." —all_in_green

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A Simple 'Thank You'

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Mother's day greeting card. Vintage chalkboard with handwriting lettering Happy mother's day with spring apple flowers and petals as heart shape over pink marble background. Flat lay, space
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Photo by: Natasha Breen/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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"Just to feel like I'm appreciated. Maybe a simple 'Thank you for always doing this,' or 'Thank you for being there when this happened.'" —KingOfThePillows

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Just say thank you to your mother.

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Visit Your Mom

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Father reads the post while mother stands to pour a drink for one of the three children. Their clothing and the radio in the background suggest a comfortable income. The family grouping of a husband, wife and two or three children appears most often in the work of Photographic Advertising Limited. The company, founded in 1926, created multi-purpose stock images with the potential for selling a range of products. Whilst enjoying its greatest success during the 1930s, it continued in business until 1977. Their trademark, the staged studio photograph resembling a film still, was its selling point and, later, its downfall.
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"I want my adult kids to come home and visit. I want my driveway filled with cars and my house filled with noise.

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But since they live out of state, they'll call instead, and that will be enough." —maliwaliwali

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A Day Off

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Visting Mothers Through Their Windows
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"A day off. But a proper day off, where they actually take care of everything I do — not just doing nothing on Mother's Day to do twice as much to catch up the day after." —Kayno-way

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A Real Photoshoot

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LAPD officers deliver flowers to deserving mothers.
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Photo by Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images
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"I want a picture of my son and me. I'm a single mom, so all of our pictures are selfies, and I would love for someone to offer to take our picture instead."

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—oliversmamabear

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Quality Time

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Mother and son having breakfast on holiday in Thailand.
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Photo by: Godong/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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"I don't care about gifts of any kind, permanent or perishable — if I want something I'll buy it myself.

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I just want us to spend some time together." —Pyrrhape

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Some Peace Of Mind

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"For someone to take over the mental load for one day. My son has ADHD and rides the spectrum, and my mother has Alzheimer's.

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I would love to leave the house knowing that they are safe, without having to call several times a day to check." —UrsulaSeaWitch

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Hide Yo' Ice Cream

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Mother's day greeting card. Wooden letters MOM with spring apple flowers and petals as heart shape over pink marble background. Flat lay, space
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"To not have to hide in the bathroom to eat ice cream or sweets by myself.

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My 3-year-old can hear the wrapper on a Klondike bar from a mile away." —mrschukchuk

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Some Relief Would Be Nice

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"I'm eight months pregnant with a 3-year-old. A cure for heartburn, acid reflux, and leg cramps would be nice." —Savetheturtles

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If only it were possible to give this mom what she desires most.

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No Fighting

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"Just a day where I get home from work and they've done their chores and aren't bickering over anything." —BlueMaboo

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Yeah, a peaceful home would be a great Mother's Day present.

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Moms Don't Get To Spoil Themselves

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"Finances are tight, so I like to re-up my favorite skincare products for Mother's Day/Christmas gifts. I don't just buy them myself whenever I want.

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I always appreciate a good coffee & flowers." –knotdjuan

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An Outing To The Local Plant Nursery Is A Nice Idea

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"Every Mother's Day, I take my mom to her favorite plant nurseries and buy her whatever plants she wants. She has a garden every year, and Mother’s Day is the kick-off!" – actualchristmastree

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Not only can she pick out what she wants, but the outing is a great way to spend time together.

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Don't Underestimate The Value Of Alone Time

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"I want a day to be me. No social or family or work or household obligations. Get the house cleaned, manage the family responsibilities for that day like feeding everyone, and give me mental space to do whatever my heart desires that day." – MTheWan

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Massages Are Classic Gifts For A Reason

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"A massage. And childcare while I get a massage. And then a bit of extra time afterwards to get a coffee and stare into space." – kdowtf

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Make sure you book the massage for your mom so she doesn't have to go through the trouble of making the appointment.

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A Lot Of Moms Love A Good Puzzle

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"A jigsaw puzzle and some quiet time to work on it." – MeapsFan

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The key here is the "quiet time to work on it," so make sure to factor that into your gift and Mother's Day plans.

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Bust Out The Cleaning Supplies

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"I want a clean, decluttered house and things knocked off the to-do list (ex. mulch the yard, replace the bathroom exhaust fan, vacuum the car interior, etc.). Coffee and a walk outside with the family would be nice, too. I frankly don't want more things - I am already overwhelmed with the amount of stuff that needs putting away on a daily basis." –hashbrownhippo

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Homemade Gifts Come From The Heart

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"I love personal gifts like a handmade card, a handwritten letter, or a framed photo. It can also be an illustration or any other personal touch." – GreenIsThe

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Most moms just want to see you put in some effort. That is the greatest gift of all.

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You Can't Go Wrong With Brunch

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"Recently, the specific gift that was well-received (so much so that an exact repeat was requested the following year and the year after!) was a bottomless brunch (both drinks and food, so no decisions required) and tickets to a day-long local house & garden tour (so she can get inspo for her garden, but no sweating required). Plus handling all the logistics, which for us means the adult child does the driving and drops her off in front of the brunch spot before parking the car." – justaprimer

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Give Mom An Extended Break

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"Maid service for a month and a delivery, fold and wash laundry service for a month. Having a break from the things I hate most that take the most time and energy, plus having a nice, clean living space." – robohiest

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Car Detailing Is Quickly Becoming A Hot Mother's Day Gift

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"I want my car detailed. Get all the crumbs out of my back seat please!" – ZeusIsAGoose

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Especially with families who have young kids, car detailing can go a long way to get all those crumbs and mushed up snacks out of the mats.

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The Simple Things Mean The Most

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"I want a call from my kid who's out of state and lunch with the kid who's here." – Dang_It_All_to_Heck

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Even if you can't be with your mom on Mother's Day, calling her would mean so much!

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Many Moms Don't Splurge On Haircare Because Of Fiances

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"A gift card for a hair cut and dye is what I asked my husband for." – Sahmstarfire

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This is a great option because your mom will feel pampered and it is a practical gift, as well.

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Jewelry Is A Classic Option

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"Beautiful meaningful jewelry that lasts. Something that represents her." – SAVOIR-

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Try purchasing something from local makers who offer more unique options. These pieces can seem more personal than something from a mall's jewelry store.

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Nothing Beats A Day In Bed

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"I really just want a day in bed, not doing much. Someone else take care of the baby, feed me my favorite foods, let me play some games, or read a book without interruptions." – frozen_spirits