I’ve heard so many moms share very different perspectives on Mother’s Day. Some love spending the entire day with their families, while others just want some peaceful time alone. Personally, I fall somewhere in the middle. Some years, I’ve wanted to have a quiet one-on-one day with my mom or son. Other years, I just wanted to be by myself and do whatever I felt like. The point is, every mom is different.

One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that people often don’t ask moms what they actually want. It’s usually assumed that we all want brunch or a bouquet of flowers. And while some do, when’s the last time you asked your mom (or wife) what would actually make her happy? I remember one Mother’s Day when all I wanted was to stroll through a bougie neighborhood’s garage sale event — that’s it! Instead, my ex-husband decided we should redo the flower beds because he thought it would be a nice gift. I appreciated the effort, but yard work was definitely not how I wanted to spend my day.

To help make things easier this year, I’ve put together 10 ideas for celebrating your mom in a way that truly makes her feel special:

1. Ask her what she wants. It’s really that easy — and when she tells you, trust her!

2. Help the kids make a homemade gift. Whether for a mom or grandma, it’s the thought that counts. (Here’s a list of 100 ideas.)

3. Surprise her with her favorite meal or snack. Bonus points if it’s something she rarely gets to enjoy.

4. Plan a family photoshoot. It doesn’t have to be on Mother’s Day itself, but she’ll treasure the memories.

5. Treat her to something she’s always wanted to do. Whether it’s a hike or skydiving, tailor it to her interests!

6. Write her a heartfelt letter. A few genuine words can mean more than any store-bought gift.

7. Organize a girls’ weekend. Especially if you have sisters — it’ll be a fun and meaningful getaway.

8. Create an at-home spa day. If a real spa isn’t in the budget, a homemade massage, facial, or mani-pedi can be just as special. (Printable spa ideas here!)

9. Buy her an  ebook she’s been eyeing. Or surprise her with a blind date with a book experience if she prefers the real thing.

10. Finish that project she keeps mentioning. Trust me, we’d rather it be done than keep reminding you!

And there you have it — 10 thoughtful ideas to make this Mother’s Day truly meaningful. Remember, it’s not about the size of the gift, but the love and intention behind it. A mother’s love is unconditional — it’s a beautiful thing to reflect some of that love back to her too.

Let me know what you think of my list in the comments. Wishing you all a very Happy Mother’s Day!