Survey reveals the worst gifts received by mums for Mother’s Day
In 2022 I surveyed women around the world to find out about their experiences both buying gifts for Mother’s Day and receiving them too. I wanted to understand the challenges faced by us offspring as gift-givers, so I could provide solutions to the problems we face when choosing gifts. I often struggle to find a suitable gift, I also wanted to find out exactly what mothers out there want to receive as a gift.
In the current financial climate, it’s difficult to make good choices for an appropriate gift for your mum. People have less to spend and want to spend it wisely.
The results of my survey highlighted the worst the gifts mothers had received and in some cases didn’t receive anything at all, not even a card! As part of my solution to the problem of “what to buy for Mother’s Day gifts”, I also wanted to share what mums DO NOT want to receive on Mother’s Day, so keep reading to see the top ten worst Mother’s Day gifts.
During the research, I also discovered that 40% of the respondents had bought gifts for themselves before.
The Top Ten Worst Mother’s Day Gifts
1. Nothing
Mums often say they don’t need a gift and while I think this is a true sentiment, she deserves a small token of appreciation even if she does not think it necessary.
Alternative:
If you lack funds bake Mum her favourite cake, or cookies as a gift. This article by the Independent revealed most mums will eat anything made by their kids no matter how bad it looks or tastes, so even if you have never baked before your mum will appreciate the sentiment and at least try it.
2. Appliances for the Home or Kitchen
If Mum needs a new hoover, iron, or any other appliance save it for another day, because it is not a gift for Mother’s Day, her birthday or Christmas.
Alternative:
If you want to buy her something practical, choose a keyring instead.
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3. Self-help or Improvement Books
Your mum may have a few at home already but, you should never gift these for Mother’s Day. Buy her a bunch of flowers instead.
Alternative:
Why not buy Mum something bright and cheerful that shows you care for her wellbeing with one of these knitted hats?
4. Anti-aging Products
You will undoubtedly be bombarded with this type of product through advertising and in-store promotions running up to Mother’s Day. Don’t fall into this trap. Anything related to anti-ageing or beauty products should be avoided as a gift. If your mum needs a little pampering then opt for an afternoon of self-care at home, a visit to a spa, or go to your local nail bar for an inexpensive treat and some quality time together.
Alternative:
Funky earrings make great Mother’s Day gifts.
5. Cookery Lessons
Mums still do the majority of cooking in most households (but I’m glad to say not in mine!) and unless your mum has specifically asked to do a cookery class to learn a new skill, or you are doing the class together to spend some quality time together doing something you both love, then cookery classes are not a great gift for Mother’s Day.
Alternative:
Cookie-shaped earrings or a soft scarf necklace that looks like cookie dough or coconut ice are gifts that reflect a foodie’s taste for delicious treats.
6. Diet & Fitness Products
Similarly to anti-ageing products and self-help books, any gift related to diet or fitness can leave the recipient feeling insulted. If your mum wants this kind of product she will buy it herself.
Alternative:
Get out and about and enjoy a walk together, it may be a bit chilly still so Mum will appreciate these warming gift ideas.
7. Car Accessories
Again similar to home appliances the same applies to car accessories. Yes, new tyres for the car are practical and show you are concerned about her safety, but again are not appropriate as a Mother’s Day gift.
Alternative:
If mum prefers practical over pretty, here are some suggestions for gifts with purpose.
8. Fake or Imitation designer products
Mums would prefer a smaller, inexpensive gift to an imitation or knock-off product of their favourite designer or brand.
Alternative:
These textile necklaces are unique and rival any designer brand accessory.
9. Novelty or Joke Gifts
Even if your mum has a brilliant sense of humour you should not buy her a jokey gift for Mother’s Day. A simple bunch of flowers is much more appropriate.
Alternative:
If your mum likes fun and frivolous, these earrings are the ideal gift for her.
10. Cash
If all else has failed and you don’t know what to buy for your mum, then a gift voucher for her favourite shop is a much better alternative to cash in her Mother’s Day card.
Alternative:
Share this website with your Mum and choose a gift together and sign up for the newsletter and receive a 15% discount too.
Summary
Now you know what not to buy Mum for Mother’s Day and are given some alternatives to buy instead, if you need more inspiration visit the Mother’s Day gift guide.
Mums want to feel appreciated. Make her breakfast in bed, prepare the family lunch, do the dishes for her, or just go for a walk and spend some quality time with her. She will appreciate it much more than any of the top ten worst gifts we have identified in this article and if you buy her one of the recommended alternatives she won’t be offended.
Lastly, don’t forget a Mother’s Day card. Buy a unique handmade card, which is blank inside for you to write your message. If you need tips on how to write that perfect Mother’s Day card, then you can read my blog post here.
I’m interested to know your experiences too, so join in the conversation in the comments below and if you need to drop a few hints please share this post.
à bientôt
Natalie
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