If you haven’t picked up a Mother’s Day present for your mom yet, don’t panic. For one, you still have two days left. Better yet, we’ve done the hard work for you. But instead of trying to wrack our brains for what we thought moms might like, we went straight to the source and asked them.
And here’s what we learned: It’s not about spending hours at the mall looking for the perfect present. It’s about spending time with your mom, or reminding her of the times you’ve spent together in the past.
Read on for our own moms’ answers on what they’re hoping for this year and the best gifts they’ve ever received.
At this point in my life I’m so tired of cooking that any gift that keeps me from having to make dinner is perfect. Whether that’s my daughter making dinner for the family, us getting a personal chef for a few nights, or being taken out to a nice dinner doesn’t matter to me—as long as I don’t have to be in the kitchen. And if that nice dinner was accompanied by a stay at a fancy hotel and a massage, that wouldn’t be too bad either.”
Joanne Greenawald
Mom of Erin Greenawald, Associate Editor
Nothing tops the photo books Niki makes for me each year using photos from the Christmas holiday we take as a family in the Caribbean. She won’t let me see any of the photos until she gifts me with the albums, so I look forward to Mother’s Day each year so I can finally see all the photos from our trip! They are like books of sunshine!”
Pamela Lowry
Mum of Niki Lowry, Marketing and Development Strategist
When I think of Mother’s Day, a clear picture comes to mind. It is my three children, much younger than today, dressed in shorts on a beautiful sunny day, holding the leashes of the two dogs we had at the time, great big smiles on their faces, standing in the garden I love.
With the amazing technology our new family computer provided, they and their dad put this photo on a shirt, their gift to me. The white is yellowed now, and there is some mysterious stain on the front. Even with all the care I took laundering it, the photo appears grainy. Yet I know right where this shirt hangs in my closet. I look at it from time to time still. This shirt to me says, “love,” reciprocal love, the love of family, the deep connections that we always know are there, but like to look at from time to time still.”
Kathy Sicard
Mom of Emily Sicard, Associate Editor
I’ve always had a hard time picking out gifts for my mom. The older I get, the harder it is to choose a gift that will do her justice. Every Mother’s Day I go through the process and nothing ever seems to do. No material possession could adequately express how much I appreciate her love and friendship.
What my mom wants for Mother’s Day? A happy and healthy family. She wants my brother to return home safely from Afghanistan to be with his wife and baby and for me to continue finding happiness in New York City. I can’t guarantee those things, but I can say thank you mom for every thing you do for all of us.”
Liz Presson, Business Development Associate
(and Mom, Cathy Kashetsky)
It is hard to decide which Mother’s Day is my favorite. My first Mother’s Day was special because of course it was my first! Then there was the year my grandmother was dying and we knew it would be her last Mother’s Day. We had a huge family gathering at my aunt’s home and my grandmother was so happy her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were all together.
But as this Mother’s Day approaches I’ve decided it may be my favorite. All of my kids, my daughter Adrian, her husband Matt, my son Nic and his girlfriend Bonnie will be with us, as well as my mom and extended family members celebrating together at one of our favorite vacation spots. And in the future I’m sure I’ll have another favorite Mother’s Day—when I become a grandmother!”
Karen Granzella
Mom of Adrian Granzella Larssen, Managing Editor
We didn’t really celebrate Mother’s Day in our family—the true celebration was every day in the kitchen, the center of family togetherness. I miss the hot vanilla milk, the cups of hot cocoa, the pots of tea, as well as all the kisses, hugs, and chatting around the table.”
Alix Cavoulacos
Maman of Alexandra Cavoulacos, Co-Founder & COO
The best Mother’s Day present would be for all my kids to be home with me. The last time we were all together on this day was almost 8 years ago. Everyone has their own lives now, but it’s so great when we can all be together.”
Juanita McCreery
Mom of Melissa McCreery, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief
The best Mother’s Day present I ever received was becoming a mother to Kathryn and her brother, William! God blessed me the day I became a Mom, and every day since. I had no idea how incredible the ride would be and I’m grateful!”
Terri Minshew
Mom of Kathryn Minshew, Co-Founder & CEO
