8 Mother's Day Gifts to Never Buy, According to Real Moms

We asked real moms what they actually want for Mother's Day, and what you should skip.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:26pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic Mother's Day gift item such as a spa robe or perfume bottle, repeated in a tight grid pattern to capture the essence of a relaxing self-care experience.A vibrant pop art celebration of the self-care gifts that moms truly want, rather than the chores they don't.Haverhill Today

In this article, we spoke to real moms and fellow Good Housekeeping parents to find out what gifts they actually want and don't want for Mother's Day. The best Mother's Day gifts should encourage moms to relax, feel luxurious, or pursue a hobby, rather than add another chore to their to-do list. Moms shared that they never want gifts like cleaning supplies, cookware, plants, generic trinkets, or activities they have no interest in.

Why it matters

Mother's Day is a special time to celebrate all the hard-working moms out there and give them a much-needed moment of relaxation and self-care. By understanding what moms truly want and don't want as gifts, people can provide thoughtful presents that make moms feel appreciated and pampered, rather than adding more tasks to their already busy lives.

The details

The article provides specific examples of gifts moms hate receiving, like vacuums, Instant Pots, plants, and generic mugs or t-shirts. Instead, moms say they want relaxing experiences like massages, facials, or hotel stays, as well as gifts that support their hobbies and interests, such as books, perfume, or workout gear for activities they already enjoy. The key is to avoid anything that feels like an added chore and instead focus on gifts that encourage moms to take time for themselves.

  • The article was published on April 10, 2026, just ahead of Mother's Day.

The players

Olivia Lipski

The author of the article and a senior reviews writer and analyst at Good Housekeeping.

Good Housekeeping

The publication that commissioned and published the article, a well-known magazine focused on home, family, and lifestyle content.

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The takeaway

This article provides valuable insights for anyone looking to give a thoughtful and appreciated Mother's Day gift. By avoiding common pitfalls like cleaning supplies, kitchen gadgets, and generic trinkets, and instead focusing on relaxing experiences, hobbies, and self-care, gift-givers can make moms feel truly celebrated and cared for on this special day.