Crack the Code: 29 of the Best Mother’s Day Gifts Based on Your Mom’s Love Language
By Sam Cohen
May 3, 2023
Searching for a Mother’s Day gift can be terrible.
Yup, we said it.
Odds are that your mom—like ours—is hard to buy for. Either she has everything she needs, or she doesn’t ask for anything. To make this search even more nuanced, it means a lot to us to give her something she’ll like.
So when we started to put together a Mother’s Day gift guide (P.S. Mother’s Day is May 14), we decided to do something different. Something that would give us a better shot at getting the perfectly unique gift for our perfectly unique mom. Something tailored to the mama figure in everyone’s life, based on how that person shows up in their lives.
We shopped by love language.
If you’re not familiar with love languages, the TL;DR is this: Every person expresses love and care according to their own “love language.” There are five: words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts. (See the bottom of this story for the history and sources behind the idea.)
Not sure about the love language for the mother figure in your life? Take the quiz here, or read the examples below:
Words of Affirmation: texts you to say she’s proud of you; gives the best birthday cards; used to slip notes into your lunchbox; always quick with a compliment (cough, would love a compliment from you from time to time, cough)
Quality Time: asks you to put your phone away during gatherings; loves game nights with the whole family; shows up at every school play or sporting event; looks forward to family movie night (cough, gets a little too into making sure everyone will be together for the holidays, cough)
Physical Touch: group hugs; puts her hand on your shoulder when she’s speaking to you; gives back massages; is an easy cuddler (cough, you’re never too old to hug your mother, cough)
Acts of Service: does your laundry when you’re home on spring break; makes sure your favorite cereal is always in the pantry; keeps the gas tank full in the family car; drops off dinner when she knows you’ve had a long day; sends you a Starbucks gift card when you’re stressed and far away (cough, occasionally implies that no one ever helps her out around the house, cough)
Receiving Gifts: buys you your favorite snack without you asking; loves to be surprised with flowers for no reason; hangs onto keepsakes and mementos more than other people might; always makes sure your birthday is extra special and personal (cough, can spot a thoughtless gift a mile away, cough)
Words of Affirmation Gifts
Words of Affirmation is considered the first love language. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a thoughtful text, or a time to sit down and share how they feel, it’s all about expression.
Note: Even a simple “I love you” or “I’m grateful for you” can go a long way. Authenticity is key when expressing how you feel to your mom or mother figure.
Here’s a gallery of “Words of Affirmation” gift ideas, followed by their links just below:
To tell the dog mom in your life I see you and I appreciate you <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwuncommongoodscomproductdog face pillowclickid=xn32DcRxkxyNWkjxFl0VBVOpUkAQ8NS9M05IXA0irgwc=1utm source=Hearst20Magazinesutm medium=affiliatesutm campaign=8444utm term=Online20Tracking20LinktrafficSource=Impactsharedid= target= blank>Personalized Dog Face Pillow<a>For them to do <a href=httpswwwamazoncomstoresQuestions About MeauthorB08NC22ZLHref=ap rdrstore ref=ap rdrisDramIntegrated=trueshoppingPortalEnabled=true>Life Story books<a> <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwamazoncomOne Line Day Five Year Memorydp0811870197ref=sr 1 6crid=2DE4E6EDSLUJQkeywords=line+a+dayqid=1682447684sprefix=line+a+day2Caps2C129sr=8 6 target= blank>One Line A Day 5 Year Journal<a>For them to do <a href=httpswwwamazoncomstoresQuestions About MeauthorB08NC22ZLHref=ap rdrstore ref=ap rdrisDramIntegrated=trueshoppingPortalEnabled=true>Life Story books<a> <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwamazoncomOne Line Day Five Year Memorydp0811870197ref=sr 1 6crid=2DE4E6EDSLUJQkeywords=line+a+dayqid=1682447684sprefix=line+a+day2Caps2C129sr=8 6 target= blank>One Line A Day 5 Year Journal<a>For you to do <a href=httpswwwamazoncomdp1601065655linkCode=ogitag=prevention auto 20ascsubtag=5Bartid7C2141g231203275Bsrc7C5Bch7C5Blt7C5Bpid7Cbbefa08b 83f2 4cb2 9852 6827a1f02b37>Fill In The Blank<a> BookTo wear her words on her sleeve An <a href=httpswwwetsycomlisting1346496052customizable grandma embroideredga order=most relevantga search type=allga view type=galleryga search query=mothers+day+giftsref=sr gallery 1 19frs=1etp=1sts=1organic search click=1>embroidered crewneck<a> sweatshirt or a <a href=httpswwwetsycomlisting967838657mothers day custom bracelet mom braceletga order=most relevantga search type=allga view type=galleryga search query=mothers+day+giftsref=sr gallery 1 35pop=1organic search click=1>custom bracelet<a>To wear her words on her sleeve An <a href=httpswwwetsycomlisting1346496052customizable grandma embroideredga order=most relevantga search type=allga view type=galleryga search query=mothers+day+giftsref=sr gallery 1 19frs=1etp=1sts=1organic search click=1>embroidered crewneck<a> sweatshirt or a <a href=httpswwwetsycomlisting967838657mothers day custom bracelet mom braceletga order=most relevantga search type=allga view type=galleryga search query=mothers+day+giftsref=sr gallery 1 35pop=1organic search click=1>custom bracelet<a>
Next up is Quality Time. This love language is pretty straightforward—spending quality time together (without phones) is most meaningful to these moms. The key here is paying attention without distractions.
Being wholly present, even for a few minutes, can make a huge difference.
Set up a <em>Real Housewives<em> marathon for you and your mom andor pick up a copy of <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpsbookshoporgpbooksnot all diamonds and rose the inside story of the real housewives from the people who lived it dave quinn15647226ean=9781250765789 target= blank><em>Not All Diamonds and Rosé The Inside Story of the Real Housewives from the People Who Lived It<em><a><em> <em>to gossip about togetherSmores and a <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpsgoredirectingatcomid=74968X1576256url=https3A2F2Ffood52com2Fshop2Fproducts2F9727 flikr fire personal concrete fireplace3Fsref=https3A2F2Fwwwpreventioncom2Flife2Fg231203272Funique gifts for mom who has everything2Fxs=1xcust=5Butm source7C5Butm campaign7C5Butm medium7C5Bgclid7C5Bmsclkid7C5Bfbclid7C5Brefdomain7Cwwwgooglecom5Bcontent id7Cd5dfc27c 0d4f 4d6c 9bd0 302af27a97145Bcontent product id7Cfd70c7b1 02ee 4a01 bd60 61d0f903fe915Bproduct retailer id7Cf155dc28 fb30 4a02 90ad 61428bdae0645Blt7C target= blank>personal fireplace<a> anyone This is perfect for all the little outdoor nooks where she likes to gather with friendsMake your own candle at home preferably together with <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpssiblingscoproductsscent no 01sscid=41k7 z7qsrutm source=ShareASaleutm medium=Affiliateutm campaign=314743 target= blank>these super cool kits<a> that come in a variety of scentsFor the mystery lover who wants to hang out and play games <a href=httpswwwuncommongoodscomproductmurder mystery jigsaw puzzleclickid=xn32DcRxkxyNWkjxFl0VBVOpUkAQ8P1BM05IXA0irgwc=1utm source=Hearst20Magazinesutm medium=affiliatesutm campaign=8444utm term=Online20Tracking20LinktrafficSource=Impactsharedid=>Murder <a><a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwuncommongoodscomproductmurder mystery jigsaw puzzleclickid=xn32DcRxkxyNWkjxFl0VBVOpUkAQ8P1BM05IXA0irgwc=1utm source=Hearst20Magazinesutm medium=affiliatesutm campaign=8444utm term=Online20Tracking20LinktrafficSource=Impactsharedid= target= blank>Mystery<a><a href=httpswwwuncommongoodscomproductmurder mystery jigsaw puzzleclickid=xn32DcRxkxyNWkjxFl0VBVOpUkAQ8P1BM05IXA0irgwc=1utm source=Hearst20Magazinesutm medium=affiliatesutm campaign=8444utm term=Online20Tracking20LinktrafficSource=Impactsharedid=> Jigsaw Puzzle<a> or the <a href=httpswwwuncommongoodscomproductat home murder mystery theater edition>At Home Murder Mystery Theater <a>Did someone say <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwyelpcomnearmesalsa lessons target= blank>salsa lessons<a>Have you done an <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwyelpcom target= blank>escape room<a> together <em>No<em> Do it Do it now Yes theyre cheesy Who cares
Have you done an escape room together? No?!? Do it. Do it now. (Yes, they’re cheesy. Who cares?)
Physical Touch
Physical Touch is the third love language. You know those people who are just made for bear hugs, pull-in-tights, and “c’mere kiddo“? These are for them:
A <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwyelpcom target= blank>spa<a> gift card<a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwyelpcom target= blank>Manipedi<a> gift card for her favorite salonA <a href=httpswwwamazoncomdpB0BBVYPF5RlinkCode=ogitag=womansday auto append 20ascsubtag=5Bartid7C10070g432996985Bsrc7C5Bch7C5Blt7C5Bpid7Cfbf66c21 a729 48d7 9262 816ea6dec387th=1>calming eye <a><a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwamazoncomdpB0BBVYPF5RlinkCode=ogitag=womansday auto append 20ascsubtag=5Bartid7C10070g432996985Bsrc7C5Bch7C5Blt7C5Bpid7Cfbf66c21 a729 48d7 9262 816ea6dec387th=1 target= blank>massager<a>One of these <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwamazoncomdpB073429DV2tag=thestrategistsite 20ascsubtag=stpcjikjvjht000vfby6avp0akg6i135576vau4twrgooglecomdDzm target= blank>highly rated<a> <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwamazoncomAlansma Weighted Blanket Premium ComfortdpB07RT9981Zref=sr 1 16keywords=weighted+blanketqid=1682541758sr=8 16 target= blank>weighted blankets<a>
The fourth love language, Acts of Service, is the epitome of “actions speak louder than words.” Simple everyday gestures, like cleaning the kitchen without being asked, or bringing mom another cup of coffee in the morning, go a long way. So will these:
<a href=httpslegacyboxcom>Digitize<a> old home movies and photos for herPorch pots with plants and flowers in themClutter busters and practical gifts like this <a href=httpsacod3yh3ESU>portable phone keyboard<a>Clutter busters and practical gifts like this <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwamazoncomdpB078J6FXMNtag=thestrategistsite 20ascsubtag=stpciwasq430000qz3y7zt7yud4piVebPnWvau3twrgooglecomdDzm target= blank>personal heater<a>A <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpsnymagcomstrategistarticlebest smelling candleshtml target= blank>quality<a> <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwnytimescomwirecutterreviewsbest candles target= blank>candle<a> shed never buy for herself but also doesnt smell grossA <a href=httpswwwhatchcorestore>Hatch alarm clock<a> so she can wake up feeling restful and calm
A qualitycandle she’d never buy for herself and also doesn’t smell gross.
A collection of cards she can send to people for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
Receiving Gifts
The fifth love language, Receiving Gifts, is all about showing your appreciation with a thoughtful present. You don’t have to invest in anything expensive. The idea here is to pick something that reflects one of your mom’s interests, or that will simply delight her. Like, for example, one of these:
<a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwamazoncomdpB08DG9BLYGtag=thestrategistsite 20ascsubtag=stpciwasq430000qz3y7zt7yud4piEatD7Wvau3twrgooglecomdDzm target= blank>Retro roller skates<a> because some moms just need themGood quality <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwray bancomusasunglasseswomen s target= blank>sunglasses<a> did you know <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwreicomcwomens sunglasses target= blank>REI has a selection<a> of low cost high cool sunnies<a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwetsycomlisting1216601114personalised childs drawing wooden wallref=anchored listing target= blank>Personalized wooden wall print of childs drawing<a> for moms who appreciate presents and are sentimental<a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwmonicavinadercomusdiamond essential banglegold vermeil diamond essential bangle diamond target= blank>Cool classic jewelry pieces<a> pro tip engrave the piece to make it even more personalA <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwetsycomlisting803659941monogram iphone case personalized largeutm content=S 3455358utm custom1=3455358source=awutm source=affiliate windowutm medium=affiliateutm campaign=us location buyerutm content=323691utm term=0awc=6220 1682447762 87c72d33fa7e016d6aa027c510ecd82b target= blank>cute monogrammed phone case<a> that puts her front and center<a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwetsycomlisting951878490custom family portrait with pets mothersutm content=323691utm custom1=3455358source=awutm source=affiliate windowutm medium=affiliateutm campaign=us location buyerutm term=0awc=6220 1682447553 8f90c00c3fa00c8e4e61bbb6fb16e705 target= blank>Family<a> or <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwetsycomlisting617747303custom house portrait in watercolorutm content=323691utm custom1=3455358source=awutm source=affiliate windowutm medium=affiliateutm campaign=us location buyerutm term=0awc=6220 1682447453 3a97a8f6cb00dfb40886559cbb035c1d target= blank>home<a> portraits are meaningful presents that last a lifetime<a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwamazoncomdpB01M0TNNIFtag=thestrategistsite 20ascsubtag=stpciwasq430000qz3y7zt7yud4pimYce7yvau3twrgooglecomdDzm target= blank>Weighted hula hoop for fun workouts<a>For something a little fancier you cant go wrong with <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwamazoncomdpB07676Z1LMtag=thestrategistsite 20ascsubtag=stpciwasq430000qz3y7zt7yud4piSF13Urvau3twrgooglecomdDzm target= blank>Chanel hand cream<a>Good quality <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwray bancomusasunglasseswomen s target= blank>sunglasses<a> did you know <a rel=noreferrer noopener href=httpswwwreicomcwomens sunglasses target= blank>REI has a selection<a> of low cost high cool sunnies
Family or home portraits are meaningful presents that last a lifetime.
In 1992, counselor Gary Chapman wrote a book called “The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate.” In it, he suggested that the way to someone’s heart is to observe the way they care for others, and to mirror it back to them. Another approach to learning someone’s love language? Listen to what they complain about most. If your friend notes that they’re the only one in their house who loads the dishwasher, they might care a lot about acts of service. If your partner wishes you’d cuddle more, their love language might be physical touch.
A 2006 study found that the Five Love Languages might be more measurably useful than other ways to communicate affection. While it’s not a replacement for really getting to know someone, it can be a smart way to learn about how they see the world—and it’s just as handy for explaining your outlook on life to the people you care about.
Want to learn more? Here’s the website. In the meantime, happy Mother’s Day shopping!