Welcome to the ULTIMATE Mother’s Day Guide, where I share everything I know about the holiday to help you make it perfect for the mama in your life. I’ll share how to pick out the perfect Mother’s Day card, what to say in a Mother’s Day card, and then a few gift items to think of for whomever you are celebrating with.
First off, let’s get down to the basics. Mother’s Day is a celebration of all mothers and mother figures in the world: a day to say I see you, I love you, you’re doing an amazing job. It’s for so many people, including, but not limited to, your mom, your grandma, your friend, your bonus mom, your aunt, single dads doing it all, moms-to-be, etc.
If you want to jump ahead to a certain section, click any of the following links:
- How to Pick the Right Card for Mother’s Day
- What to Write in a Mother’s Day Card
- Mini Mother’s Day Gift Guide
How to Pick the Right Card for Mother’s Day
There are two key pieces to picking out the right card: tone and relationship. However, they are very closely linked.
For tone, think about your relationship with the person - are y’all generally joking around? Do you have a sweet and sentimental relationship? Do you both hate the idea of another capitalist-driven holiday but still want to share how much you care with a well-written letter?
The tone drives the card. You’re not going to get a profanity-laden card for your grandma who has never once uttered the word “shit” to you in your lifetime.
Relationship is an easy one: who are they to you? You can get a generic “Happy Mother’s Day” card anywhere, but when you really match the card to the person, it will mean so much more. Those are the cards that get attached to the fridge for a few months, then tucked away as a keepsake forever.
I promise you and bet you $1 that you can find a card out there for every single type of relationship and tone, so get creative and plan at least 1.5 weeks ahead so that you can order a card online or stop into your local stationery store.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
What to Say in a Mother’s Day Card
You pick out the perfect card, find a pen, open up the card, and then… crickets. Your brain is utterly empty.
Here are a few things to say to certain people in your life who are mother figures. Use it in its fullest or as a jumping off point.
At the end of the day, write from your heart. If you’re unsure, start with a piece of scrap paper where you can mess up and re-do as many times as you’d like. And if you need a formula, here’s one for you:
Compliment + Favorite Memory from the last year + Looking to the future
**Everything in parenthesis is a space for you to include something personal. “XXXX” is a placeholder for a name.
What to say in a Mother's Day card to a friend:
- Watching you raise XXXX has been a joy. You are a beautiful mother, through and through, and I’ve loved watching you grow into a mom with so much grace and strength.
- Motherhood suits you so well! I know it hasn’t all been easy, but you are a damn good mother and XXXX is going to grow into such a caring and smart human from your parenting and guidance.
What to say in a Mother's Day card to mom:
- Raising me could not have been an easy feat, but I turned out alright, don’t you think? Thanks for always being there for me, teaching me how to (insert something personal here), and just loving me unconditionally. I’m the luckiest around to have someone like you on my side.
- How did I get so lucky? Thank you for being my constant - someone I could always count on to be there.
- Oh here we are, another year, another Mother’s Day. Insert cheesy saying here. But really, Happy Mother’s Day, thanks for being mine, thanks for raising me to be who I am today. You deserve so much, and to start, here’s (insert what you got here, even if it’s just a card, be silly about it if it makes sense for your relationship).
What to say in a Mother's Day card to a step mom (bonus mom):
- Having you in my life has been one of the greatest joys. I’m so lucky to have a bonus mom who treats me like her own. You are so loved and appreciated, thank you for all you do.
What to say in a Mother's Day card to grandma:
- I honestly couldn’t have asked for a more perfect grandma - you (insert something she does here), (insert something else), and (insert something else) - what more could a grandchild ask for. I love you and thank you for everything - Happy Mother’s Day!
Example from above:
I honestly couldn’t have asked for a more perfect grandma - you make the best spaghetti and meatballs, always call to check up, and raised the best kids and grandkids - what more could a grandchild ask for. I love you and thank you for everything - Happy Mother’s Day!
What to say in a Mother's Day card to your aunt:
- COOLEST AUNT EVER! Thanks for being XXXX’s sister - it really worked out perfectly for me getting an aunt like you and some pretty great cousins, too. Love you and Happy Mother’s Day!
What to say in a Mother's Day card to a single dad:
(Change this up whether he’s your dad or not)
- You do it all - and you do it so well. I know it’s not always easy, but you continue to give it all to XXXX and it shows.
- Raising me could not have been an easy feat, but I turned out alright, don’t you think? Thanks for always being there for me, teaching me how to (insert something personal here), and just loving me unconditionally. I’m the luckiest around to have someone like you on my side.
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Pewter and Sage Fresh Cut Flowers Sign
If the mama you're gifting to loves being outside or the smell of fresh-cut flowers, this rustic sign hand painted by Pewter and Sage is the perfect match.
An Amy Richards Online Watercolor Class Ticket
Amy creates the most stunning floral illustrations and also teaches others how to! If the mama in your life enjoys learning something new, this is for her! She also teaches in-person workshops in her area.
Sweary Goods from Fbombs & Booze
Nicole is such a joy, and her work is so freaking real. You'll know if her goods are right up their alley.
A Handcrafted Art Print by Lucky Dog Design Co.
A little something to decorate their walls - pick an art print that matches their personality.
Cocktail Rimming Salts from Chica Salte
I can absolutely guarantee you've never seen rimming salts and sugars quite like these! Delicious and the perfect addition to all cocktails and mocktails.
Non-Physical and Experience Gifts:
- Does the person love live music or comedy? Take them out or buy them a ticket for something in the future and stick it in the card.
- Gift them with a delicious home-cooked meal or dinner out where they don’t have to worry about anything.
- Are they a bookworm? Take them to a bookstore and buy all the books they want! You could even make it a fun game by saying they have 10 minutes to pick as many books as possible, but they have to be able to carry them all in their hands.
- Do they love adventure? Take them on a hike, kayaking, on a bike ride, followed by (or including) food!
