The United Kingdom is set to spend over £2 billion on Mother’s Day this year but new survey which polled 500 mothers reveals much of that money will be spent on exactly the wrong things.
It turns out that what mums want most isn’t a scented candle or a new cardigan. It’s something far simpler, and far cheaper.
What Mums Really Want
34% of British mums say the best Mother’s Day gift is quality time with their loved ones. Not a spa voucher. Not a hamper. Just time — unhurried, uninterrupted, and genuinely present.
This comes as no real surprise in an era of constant digital distraction, where family members sharing the same sofa can feel miles apart. For many mums, the greatest luxury isn’t a product at all it’s undivided attention.
A further 23% of mums say they’d love a day with no responsibilities or interruptions whatsoever — free from the invisible to-do list that seemingly never disappears, no matter the occasion.
The Gifts Worth Getting (and the Ones to Skip)
For those still committed to a traditional gift, the survey data does provide a clear hierarchy of what actually lands well. A heartfelt greeting card tops the list at 40%, proving that thoughtfulness — not price — is the real currency of Mother’s Day.
The classic bunch of flowers remains a firm favourite, with 37% of mums happy to receive a floral arrangement. Being taken out for a meal came in third at 33% — a reminder that experiences consistently outperform objects.
A personal, handmade gift from the giver proved more popular than many might expect — 26% of respondents said they’d cherish something made with care over something bought off a shelf. The message is clear: effort and thought matter more than budget.
And the gift to absolutely avoid? Clothing. Only 7% of mums said they’d welcome an item of clothing — making it the least welcome present on the list by a considerable margin.
Give Her the Day Off
Perhaps the most striking finding of all: 27% of mums say all they want for Mother’s Day is for someone else to do the cleaning.
Not a gift. Not a card. Not even brunch. Just a clean house and someone else holding the mop for once.
It’s a telling data point about the reality of modern motherhood — where even a single day’s break from domestic labour can feel like a genuine treat. For families looking to make a meaningful gesture this Mother’s Day, putting on the rubber gloves might be the most romantic move of all.
Taken together, the top three desires — quality time (34%), someone else cleaning (27%), and a responsibility-free day (23%) — paint a picture of what mums really crave: rest, presence, and relief. None of which require a trip to a gift shop.
Key Survey Insights
- 34% of mums say quality time together is the best Mother’s Day gift
- 27% just want someone else to do the cleaning
- 23% would love a day completely free of responsibilities
- 40% would happily receive a greeting card
- 37% are fans of the classic bunch of flowers
- Only 7% want to receive clothing — the least welcome gift of all
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