What’s the best Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received?
We asked Life Kit’s audience this question to inspire those who aren’t sure what to get the moms in their life for Mother’s Day on May 10. Many readers shared how much they enjoyed small but thoughtful gestures, like a heartfelt note. Others appreciated when loved ones planned a big outing. Before you get “Mom” tattooed on your chest or buy the mug that says “I ❤️ Nana,” check out these heartwarming stories. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
A comforting recipe
My baby was three months old when I celebrated my first Mother’s Day. I was exhausted and overwhelmed as I adjusted to my new life. As a gift that year, my dearest friend sent me her homemade chicken soup recipe with a little note expressing her confidence in me (“she’s so lucky to have you as her mom”). It conveyed a trust in my ability to mother that I didn’t have yet. It meant the world to me. I have been making the soup for 15 years now. I keep that email with the recipe and the note in my recipe binder, even though I know it by heart now. —Tory Brogan
A note of appreciation
The best Mother’s Day gift I ever received was an email from my 33-year-old daughter. She acknowledged how much of a brat she was at times growing up and the sacrifice I made as a single mom to raise her to be a successful, educated professional. It made me cry! —Cindee Robertson
A canyoneering trip
My favorite Mother’s Day gift was given to me last year by my son, Cole. He and his friend Jackson invited their mothers to a canyoneering weekend. Paula and I were treated to a weekend of camping, good food and adventure by our boys (age 24 … men). They arranged campsites, planned and prepared the menu, and carefully researched the routes. Paula and I were thrilled to spend that much time with our sons outdoors and to be introduced to a pastime they enjoy by doing it together. —Liz Taylor
My kid’s best effort
When my two sons were three and four, they helped my husband prepare breakfast in bed. They excitedly presented it, wished me “Happy Mother’s Day,” and told me they hoped I enjoyed my “cramps” [crepes]. They were the best raspberry and hazelnut “cramps” I ever had! —Jennifer West
A homemade meal
My two sons were in their early 20s and trying to make ends meet. They made brunch together. The main dish was a vegan pot pie decorated with leftover puff pastry that spelled out “MOM.” Then my oldest son said, “Did you notice the word also spells ‘WOW’ when you look at it from this side?” My youngest said, “We meant to do that.” My eyes filled with tears. —Alice Bayerl
A surprise visit
I had always been with one of my two daughters or my own mom for Mother’s Day. One year I was alone and not looking forward to it. At 7:40 a.m., the doorbell rang. To my surprise and delight, there was my college kid with a balloon and a card. Bari had gotten up at the crack of dawn and driven home from Long Island for the day. I don’t recall the rest of the day exactly — most likely Scrabble, lots of laughter, a quick dinner — and then she went back to college. That was my best Mother’s Day gift. —Trish Morchower
Their pride and presence
My adult children were all there for my big night when I received my master’s degree last year. It was especially meaningful because my course of studying had been interrupted by a stroke I had to recover from. They were so proud of me and that gift was precious beyond measure. —Jules Hathaway
Thank you to everyone who took the time to write to Life Kit.
This story was edited by Meghan Keane. The visual editor is CJ Riculan. We’d love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected]. Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit.