What Do American Moms Want for Mother’s Day in 2025?

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, many Americans are asking the annual question: What do moms actually want? YouGov’s latest survey reveals updated insights into how American mothers wish to spend their special day—and what gifts will bring the most joy.

Time with kids still tops the list

Above all else, moms want quality time with their children. Six in ten American mothers (61%) say they would like to spend Mother’s Day with their kids, a number virtually unchanged from last year. A third (33%) also want to see their own mothers or extended family, underscoring the day’s emphasis on family connection.

Dining out remains a favorite Mother’s Day activity. Nearly four in ten moms (38%) say they’d enjoy going out to eat or drink, although that figure dipped slightly from 42% in 2024. More moms say they’d prefer to stay at home (35%), reflecting a possible desire for low-key celebrations or comfort-focused plans.

Beauty and wellness experiences (18%) and other outings like movies or classes (18%) tie for the fifth-most-they’d like time alone, suggesting that solo time and couple time take a back seat on this family-centric occasion.

Dining out leads the gift list—again

When it comes to gifts, taking mom out for a meal or drinks (38%) remains the top pick. Flowers are a perennial favorite, chosen by 34% of mothers, followed closely by gift cards (29%)—a practical choice that also allows moms to treat themselves.

Interest in wellness or spa experiences has risen to 25%, up from 18% last year, perhaps reflecting a growing appreciation for self-care and relaxation. Receiving something handmade (25%), chocolates or sweets (24%), and even cash (23%) also earns high marks.

Gifts that carry a personal touch—like personalized items (22%), greeting cards (22%), and family photos (16%)—highlight the emotional resonance moms look for in Mother’s Day gifting. While jewelry (19%) and beauty products (15%) still make the list, they trail behind more experiential or sentimental options.

Only 10% of mothers say they would prefer not to receive any gifts, reinforcing the idea that a thoughtful gesture, however simple, can go a long way.

Find out what moms said in 2024.

Methodology: This data is based on a YouGov survey of 500 American mothers conducted online on April 4-5, 2025 via YouGov Surveys: Self-serve. Data is weighted by age, gender, race, political affiliation, education level, and region to be nationally representative of American moms.