Mother’s Day comes with its own familiar script. Breakfast in bed, a handmade card, maybe a bunch of flowers and a promise that someone else will do the washing up for once.
It’s sweet, thoughtful, and (according to most Mother’s Day guides at least) it’s exactly what mums want.
But is it really?
This year, we asked the Abbott Lyon community a simple question: what do mums actually want for Mother’s Day? The answers really surprised us. While many traditions still hold a place in the day, the reality is a little more nuanced and, in some cases, quite unexpected.
Yes, mums want quality time, but they also want to feel seen. Yes, they appreciate the sentiment of a card, but they would much rather receive something meaningful they’ll treasure long after the day itself.
So, if you have ever wondered whether the usual Mother’s Day routine is enough, or whether there is a better way to celebrate the mum in your life, this one’s for you.
Are Mother’s Day Expectations Changing?
For years, Mother’s Day has followed a fairly predictable formula. A quiet morning, a thoughtful card, perhaps a family meal at home. And to be fair, many mums still enjoy those traditions.
When we asked mums how they feel about traditional Mother’s Day plans, 46% said they love them, while another 25% said they are fine but predictable. So the classic approach definitely isn’t outdated, but it may not be complete. What is changing is how mums want to feel on the day. An overwhelming 70% of respondents said the most important thing on Mother’s Day is feeling appreciated, far outweighing feeling relaxed or celebrated, and when asked to finish the sentence “My perfect Mother’s Day is…”, 60% chose thoughtful.
That word comes up again and again. It suggests that the gestures themselves matter less than the meaning behind them. A standard routine might tick the boxes, but what mums really value is when someone has clearly thought about what would make their day special. And sometimes, what they say they want does not tell the whole story. Ask most mums what they would like for Mother’s Day and you will hear the classic line: 'Oh, just a nice card will do.' But our poll suggests otherwise.
The Truth About Mother’s Day: We Asked, You Answered
To dig deeper, we asked our followers a series of questions about their ideal Mother’s Day, from how they would spend the day to the gifts they would genuinely love to receive. Here’s what they told us.
Quality Time Wins, But Not in the Way You Might Expect
When asked what they actually want this Mother’s Day, nearly two thirds (63%) chose quality time together, but that doesn’t necessarily mean staying home.
If given 24 hours entirely their own way, 45% said they would spend it exploring somewhere new, while 23% would choose dressing up and going out. So while togetherness matters, many mums also want experiences that feel special, different, or memorable. Not just another day in the house.
Breakfast in Bed Still Holds Its Charm
Some traditions remain undefeated, and when we asked how the perfect Mother’s Day morning begins, 46% chose breakfast in bed, making it the most popular option (no surprises there).
That said, 37% would actually prefer a lazy brunch out, hinting again that many mums are happy to mix tradition with something a little more exciting.
Sentimental Mums Are the Majority
One of the most revealing questions in our poll asked mums what type of mum they consider themselves. The result was clear:
-
66% identified as The Sentimental One
-
21% said they are The Stylish One
-
10% are the Adventure-Lover
-
Only 3% said they are the “please let me rest” type
This helps explain why thoughtful gestures matter so much. For most mums, the emotional meaning behind a gift carries far more weight than the price tag.
So, What Does Mum Really Want This Mother’s Day?
If there is one takeaway from our poll, it’s that mums don’t want the easiest option – they want the thoughtful one. That might mean planning something a little different or choosing a gift that feels personal. Most importantly, it means showing that you truly know them.
Plan Something That Feels Like a Treat
More than half of respondents said their perfect Mother’s Day includes a family day out (54%), suggesting many mums would happily trade a quiet day at home for something more memorable.
Whether you’re exploring somewhere new together, dressing up and going out for brunch, or planning an activity she genuinely enjoys, it doesn’t have to be extravagant. The key is making the day feel intentional and considered.
Choose a Gift That Lasts Longer Than the Day
A thoughtful piece from Abbott Lyon, whether it’s a delicate necklace, everyday bracelet, timeless earrings, or stackable rings, can become exactly that. A small reminder of the people who mean the most.
After all, 87% of mums said their ideal gift should feel meaningful. That was far more important than whether it felt fun, practical, or luxurious.
Show Her You Know Her
While the classic Mother’s Day gestures still matter, the mums we spoke to made one thing clear: they don’t just want the tradition, they want to feel understood. So when a gift reflects who she really is, whether it’s a day planned around her favourite things or a meaningful piece from the Abbott Lyon jewellery collection, that’s when Mother’s Day becomes truly special.