Mother’s Day Gifts for Moms With Young Children

 

Here’s your permission slip, mama: it’s okay to ask for what you really want this Mother’s Day.

From one tired, grateful mama to another: gifts that speak to the heart (and lighten the mental load).

Let’s be honest, Mother’s Day hits different when you’re in the thick of raising tiny humans. You’re sleep-deprived, multitasking 24/7, and somehow keeping the whole household running with one hand and a baby on your hip.

So when someone says “What do you want for Mother’s Day?”, well, the answers get real simple:

  • A nap

  • A meal I didn’t plan, cook, or clean up

  • A little quiet

  • A little me time

  • And something that makes everyday life feel a little less overwhelming.

Advocate for What You Actually Want

Whether you’re a brand-new mom or a seasoned pro with a minivan full of car seats, your needs matter. It’s not selfish. It’s not “too much.” It’s honoring the season you’re in , and letting your people love you well.

So speak up. Be honest. Communicate clearly.
Better yet? Just forward this blog post with a little wink-wink, nudge-nudge. 😄

You deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and supported, not just on Mother’s Day, but every day.

Real-life favorites from a Portland mom who’d take a cozy cabin over a diamond any day.

Here’s a list of gifts I actually want and would 100% recommend for any mom with young kids. Spoiler: it’s light on jewelry, heavy on real-life joy. *This post contains affiliate links, which means I will earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you.

1. A Skylight Digital Calendar

This is the gift I asked for this year! I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m counting down the days. Why?

Because it syncs with our personal and work calendars and creates one beautiful family calendar that everyone can actually see. No more “What’s happening this weekend?”

It’s like taking one big chunk of mental load off your plate. Yes please. I went ahead and ordered this one as a mother’s day gift to me and maybe I’ll give it a review in a future blog post).

2. A Break (aka: a solo trip out of the house!)

Moms want a break. Moms need a break. But also? Moms want to be with their babies all the time.

It’s confusing. Welcome to motherhood. Sometimes a little push or encouragement to take a break is what she needs! Try:

  • A “kick her out of the house” send off for solo meal or brunch out with friends while you keep the kiddos busy.

  • A massage or soak session someplace like Portland’s Knot Springs

  • Just few hours out of the house doing whatever she wants while you wrangle the chaos and keep the house from falling apart.

Or if she’s more of a homebody (hi, I see you), take the kids out of the house. Give her at least four hours of uninterrupted quiet. No laundry. No dishes. No crumbs. Just her, a hot meal (delivered!), and maybe a show she doesn’t have to pause every 12 seconds.

3. Take Something Off Her Plate (Literally)

One of the best gifts? Making life easier.

  • A meal delivery subscription like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh to skip meal planning and prep.

  • A Costco Instacart membership (yes, same-day Costco delivery is a game changer I couldn’t live without).

  • A professional house cleaner, even if its just for one time deep clean.

. 4. A Pre-Planned Dreamy Getaway — Solo or with the Fam

Gift her a weekend escape and do ALL the planning (aka the mental load) for her:

  • A cozy cabin in the woods if she loves glamping like this little Sister, Oregon A-frame!

  • A VRBO with a hot tub at the Oregon Coast to relax like this one!

  • A staycation nearby in your city with room service for a night

Let her decide if she wants to go solo and soak in the quiet, or bring the whole crew along for a sweet pre-planned adventure she just has to show up for.

5. Everyday Magic (in tiny, thoughtful upgrades)

Mother’s Day doesn’t always have to be big or grand. Some of the best gifts are the ones that bring joy in the day-to-day.

6. A Flower Field Photoshoot (Just for Her + the Babies)

Want to give her something really dreamy? Surprise her with a photogrpahy gift card for a session in a summer flower field like lavender, wildflowers, or golden sunflowers.

These are the sessions that feel like magic. She gets to dress up a little, cuddle her babies, and be fully in the frame not just behind the phone camera. It’s a celebration of motherhood she’ll never forget… and the photos will be treasured forever. (Psst: you can book this through me starting Thursday, May 8 or grab a gift card now!) Use code MOTHERSDAY2025 for 10% off gift cards to Elizabeth Hite Photography through Mother’s Day! Click here to grab a gift card » Learn more about Portland Oregon Newborn, Maternity, and Family Photography with Elizabeth Hite.

 

Final Thoughts: Gifts That Support, Not Just Spoil

Motherhood is beautiful, messy, exhausting, and holy all at once. So this Mother’s Day, let’s skip the pressure and give something that meets her where she’s at, something that says:

I see you.
I love you.
You’re doing an amazing job.

And you deserve a little break (and maybe a hot latte that you didn’t microwave three times).

Links to Mother’s Day Gift Ideas