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Original poster

Mums of adult children, what do you want/expect on mother's day?

61 replies

BreviloquentBastard · 21/02/2023 12:42

I know it's a bit away yet but I'm hoping to field some ideas from other mums of adult children.

My mother is one of the hardest people in the world to buy for as she has everything she wants and needs, is very minimalist, doesn't like chocolate, sweets or booze, makes all her own clothes, doesn't use any makeup or hair products, has one cleanser that she always has plenty of, and always just says "oh I don't know, surprise me!"

I love her to bits, she's a wonderful mum. She LOVES mother's day and very much enjoys being spoiled but I'm totally stuck this year.

So far the only idea I've got is an afternoon tea on a steam train experience day, as she's absolutely obsessed with steam trains at the moment inexplicably. Is that lame? I don't know!

What would you be ecstatic to receive from your adult children?

OP posts:
Isheabastard · 21/02/2023 13:33

If in doubt my child and partner get me something for the garden or an indoor plant.

SomePeopleAreJustBloodyStupid · 21/02/2023 13:34

My adult sons always buy me something - either flowers, toiletries, something cat-related, or afternoon tea somewhere. I appreciate anything and everything they give me, and just a card would be ok.

Devondumplin20 · 21/02/2023 13:35

I don’t need/want/expect my adult children to spend anything, I just want to feel we have connected meaningfully in some way. So if they are at home maybe cup of tea in bed big hug. Eye contact, meaningful conversation. A card with some handwritten words. More than anything just want to hear back that I’ve done an ok job as a mum . One year my son (aged 16 at the time and had little money) sat up for hours mans made me an origami card. I still have it - the time effort and love he showed meant the world.

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Events & celebrations Families
Magenta65 · 21/02/2023 13:37

Sounds fab! My mother is similar, doesn’t want anything just says get me a card! Every years it’s different, usually a meal out or we cook for her, gifts she might like or like this year we’ve bought her tickets to a concert she has no idea about and will cook her Sunday lunch

Im99912 · 21/02/2023 13:48

I got that present for my parents afternoon tea on a steam train and they absolutely loved it . They had a fab day

my dad used to work on the trains and actually met my mum on the train 😂 so I was a ideal present for them

BigusBumus1 · 21/02/2023 13:56

An acknowledgment text from any of my 3 teenage sons would be nice...... 😓

I take my own mum out for a lovely lunch, booked weeks in advance, somewhere special instead. 😁

slavetothekittens · 21/02/2023 13:57

Being treated to lunch out by DS and then dinner with DD would be perfect. ( we like food,lol)

Quisquam · 21/02/2023 14:06

I would love a trip on a steam train with afternoon tea! We are trying to go on every steam railway in the UK!

Moonflower12 · 21/02/2023 14:09

My grown up children accompanied me on steam train ride with a stop for lunch. It was so lovely to spend the time with them and I enjoyed it so much.
They have always joked that they can never top that day. I agree and so have told them not to try. The memories of that day are so lovely.

GotABeatForYouMama · 21/02/2023 14:21

Your idea sounds lovely OP.

The 1st 3 years that DD was away at uni on Mothers day I did get cards, although they were either late or didn't have the correct postage so I had to collect the card from the local sorting office and pay the excess postage and £1 on top. TBH I'm just happy she now sends me one that I don't end up paying for. 😂

LibertyLily · 21/02/2023 14:57

A card or phone call on Mother's Day would be lovely...haven't received either for a few years (one adult DS here).

But as you're obviously way more thoughtful @BreviloquentBastard the steam train idea sounds lovely!

Ragwort · 21/02/2023 15:03

DS is at Uni so I won't see him on the day, but a card and a phone call would be nice. If he was at home I would love my car to be valeted wishful thinking.

My own DM is very low key and really doesn't want any more 'stuff' in her life so I give her a card and she joins us for lunch (which I cook Grin).

Alwaysworryingoversomething · 21/02/2023 15:57

I would love to spend a few hours with my adult daughter - just the two of us.
I suggest it occasionally but there's never time and I don't think it's top of her list of things to do!

I'm pleased to get a card on Mothers Day. There have been a couple of times when I haven't over the years but generally she does send a card.

My mum will have an obvious sulk if she doesn't receive a card + something on the day.

Original poster
BreviloquentBastard · 21/02/2023 17:37

Steam train experience it is, thank you all, I hope she enjoys it!

OP posts:
Lulu1919 · 21/02/2023 17:56

An afternoon tea somewhere lovely would be perfect for me
If my adult children took me out for lunch or just coffee and cake .
Its the time they would give me that I'd enjoy

UsingChangeofName · 21/02/2023 18:04

Cards.

I'd rather they saved their money, and, if they wanted to, bought me some daffs another week when the prices haven't rocketed.

Rellywobble · 21/02/2023 18:05

I am working on Mothers Day and all my children are away skiing or working so it will be a non event for me .
Usually I would enjoy going out for Sunday Lunch and having a card.
My darling Mum when she was alive was quite dismissive of Mother’s Day but I always had her over for lunch.

GreyCarpet · 21/02/2023 18:05

A cup of tea I haven't had to make myself or ask for.

That's all I ever want.

flutterbyebaby · 21/02/2023 18:14

Unlimited cups of tea and zero housework for me

SirChristopherWren · 21/02/2023 18:36

Your idea sounds lovely. I took my Mum on similar when she was alive.

My own DC took me for Afternoon Tea once at an an Alpaca farm which was very nice. I have also been taken on a lunch jazz river cruise on the Thames which was also very enjoyable.

When the DC were very small they helped my DH make a picnic for me and that was extremely special as they were so proud of themselves.

I hope you and your Mum have a lovely day Flowers

Motheranddaughter · 21/02/2023 18:39

Personally nothing
I have always discouraged my DC from spending money on me
A card,a phone call,that does me

I take my mother out for a posh lunch

Talapia · 21/02/2023 18:44

Time together is really precious.
The steam train idea sounds fab.

I'd like the following but some of these won't be right for your mum

Trip to seaside
Meal out ( although not on Mother's Day itself as it's too busy )
Mama Mia Experience
Cocktails
Anything I haven't had to think or plan for myself is good generally.😅

Also
Clinique make up
Jo Malone candle or diffuser

I sound very demanding 😂

I'm sure your Mum will love whatever you plan, it really is the thought and time that counts .

soboredtonight · 21/02/2023 18:55

My step son always gets me my fave wine and a box of chocolate.

I'm very happy he's thoughtful like this

Hiouo · 21/02/2023 19:13

Just a card and to see their lovely face. I know I’m loved by them daily so I don’t need anything more than that.

GoodChat · 21/02/2023 19:18

She'll absolutely love that OP, 100%!

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