Diet Shakes + Cleaning Supplies Top the List of Worst Mother’s Day Gifts, According to New York Moms

We’ve all been there. Mother’s Day rolls around, and while we’re hoping for a heartfelt card, maybe a morning off from making breakfast, or just a moment to breathe, we unwrap… a vacuum. Or worse, a tub of diet shake mix. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

In a new survey from Mixbook of 2,504 moms and their kids, New York mothers made it loud and clear: please stop giving us gifts that feel like a passive-aggressive to-do list.

The top offenders? Weight loss products topped the list at 33%, followed closely by cleaning supplies (27%). And in third place? The infamous “How to Cook” cookbook (16%), a backhanded suggestion if we’ve ever heard one.

So What Makes a Great Gift?

Here's the part that warms the heart. When New York moms were asked to name the most meaningful gift they’ve ever received, the answers had little to do with price tags.

Handmade gifts topped the list at 27.5%, followed by meaningful experiences like brunch, spa days, or outings (21%). Handwritten letters came in at 16%, and 10% said their favorite gift was simply a day off from doing anything. Only 4% said a luxury or high-end gift stood out most.

READ MORE: An Open Letter to Fellow Upstate New York Moms

When asked to rank gifts by love level, personalized and handmade gifts earned the top score, followed closely by special experiences. Even tech gadgets and subscriptions couldn’t compete with something that comes from the heart.

Appreciation Runs Deep (Even If the Gift Doesn’t)

Most moms are pretty forgiving, even when the gift totally misses the mark. More than half (55%) said they appreciate the effort regardless. That said, 24% did admit they’ve felt disappointed at times, especially when a gift seemed rushed or didn’t feel thoughtful.

And moms don’t expect a big budget. 42% said under $30 is just fine, and 32% felt $31-$50 was plenty. Only 6.5% thought spending over $100 made sense, which just proves that love, not luxury, is what we’re really after.

What New York Moms Really Want on the Day

When asked how we’d like to spend Mother’s Day, the answers were refreshingly simple. Nearly half of moms said we just want a peaceful day at home with our families. Another 20% said a nice meal out would do the trick, while some wanted an adventure, a family gathering, or even, yes!, a day completely to ourselves (shout out to the introvert moms holding it down).

If we could wave a magic wand and change one thing about how our families celebrate? 24% said we want more quality time, 20% crave a little surprise, and others wished for better planning or more help around the house. But 28% of us wouldn’t change a thing, because when our families make an effort, we really do feel the love.

Oh, and Put Her in the Picture...

You know what else we’d love? To actually be in the family photos we treasure. A surprising number of moms (23%) say we’re usually the ones taking the pictures. Another 18% have to ask to be included. Only 43% say their families make sure they’re in the frame, but we know those moments matter.

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And if you’re wondering what to do with those captured memories, here’s a tip: 35% of moms said they’d love a framed photo, 29% would cherish a printed album or scrapbook, and 54% said personalized photo gifts are among the most meaningful gifts they’ve received.