Sentimental, self care and money can't buy: We asked mums what they really want for Mother's Day

This year will technically be my second Mother's Day, although I'm kind of counting it as my first. In 2023 I had a newborn baby so the whole day was a blur with the baby blues kicking in, crying my way through a lunch and wanting nothing more than to crawl into bed and try to sleep.When it comes to Mother's Day there are plenty of ways to celebrate, and of course there's that age old question of what to actually get the mums in your life? Well, if you're still yet to buy a gift, you're in luck because I reached out to the mums in my life to ask what they really want this year and it's a real mixed bag that's for sure – and spoiler – not all of these are things you can race out and buy on Saturday afternoon before the shops shut. READ MORE: Moana Hope reacts to same-sex book banSelf care "A massage," replied one friend who recently welcomed her second bub. "FACIAL VOUCHER! And a massage. With associated time to myself," replied another friend. READ MORE: Prince William's new title 'quite a snub' for Prince HarryIt's safe to say a lot of mums put themselves last when it comes to luxuries like this, because well, who has the time or the money right now to splash out on a massage or a facial. If the budget can stretch this far, it's definitely worth it and a gift you know she's going to appreciate. The sentimental stuff "Photos with me and my kids," a friend replied and I can safely say that this is the gift that any mum out there will cherish. At times it can feel like your husband is the sole parent because of how often us mums whip out our phones to take cute videos of them when they're with the kids. I gifted myself this for Mother's Day combined with my birthday this year and can safely say that I sobbed when the gallery arrived from the photographer over the weekend. "I'm looking forward to what the kids make for me at school and what they buy at the Mother's Day stall. They get so excited because they have gone out and done it on their own, picked it and paid for it," one friend wrote. OK, so maybe it's the first time mum in me here, but the absolute joy and excitement that I have for whatever hand-made gift I'm getting from daycare, it's really got me feeling the love already. READ MORE: The harsh lesson this Aussie learnt after her divorceMe, myself and I "A FULL nights sleep, eight hours. Uninterrupted. Followed by a child free day with no responsibilities," wrote a friend who's daughter is the same age as mine. As someone who is only just recently getting full nights of sleep, 10/10 idea. "A child free day," another replied and yes, it's a common one. Sometimes mums need a break too. "A night at a hotel on my own," one friend replied and honestly, who wouldn't love that? Order some room service, kick back in a robe and enjoy the freedom and quiet. The money can't buy stuff "A sick free winter," a friend from my mother's group replied. Imagine! The luxury of no all-nighters with coughing, sneezing, vomiting kids. Full weeks at childcare where you're not waiting for them to come home with the next virus that will no doubt wipe out the entire family as the days progress. "For someone else to take the mental load ... just for the day. There are so many freaking tabs open in my brain," a friend replied. Honestly, hands down, this is the break a lot of us mums need and the gift that would do wonders too. The mental gymnastics of planning work, school, daycare, lunches, dinners, bills, groceries and all that other stuff that comes with being a mum. Then throw in juggling weekend sport, training, bedtime, homework, how you're going to plan a lunch for Mother's Day that works with everyone's schedule, then gifts for other mums, maybe even your own and can someone else just do it? So, if you're still hunting for that perfect gift for your mum, or your partner, take some inspiration from this list. While it's not all stuff you can buy, it's stuff you can do – well, maybe except the sickness thing, that's going to require a miracle. And if you really get stuck, go with a massage voucher, just make sure she gets some extra kid-free time with it too.FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.