While I still maintain that Mother’s Day is (or should be) every day of the year, Mother’s Day is quickly approaching and I’m ready to get the celebration started! I’m a firm believer that Mother’s Day should be celebrated in whichever way the individual mother feels is most enjoyable for her…without judgement. I’ve spent Mother’s Day without my kids on years where I felt extremely overwhelmed and touched-out– and I’ve spent others going on adventures or planning activities to enjoy with my kids. Neither is more correct.

I think in our culture we put so much pressure on a really unrealistic version of Motherhood. We are quick to applaud the mothers with minimal help who seem to get it all done without raising their voices, taking any shortcuts, or complaining about the downsides. These figures seem more like fictional Saints than actual human women. But we are expected to aspire to this level of selflessness. To be frank, I don’t think it’s good for children to see their mothers giving up everything and absorbing stress. I think children need to watch us work through real, human emotion. I think they need to watch us make mistakes, and find solutions. I think they need to watch us regulate, to learn how to do it themselves. I hope that when my children are grown and make their first (or tenth) learning pains mistake that they remember their Mom made some too. I hope they are used to giving themselves grace because I gave the same to myself.

Anyway, my point is that it’s so important to celebrate ALL forms of Motherhood…and all types of mothers. And if your version of Mother’s Day is partying with your Mom Friends sans kids…do that! If it’s hiding from your entire family at a spa so you can finally be alone…DO THAT! And, needless to say, if your idea of the ideal Mother’s Day is spending it snuggled up with your children…by all means go crazy. I just want to make sure we are all out here making this day what it really needs to be for our personal needs, and not what society tells us is best!

What I do wholeheartedly agree with society on, HOWEVER, is that Mother’s Day is also about GIFTINGGGG. You better be getting “Yo Mama” something fab, and also something for yourself! Let’s not forget to celebrate ourselves, and all of the Moms, Grandmas, and mother figures in our lives. Here are all my favorite gifts for treating the ones you love this Mother’s Day. Let me know which ones are your faves!

Shop the entire gift guide

Photographs by Julia Dags | Copyright © 2025 Happily Brenda After, Inc. All Rights Reserved.