Five Mom Friends Reveal The Gifts They Dread
And what they want instead!
Hi there! How’s your week going?
I was cheerfully assembling a Mother’s Day gift guide, but changed course after a funny text chat with a mom friend. Besides, there are so many stellar gift guides going around already. This one from
was so thoughtful.
Instead, I asked five young moms to reveal the gifts they hate to receive. Obviously, these are not universal!
To protect these brave souls from receiving phone calls about past gifts, all five remain anonymous. Don’t worry, I also asked about gifts they love…
A (43) DOES NOT WANT BODEGA FLOWERS. 🚫🌹
Lives in Brooklyn, NY with kiddos ages 11 and 13A: The one gift I really don’t like is bodega flowers. I know they are pretty and cheap but most of them have a horrible carbon footprint (they get flown around the world!) and horrible chemicals. So I always tell my kids local flowers or no flowers.
J: Is Trader Joe’s local? What would you love to receive?
A: The local flower subscription from Molly Oliver Flowers is the ultimate splurge gift. She also does one-off bouquets.
J: Anything cheaper than $76?
A: Something to eat. A friend once had a chocolate babka delivered to my house when I was stuck at home with sick kids and it was the best.
A: I guess the theme is something to experience / things you don't have to keep forever because my apartments have always been tiny.
J: I feel you. That’s city life with our teensy apartments haha
P (36) DOES NOT WANT LOTIONS, POTIONS, OR TEA. 🚫🍵🧴
Lives in Killington, Vermont with kiddos ages 1 and 4P: I’m a unique snowflake who doesn’t do any “self care” so I don’t want spa products.
J: I can’t believe you look so amazing for free. Anything else?
P: Tea. I hate tea lol
J: Because you don’t drink tea, or because you think it’s a sad gift?
P: Both?
J: Hahaha. And what are the gifts you like?
P: Wine. From a chic winery like Scribe. LOL
P.S. Here’s the non-alcoholic sparkling wine I brought as a hostess gift for visiting P in Vermont. Chic and festive without having to ask if they’re drinking again. P also loves a homemade meal!
C (37) DOES NOT WANT CANDLES OR BLANKETS. 🚫🕯️🛌
Lives in Snohomish, WA with kiddos ages 3 and 6J: I thought you liked candles?
C: I may not like the scent and most of them are toxic. Also with kids I don't have safe spaces to burn them. With young kids getting into everything, it’s not ideal.
J: Anything else?
C: I hate receiving blankets.
J: Oh no! I got your son that cashmere baby blanket!
C: Lmfao I don't mind that one cause it gets used. I guess I'm thinking of this fuzzy pink blanket that my coworkers got me from Target.
J: Sure. (Cries inside) What are the gifts you loved?
C: I love receiving pre-made meals, or Doordash gift cards. And I want the metal Vitamix Container to replace my plastic one!
O (38) DOES NOT WANT FUNKY SCARVES OR COOL SWEATERS. 🚫🧣👚
Lives in Barcelona, Spain, with a 1.5 year old babyO: I don't like receiving clothing items, like “funky” scarves or “cool” sweaters. Unless you know me really well, don't get me anything to wear, it will just take up space in my closet… or worn on laundry day 😂
J: What would you love to receive?
O: At this point in my mumhood I would love a massage or spa voucher. You can get some here in Barcelona for under 40 euros! I pop in, 30 minutes of relaxation, and pop out.
J: Did you like the HATCH Belly Oil I got you? Be honest.
O: I really liked it, but barely used it, because I'm so tired all the time that I don't spend time taking care of myself. Like rubbing oil on my belly after a shower? Luxury!!
O: That’s why a massage voucher is great. It’s a low commitment, one time thing, unlike an expensive cream. No guilt towards myself for not having a routine, or the thoughtful person who bought it, for not using it regularly.
J: Don’t feel bad! This is great to know. Anything else?
O: I do still use the belly oil, because my stomach is flabby and I really do need to take care of it, but I'm far from being consistent
O: I wouldn't mind flowers or a good book... not that I have much time to read 🥲 but one day again!
L (45) DOES NOT WANT ANYTHING HOMEMADE. ANYTHING JANKY OFF AMAZON. OR JEWELRY UNDER $200. 🚫🖼️🎊⛓️
Lives in Bothell, WA with kiddos ages 11 and 14L: Hmm. Anything homemade. Anything janky off Amazon
J: Anything specific? Other mom friends said they hate candles, blankets, spa products, tea…
L: Oh yeah those are all bad. I’d take a spa gift card though. Oh, jewelry under $200
J: Hahaha. What can we get you for under $50 that you’d want
L: Cake from Lady M.
J: Yum!
Moms are often expected to be grateful and gracious, so it made me laugh to hear these unfiltered opinions. And the gifts they really wanted? Simple pleasures like a hot meal, wine, cake, and local flowers 🥺
Don’t despair if you’ve given gifts from the hate list, it’s possible the mom in your life loved it!
Though you could forward this letter and see what they say… Maybe it’ll spark a conversation and some laughs?
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Thanks so much for reading ❣️ By the way, I’m researching a round-up of crunchy baby toys, and it’s tough because even cotton products usually have polyester filling. Like this Sea Life Play Mat, which is so cute otherwise.
If you have any baby products you wanna rave about to the Silky Crunch community, would you send me a DM or comment below?
So far, I’m charmed by these natural fiber baby toys, and ordered “cozy bear” for my nephew (on sale for $29 from $59). Will report back.
In Case You Missed It 💌 Reader Comments
On how to look hot for under $75: “Somehow just seeing this in April, but incredible roundup of how to find a secondhand or rental dress.” -
of
On synthetic-free perfumes: “People who wear perfume need to understand that, even if they are not themselves reacting to what they are wearing, the people around them may be. I have had to leave concerts, leave plays, and ask friends to wash their perfume off because I was having a severe neurological reaction to their scent.” - Margaret
On easy cleaning solutions you can make at home: “I use old Health Aid Kombucha bottles for my cleaning sprays. Standard nozzles twist right on and it feels like I’m getting a two for one deal!” - Solana
On cotton pants from the low-plastic yogawear letter: “I like comfy clothes to lounge and they are perfect. They are big around my waist but the drawstrings work really well. The only plastic was the shipping bag they came in.” - E.
Thank you for sharing! I love that you asked real moms. I love the "something to eat" suggestion. So simple but who doesn't want something delicious?!
Is that the same NA Sparkling from Super Bowl? I loved it so much I almost felt guilty for drinking it. I had to keep reminding myself it was NA.