While the typical Mother's Day gifts may please some, it’s the extra special thought that goes a long way.  Every mom is different so the key is finding what the mom in your life finds most important.  Unfortunately, it may be Johnny Depp, but since that's not possible here are a few tips on what Moms REALLY want for Mother's Day.  Hint: It’s not a kitchen appliance.  Or anything else that relates to household chores.

Here’s a list of 5 things that mothers want and need, and not just on Mother’s Day:

1. Sleep. Ask any mom and depending on the age(s) of her children, she can fill you in on exactly her amount of sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep often starts somewhere in pregnancy.  And it really never ends.

2. NOT Flowers.  Flowers are beautiful, but they're often seen as impersonal and a "last-minute-didn't-put-much-thought-into-a gift" gift. Unless the mom in your life really, really loves flowers, skip this one.

3. Something that uniquely says mom, and your particular wife, girlfriend, partner, mother, etc…, not what is mass marketed to stores for the droves of women who are mothers. Every mom wants something that says you think she's special, you know her, you get her taste, you understand her likes and dislikes, and didn’t merely settle for a gift at a stand in the mall that every mom she knows will get.

4. Jewelry almost always works. But again, know her taste. Does she like silver, gold, or white gold? Does she prefer earrings or a necklace? Try combining a remembrance of her child, in the form of a locket or charm in the piece of jewelry. There is nothing sweeter than being given a symbol of your kids that you can keep with you and wear.

5. Words. OK, this might seem too easy but really it can be more meaningful than you may think. Every mom likes to hear and needs to know that you think she is doing a good job, you appreciate everything she does day in and day out, and you value her as a partner and a mother. You can write it in a letter or a card. If you are creative, write a poem. You can simply just say in in a well-planned out time and place (think nice dinner that she didn’t have to cook over a glass (or bottle) of wine).

Being a mother is a gift in itself, but nothing feels better than having the person in your life that you love the most celebrate your unique life as a mom.

What was the worst Mother’s Day gift you ever received? What was the best? What are you hoping for this year? What do you hope you don’t get?

And Happy Mother's Day to my mom Lucy!

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