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

Story compliments of MixBook | 

• Poll of 2,504 respondents.
• A 'How to Cook' cookbook emerged as the 3rd least welcome gift.
• Infographic.

If you were thinking of giving your mom a vacuum or a low-carb protein powder this Mother’s Day… you might want to reconsider.

In a recent survey by Mixbook of 2,504 moms and their kids, the overwhelming consensus was clear: please stop giving gifts that scream “you should be doing more.” When asked what the worst gift to receive from their children would be, California mothers said weight loss products, while cleaning supplies were the second least welcome gifts. Trailing in 3rd behind on the “please no” list were 'How to Cook' cookbooks.

The list of worst gifts you could give your mom:

#1. Weight loss products: 33%
#2. Cleaning supplies: 29%
#3. "How to Cook" cookbook: 18%
#4. Last-minute homemade coupon book: 3%
#5. Self-help books she didn’t ask for: 6%
#6. Chocolates from another holiday: 6%
#7. Gift card to your favorite store: 3%
#8. Gas station flowers: 2%

When You Forget - and She Doesn’t

Of course, the only thing worse than giving a bad gift might be giving no gift at all. And yes, that’s happened more times than most would admit.

Over half of respondents (52%) confessed that, upon forgetting, their mom delivered the iconic “It’s the thought that counts” line. Another 14% reported that their forgetfulness has become a recurring anecdote at family gatherings (“Remember 2019? You don’t? She does.”). A lucky 34% claimed their moms didn’t even notice, though we’d argue they just didn’t say anything.

So how do children usually realize they've committed this maternal misdemeanor? Surprisingly, 35% said their mom told them directly, while 31% got called out by a sibling. Others found out through a targeted ad (24%) or the dreaded family group chat (11%) - where nothing, not even your shame, stays private.

Emergency Gifts: The Good, the Bad, the IOUs

What happens when you’ve missed the deadline but still want to save face? Panic creativity.

Quick fixes people turned to:

• Cash: 35% 
• Hugs and hopeful forgiveness: 31%
• A long, distraction-free phone call: 19%
• A handmade IOU card: 16%

And recovery strategies varied wildly:

• 49% opted for a grand gesture ASAP.
• 34% waited and overcompensated on her birthday.
• 13% tried rebranding themselves as “the spontaneous one.”
• 4% avoided all family functions for a few weeks. 

So What Makes a Great Gift?

It’s not always the biggest, fanciest present that wins the day. When moms in California were asked to name the most meaningful gift they’ve ever received, the answers revealed a heartwarming trend:

• 27.5% said a handmade gift.
• 21% said a special experience (like a brunch, spa day, or family outing).
• 16% picked a handwritten card or letter.
• 10% treasured a day where they didn’t have to do anything at all.
• Only 4% said a luxury or high-end gift stood out most.

That same sentiment showed up again when moms ranked gift preferences on a 1-to-5 scale (1 being most loved):

• Tech/luxury/subscription gifts: 2.19
• Flowers or chocolates: 2.36
• Something that makes life easier: 3.08
• A special experience: 3.65
• Personalized/handmade gift: 3.73

Turns out that even though handmade gifts are meaningful, they might not beat a smartwatch and a stress-free calendar.

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

Despite the occasional misfire, most moms are surprisingly forgiving. Over half (55%) said they appreciate any effort, even if the gift missed the mark. Another 16% said they don’t expect gifts at all. But a combined 24% admitted they’ve been disappointed - either because the gift felt rushed or wasn’t useful.

And when it comes to budgeting, most people don’t need to spend a fortune to make an impression. 42% said under $30 is perfectly appropriate, while 32% felt $31–$50 was a good range. Only 6.5% thought going over $100 made sense - suggesting that love, not luxury, is the better currency here.

What California Moms Really Want on the Day

When asked how they’d prefer to spend Mother’s Day, nearly half (46%) said they simply wanted a quiet day at home with family. A fifth (20%) said a nice restaurant meal hit the spot, while others voted for special outings (11%), big family gatherings (9%), or even a day entirely to themselves (3%) - a small but mighty group of introverts reclaiming their peace.

If they could change just one thing about how their families celebrate, 24% wished for more quality time and 20% craved an element of surprise. Better planning (15%) and help with day-to-day tasks (13%) also made the list, but a contented 28% said they wouldn’t change a thing.

Oh - and Put Her in the Picture...

One of the most underappreciated parts of Mother’s Day? Getting Mom in front of the camera instead of behind it.

• 23% said they’re usually the one taking the photos.
• 18% have to ask to be included.
• 43% said their families make sure they’re in the frame.
• 16% don’t care either way, but for the rest—it matters.

As for how photo memories are best delivered:

• 35% want a framed photo for display.
• 29% prefer a printed album or scrapbook.
• 18% are good with a digital collection.
• 9% love a video compilation.

And how does it feel to receive a personalized photo gift? A whopping 54% said it’s one of the most meaningful gifts they can get.

"Mother’s Day doesn’t need to come with a big price tag or a grand production - what moms really want is to feel seen, appreciated, and maybe not handed a mop," says a Mixbook spokesperson. "Our survey shows that a heartfelt note or a bit of thoughtful planning goes a lot further than cleaning supplies or last-minute panic gifts. This year, skip the diet tea and frame a memory instead.”