When you're lucky enough to have a mother or mother figure in your life who you love, it's hard to know exactly what to get them for a Mother's Day gift or which card to choose. When there are thousands of sentimental, heartfelt, and funny Mother's Day cards to choose from, it can be an intimidating feat to choose just the right one for the woman who means the most to you in the world. In fact, it can even be hard to know what to write in a Mother's Day card. There are so many different Mother's Day poems and songs to include, but writing something directly from the heart can be a bit more difficult, especially if you aren't used to expressing yourself through writing.
As any good mom will tell you, it's always the thought that counts when it comes to these sort of gifts, but it can't hurt to take some extra time to perfect and personalize your Mother's Day gifts and letters. Whether you're writing a message to your own mother, a mother-in-law, a grandmother, or someone else altogether, here are some ideas for Mother's Day messages to share this season.
"Start from a positive place of love and gratitude — not only for what she's done as a mom, but for who she is as a person," Wendy Bomers, a senior writer at American Greetings, tells Woman's Day. According to Bomers, you should remind her that she's doing a great job, and let her know the multitude of reasons you're proud of her — reasons that go beyond what she does for you or your family. You can also begin with a memory you share together or a lesson you learned from her to make her valued.
If you're still stuck, here are 70 examples of sweet messages that will let your mama know just how much she means to you.
Mother's Day Wishes for Mom:
The day is all about her. Tell mom how much she means to you in a personal, real way. "Your mom, of all people, is someone who knows the true you," Bomers explains. "Let your writing reflect your voice, your thoughts, your heart, and your one-and-only relationship with your mom."
- For all the times I didn't say it but should have… thank you, Mom. I love you.
- I'm so lucky to have you as my mom and best friend.
- Thank you for always being there. Your support doesn't go unnoticed.
- I’m so proud to be your son/daughter.
- Thank you for being the one person who I know will always answer the phone.
- Every day I feel lucky to be able to call you Mom.
- Of all the moms in all the world, I'm so blessed that you're mine.
- The best compliment anyone can give me is to say that I'm just like you.
- Happy Mother's Day to my greatest teacher, my best friend, and my cheapest therapist.
- Mom, you were right (about everything). Happy Mother's Day.
- Mom, what's so wonderful about this card… is the person holding it!
- Happy Mother's Day to the glue that holds this family together.
Mother's Day Messages of Appreciation for Grandma:
The wise matriarch of your family deserves to know how much her role is admired and appreciated. Give your grandma a smile with a sweet note acknowledging all she does for you.
- Because of you, I got a really great mom. Thank you for everything.
- Grandma, you mean so much to me. Thank you for always making me feel special, loved, and totally spoiled.
- You’ve taught me so much about life. I will always look up to you.
- You are the heart and soul of this family.
- For the wisdom you've given to my mom, which she's passed along to me: thank you.
- How lucky I am to come from a line of incredible women.
- You've been a second mom to me all these years. I couldn't ask for anything more, Grandma.
Mother's Day Messages for Mother-in-Law from Daughter-in-Law or Son-in-Law:
If your relationship with your mother-in-law is complex, don't feel obligated to make your message more complimentary than you feel. Instead, be sincere and warm with the message you write. Focus on what's positive and true, and if nothing else, simply wish her a wonderful day.
- Out of all the mothers-in-law out there, I got the best. Have a beautiful day.
- I couldn't have joined a better or more loving family. Thank you for accepting me with open arms.
- We're so grateful for you and your love. I'm the luckiest daughter-in-law in the world.
- Hoping all the love you give comes back to you tenfold today.
- Thank you for raising such a wonderful son/daughter. I hope you have a great Mother's Day.
- One mother you have from birth, and one you get through marriage. I'm so lucky to have gotten you.
- Thank you for making me feel like part of the family from the beginning.
Mother's Day Wishes for First-Time Moms:
Being a new mom can be a scary and isolating experience. Let the first-time mom in your life know she's not alone (especially on her first-ever Mother's Day) with a message of positivity and encouragement.
- Here's hoping you are as happy as you are exhausted. I'm so proud of you.
- Your baby's already so blessed — they got the best mom in the world.
- You're doing great, Mama. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
- Watching you become a mother has been such an inspiration. Happy first Mother's Day.
- It may seem like a thankless job now, but one day, your kid will thank you for changing all those dirty diapers.
- Whatever you need and whenever you need it, know that I'm here for you, Mama.
- Happy first Mother's Day to a wonderful mom. Wishing you a day filled with love, joy, and relaxation.
Inspirational Messages for Your Mom Friend:
Got a BFF who's a mom? Let her know you see her and appreciate all that she does for her children (even if those kids sometimes force her to cancel plans with you).
- Happy Mother's Day to the mom I aspire to be one day.
- You making being a mom look effortless. How do you do it?
- Your kids don't know how lucky they are to have you for a mom.
- How does it feel to be the envy of all other mothers? Happy Mother's Day to the coolest mom I know.
- I wish you were my mom growing up. Keep on killin' it!
- If someone hasn't told you lately, know this: You're doing an incredible job.
Mother's Day Wishes for the Motherly Figure in Your Life:
Anyone who has served as a maternal role model in your life deserves a little extra appreciation on Mother's Day. Show a motherly figure in your life just how much you appreciate her by sending a warm message like one of these.
- Some mothers you're born with, some you choose. Thanks for allowing me to choose you.
- You inspire me to be a better person. Thank you for being like a mother to me.
- Happy Mother's Day to a woman I'll always admire, appreciate, and love.
- You are a blessing to your family… and to me.
- Here's to a wonderful woman in my life. Sending you extra love today.
- To one of the most special women I know, Happy Mother's Day!
Mother's Day Wishes for a Spouse or Partner:
Celebrating the contributions of your partner is so important on Mother's Day. Whether you're married or not or you're also a parent or not, any significant other who is also a mom deserves to be celebrated on Mother's Day. Writing a message like one of these is a great way to do that.
- I didn't think I could love you any more, and then I saw you as a mother.
- You are the heart and soul of our family.
- Watching you be a mom makes me a better person.
- You are the best partner in the whole world, and an even better mother, which is saying a lot.
- Happy Mother's Day to my favorite person in the world.
- Happy Mother's Day to the person who inspires me to be a better and more thoughtful parent every single day.
- Happy Mother's Day. I am so thankful to be able to co-parent with such a caring and thoughtful person.
- You are the foundation of our family, and we're so thankful for all you do.
- There's no one else I'd rather share tears, laughter, and diaper duty with.
Mother's Day Wishes for Sister:
- I always knew you'd be a great mom someday, but you're even more amazing than I imagined.
- Happy Mother's Day to my favorite sister.
- You are a blessing to your family and to me. Happy Mother's Day!
- Words can't express how lucky your kids are to have you.
- You inspire me every day as a sister, friend, and mother.
- You have the best kids ever, and that's all because you've done such a good job with them.
- Happy Mother's Day to the best mom I know.
- Happy Mother's Day, sis! Watching you become a mom made me love you more than I already did, which I thought was impossible.
Mother's Day Wishes for Someone Who's Lost Their Mom:
- I know today can be hard for you, but your mom would be so proud of how great of a parent you are.
- How great of a mom you are is a reminder of just how great your mom was.
- Thinking of you today and hoping you know just how great of a mom you are!
- Happy Mother's Day on what I'm sure is a complicated day for you. Wishing you peace and love today.
- I know you might be a little sad today, but take comfort in knowing that you're the best mom I know.
- I hope you feel your mom all around you today as you remember how great of a mom you are.
- I know you're missing your mom today, but hope you find a moment to celebrate what a great mom you are.
- Your mom would be so proud of the mom you've become.
Mackenzie is the Home & Lifestyle Commerce Manager at Hearst, working across multiple brands to make informed product recommendations to readers. She has been writing and editing for over 5 years with bylines in The Spruce, MyDomaine, Shape, Instyle, Editorialist, and more.
Olivia Muenter is a freelance writer and former fashion and beauty editor who writes about fashion, beauty, lifestyle, relationships, travel, home decor, and more for Woman's Day and beyond. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Refinery 29, Glamour, Byrdie, Apartment Therapy, Philadelphia Magazine, and more. When she's not reading (or talking about reading on Bad on Paper, the bookish podcast she co-hosts), you can find Olivia working on her first novel, curating the perfect playlist, or shopping online.
