Every year around Mother’s Day we’re bombarded with ideas for gifts, ranging from flowers to chocolates to jewelry. These are all great, but I think we can do better. I’ve been scouting polls in Facebook groups that asked moms what they’d REALLY love for Mother’s Day this year. So whether you’re planning for Mother’s Day, Mom’s birthday, or any special occasion, here are the things moms really want and how you can give them on a Disney vacation!
What Moms Want (In Their Own Words)
Most of us are used to giving material gifts to our family and friends. We love watching them unwrap them, and we hope they’ll think of us whenever they enjoy the item. But check out the top 10 things moms shared that they’d love to receive for Mother’s Day:
- Free Time/Alone Time/Vacation
- Time With Their Spouse
- Time With the Kids
- Sleep
- A Clean House
- Pampering
- An Indulgent or Home-Cooked Dinner
- A Fun Experience
- Family Photos
- Handwritten Letters/Drawings
Notice something? Most of the items on this wish list can’t be put in a box. Moms want experiences, either for themselves or as a family. We live in a busy, busy world and we’re craving quality experiences. That’s why vacations make such great gifts – we get to have fun and enjoy intentional time as a family.
How to Give Moms the Best Disney Vacation Ever
A Disney vacation is certainly a gift in itself, but there are ways we can step up our game and give moms a trip they’ll never forget. Here are my top 5 ways to treat Mom on a Disney vacation!
Time to Herself
I know, I know – I spend all my time talking about how vacations are for family time, and now I’m saying to let Mom have some alone time. But hear me out. Vacations are for families, but they’re also for each one of us individually. Offer to take the kids for a bit so Mom can explore on her own. Plan a special experience for her, such as a tour or a spa day. Take the kids to breakfast and surprise her with room service so she can sleep in. A few hours to herself may be just what she needs to feel refreshed.
Sleep
Speaking of sleeping in, one of the top answers from moms was sleep! I believe this 100%, especially from those handling young children. Vacations are the perfect time to enjoy some rest. Book a Disney Resort hotel with comfortable beds and a separate sleeping area for the kids. Plan enough park and break days that you can sleep in a few days of your trip. A Disney cruise is perfect for sleep, as the beds are incredible and curtains separate the main bed from the rest of the stateroom. Treat Mom to a luxurious room and she’ll feel rested from Day One.
Pampering
This may be the least surprising item on the list, but it doesn’t mean it’s not important. Moms spend so much of their time tending to others, that they don’t always get to treat themselves. Surprise her with a massage, facial, or pedicure at one of Disney’s amazing spas. Plan a meal at a signature restaurant. Book a hotel with an amazing pool and give her the afternoon to lounge. Or simply take a trip on one of Disney’s ships, where she’ll feel like royalty from the moment she steps aboard.
Family Photos
I feel like moms don’t get nearly as many photos with their kids as dads do – mostly because they’re usually the ones taking the pictures. Turn the tables and surprise her with one of Disney’s photo packages. At the parks, purchase Memory Maker or the Disney PhotoPass collection to take home every professional photo taken during your trip. You can purchase a similar package aboard Disney Cruise Line. For a truly special experience, book a family photo session with Disney Fine Arts Photography or a local photographer in the parks or at the resorts. Don’t forget to get a few of her favorites printed when you get home!
Intentional Time Together
Moms know that time as a family is truly special. This is why vacations are the perfect gift for any occasion. We get to escape the stresses of daily life, disconnect from the “normal” world, and focus on having fun together. Make your vacation time count by putting your phones away. Let Mom enjoy some one-on-one time with each kid, whether for a ride or a show. Plan a mid-vacation date night to reconnect while the kids enjoy one of Disney’s childcare options. Spend some time each evening sharing and writing down your favorite moments from the day. Vacations are about the memories, and they are worth their weight in gold.
So if you’re looking for a way to make your next vacation truly unforgettable for Mom, know that your options are endless. Focus on the experiences and everything else will fall into place!
One last bonus tip if you want to go above and beyond: surprise Mom by hiring a cleaning service to do a top-to-bottom clean of your home before you leave on vacation. There’s nothing like coming home to a spotless house!
Give the Gift of Magic
Ready to book your Disney vacation? I’d love to help!
The best gift you can give Mom is a vacation she doesn’t have to plan. When you book your Disney vacation with me, you get my full suite of planning and concierge services for FREE! I’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure the trip is everything your family wants it to be. Contact me to request a free quote and eBrochure.
“A mother, a real mother, is the most wonderful person in the world.” – Wendy
