What Moms Really Do Want for Valentine's Day

Moms adore a homemade card or the classic handprints-in-plaster ornament that they get every year. They love the cute poems that children make for them in school or the paper hearts they have carefully cut out. This is what moms want for a Valentine's Day gift – from their children.

Dad better get his act together, though, and treat mom to a romantic day. Moms don’t want practical gifts from their partners; they don’t want gifts that will help them be a better mother, wife, partner, housekeeper, or cook. They want gifts that show how much they are loved for being themselves, that celebrate their unique identity apart from their roles as mothers. They want something beautiful to remind them that they are beautiful.

Every Valentine's Day, there is always a long, long list of gifts that mothers do not want for Valentine’s Day from their significant others, and it's not negotiable.

This list includes toasters, blenders – in fact, just stay away from kitchen appliances altogether, unless mom has been eyeing a chocolate fountain.

Mothers don’t want cleaning equipment, no matter how advanced that vacuum is; they don’t want bill organizers or menu planners, even if those items may be handy.

Most women will be thrilled with a lush bouquet of beautiful flowers, especially if the bouquet includes her favorite blooms or the great symbol of love and passion, the red rose. This is a good gift. You can make it a better gift by adding a few of mom’s favorite treats, such as chocolate dipped strawberries or decadent truffles.

These are classic Valentine’s Day gifts, but they never go out of style.  Make this day special by giving thought to your presentation.  For instance, instead of thrusting a wrapped bouquet in her hands as you pass by, plan on presenting her with the flowers in a special way.  You don’t have to recreate a scene from her favorite romcom, but simply telling her how beautiful, special, and remarkable she is will certainly be appreciated.

These are classic Valentine's Day gifts, but they never go out of style. Make this day special by giving thought to your presentation. For instance, instead of thrusting a wrapped bouquet in her hands as you pass by, plan on presenting her with the flowers in a special way. You don’t have to recreate a scene from her favorite romcom, but simply telling her how beautiful, special, and remarkable she is will certainly be appreciated.

Another classic choice is lingerie, which can be very sweet and charming but this can also potentially be a bad move.

Most men are woefully unable to judge their wives’ or girlfriends’ clothing size.

While it’s nice that a man thinks his loved one is four sizes smaller than she actually is, it’s not so nice when she can’t fit into her gift, especially if it is meant to be sexy.

If you really want to give lingerie for Valentine’s Day, try shopping for it together, which can be a great gift in itself.

Give her a gift card to a sexy shop and the promise of a shopping date.

Jewelry is great if you know your partner’s tastes.  She won’t be thrilled with a gorgeous set of earrings if she doesn’t have pierced ears, for instance.  You can find a great selection of jewelry online at sites like Amazon that are affordable and attractive.  Again, remember to put some time into considering how you will present the gift to her.

The best gifts often do not cost much; a day off from kid and house responsibility, a clean house and a home-cooked, a gourmet food basket, and a night to read, relax, and indulge in a bath are all great ideas. But what mom really wants is to feel attractive, sexy, and loved. Find a way to tell her that she is the most beautiful woman in the world.