Preview Asks: What Gifts Do Moms Actually Want to Receive on Mother's Day?
For this year's Mother's Day gift guide, we're taking a different approach by hearing straight from the moms.
by Kyla Villena
Published on May 8, 2026
Mothers always seem to know what their children want and need, even without being told. That maternal instinct feels almost supernatural. And to be honest, from a child's point of view, there's always the challenge of figuring out what to give them on Mother's Day.
The chances of them saying that our warm hugs and kind words will suffice are higher than usual. However, there's something fulfilling about going the extra mile and putting in the effort to brighten their special day. Of course, that comes with its own difficulties. After all, what do you give the person who raised you? So this year, we decided to approach our gift guide a little differently. We went straight to the moms and asked them, so you don’t have to.
Ahead, gather gift ideas for your moms—and yes, these are actual presents you can buy, hold, or create.
What Gift Would You Want to Receive on Mother’s Day?
Sunshine Cruz, Actress
“I’m a homebody at heart, so I’d love to receive some cute and comfy loungewear. It’s the kind of tangible luxury that makes my time at home feel even more special.”
Stephanie Lopena, Flight Stewardess & Content Creator
“For this Mother’s Day, I would love to receive a perfume—specifically the Good Girl Blush from Carolina Herrera. It’s feminine and floral, not too strong—just right. Perfect for a mom like me who takes care of my son while working. It would make me feel beautiful and smell good even when I’m busy.”
Dominique Cojuangco Hearn, Co-Founder of The Collective & Sorto
“I’d love a personalized coffee table book filled with family photos. Since becoming a mom, and especially after my sister’s passing, I’ve become so much more aware of how quickly time moves and how fleeting certain seasons of life are.
“There’s something really special about having something to flick through like the photo albums my parents have from my childhood, filled with everyday moments you never realize you’ll miss.”
Carla Guevara Laforteza, Theater Actress
“I want a portable massage chair, so I can get a massage anytime, anywhere without having to wait for my masseuse's availability.
“But what I really hope to get is a big, tight hug from my daughter Sophia whom I have not seen since January.”
Martine Cajucom Ho, Creative Director & Co-Founder of Sunnies
As a creative director, Martine is drawn to statement pieces that add to the spaces they're in—not only in fashion, but also in furniture. She naturally named the "Medusa table lamp by Carlo Nason" as the item on her wishlist, a jellyfish-like glass lamp whose sculptural presence adds a feeling of warmth and depth to its atmosphere.
Danica Valdes-Lloren, Executive Vice President of Visions PR
“I would love to receive a professionally shot family portrait. My son is growing up so fast and turning 10 this year—or as he proudly says, finally entering his 'double-digit age.'
“It may sound old school, but a beautifully captured and printed family photo never goes out of style. Having a portrait of us at this stage of our lives would be something truly meaningful and timeless for me.”
Jen Palabay, Businesswoman
“Music helps me feel relaxed and at peace, so I’d love to receive a new pair of headphones. It would give me a little space to pause and unwind, even just for a while.
“Listening to music brings back memories of when I was younger, especially when dancing was one of my favorite hobbies. It’s a simple joy that helps me recharge and come back to motherhood feeling refreshed and full of love.”
Coleen Garcia Crawford, Actress
“Amari loves to draw and make his own books, and I’m always so happy whenever he gives me something he proudly made and worked hard on.”
Solenn Heussaff, Actress & Artist
“We don't really celebrate birthdays and specific days, but if I could ask for something, it would be a holiday—a day at a beach and a cocktail.”
Francesca Sy-Alvarado, Dermatologist
“One gift I’d love to receive this Mother’s Day is a photo session with my son. We’re always so busy managing their activities and aligning our schedules that we forget to take pictures of moments that matter, no matter how small. To actually make time for photos would be a great idea.”
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.