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Mother's Day Misses - Almost half of Aussie mums admit to re-gifting or faking a smile on Mother's Day

VistaPrint

Sydney, Australia, 5 May 2025 – With Mother’s Day fast approaching, new research by VistaPrint reveals that nearly half (48%) of Aussie mums admit to not being happy with their gifts.
While breakfast in bed and a heartfelt card is always appreciated, some gifts simply miss the mark. This is according to mums from across the country, who cite cleaning products (19%), weight loss products (10%) and second-hand items (7%) among the worst gift glitches. In fact, close to 1-in-3 (29%) admit that they have pretended to like a present given to them on Mother’s Day, or even regifted (19%).

Personalisation is more than a trend—it’s the answer

For those really wanting to make a difference this Mother’s Day, 3-in-5 (59%) mums say the perfect gift doesn’t always come in wrapping paper – often, a heartfelt “thank you” or a thoughtful gesture means the most. Almost half (47%) of mums would prefer quality time with their loved ones, while 1-in-10 (12%) simply want to feel recognised and appreciated.
But when it comes to giving a physical gift, it’s clear that personalisation is key.

Traditional favourites still hold strong – flowers (29%), chocolates (27%) and gift vouchers (26%) – but personalised gifts (23%) and special dinners (23%) are becoming increasingly popular, reflecting the growing demand for meaningful, custom gifts that show time and thought went into the gesture.

This sentiment is echoed in what mums secretly wish they’d received: a weekend away (19%) tops the list, followed closely by a heartfelt, handmade gift (18%) – a clear call for more considered, personal touches. For half of mums (48%), the ultimate gift is something with long-term emotional value – like a photobook filled with memories they can revisit and treasure for years to come.

It’s the thought that counts

While plenty of mums have received underwhelming gifts on Mother’s Day, most (76%) do feel that their families are either good (43%) or great (33%) at gift-giving. Interestingly, they don’t expect their loved ones to spend the earth making their day special. Over half (57%) expect their family to spend under $50 (37%) or don’t expect a paid gift at all (20%).
“Mums value thoughtfulness, but what truly matters on Mother’s Day is presence and appreciation,” said Marcus Marchant, CEO of VistaPrint Australia. “The most meaningful gifts are personal and heartfelt — they reflect the presence and appreciation mums truly value.

Whether it’s a simple family meal or a photobook of favourite memories, it’s the thought — and the personal touch — that counts. At VistaPrint, we make it easy to create personalised gifts — many under $50 — so anyone can give something special without spending a fortune.”

VistaPrint launches Mother’s Day Gift Guide
For families looking to explore personalised gifts this year, VistaPrint’s Mother’s Day gift range offers a wide selection of thoughtful, personal presents – see the below gift guide to make your mum feel extra special this Mother’s Day:

1. Custom Photo Mugs – Her Daily Brew, Her Favourite Faces Start her day with a smile – and her favourite faces. Add photos of the grandkids, her pup, or a quote she loves. Choose from floral, modern, or minimalist templates – or design your own.

2. Personalised Tote Bags – For Life’s Little (and Big) Adventures
From farmers' market hauls to bookshop sprees, give her a tote that's as stylish as she is. Add a family photo, her favourite quote, or a design that screams “Mum’s Bag, Hands Off.” Eco-friendly, practical, and 100% her vibe.

3. Custom Notebooks – Pretty Pages for Her Plans and Dreams Perfect for recipes, garden notes or daily lists, a personalised notebook is as thoughtful as it is useful. Add her name, a favourite quote, or a photo to make it truly hers. Pair with matching stationery for extra brownie points.

4. Photo Cushions – Snuggly and Sentimental Give her space a personal touch with a soft, photo-printed cushion. Whether it’s a family snap or custom design, it brings warmth, comfort, and style to her home. Just right for cosy couch cuddles and tea breaks.

5. Custom Greeting Cards – Say It Like You Mean It
Forget the cheesy supermarket cards. Create a custom masterpiece with your own photos, doodles, or heartfelt words that are so her it’ll make her laugh (or happy cry). Choose a ready-to-go template or go wild and design from scratch.

Key Facts:

48% of Aussie mums admit they’ve either re-gifted a Mother’s Day present (19%) or pretended to like it (29%)

28% of mums named either cleaning products (19%) or weight loss products (10%) as their least favourite Mother’s Day gifts previously received

Half of mums (48%) say the ultimate gift is something with long-term emotional value, with personalised gifts (23%) and special dinners (23%) gaining popularity

About us:

About VistaPrint:
VistaPrint helps consumers turn special moments into memories with a wide assortment of custom photo gifts, including photo books, wall art, keepsakes and drinkware. VistaPrint is a Cimpress company (Nasdaq: CMPR). To learn more, visit vistaprint.com.

About the research:
This research was commissioned by Vista Australia and executed by Pure Profile Research. The study was conducted online in March 2025 with a nationally representative sample of 1,002 Australian mothers. The sample was designed to be nationally representative on age and location.

Contact details:

[email protected] | Contact: Bella Pilcher (0428 795 652)