Mother’s Day messages for 2026

Okay, we’re calling it – buying Mother’s Day gifts is actually the easy part. The hard part is frantically Googling ‘what to write in a Mother’s Day card’ ten minutes before you have to give it to her (guilty).

You want to say ‘thank you for everything’, but it’s hard to sum up a lifetime of lifts, packed lunches, unsolicited advice and unconditional love in a couple of sentences. But don’t panic. We’ve done the thinking for you and rounded up the best Mother’s Day messages for every kind of mother figure in your life.

Whether your mum is the super sentimental type (who cries at even the thought of you giving her a personalised card) or someone who’d prefer a good ol’ joke over a poem, we have the words you need. Grab a pen (and maybe a nice cuppa) and take your pick.

Heartfelt Mother’s Day messages:

Best for: The sentimental mum who still keeps your primary school drawings in a special box.

If your mum’s the type to get emotional over a TV advert, you’ll want to go straight for the heartstrings. These Mother’s Day wishes are specific, warm and guaranteed to make her day (and yes, get the tissues ready).

• To my unofficial therapist, biggest cheerleader and best friend – thank you for everything.
• Mum, you’re the glue that holds this whole family together. I don’t know where we’d be without you.
• If I turn out to be even half the woman you are, I’ll consider that a massive success.
• Thank you for making our house a home – I love you to bits.
• I know I don’t say it enough, but I appreciate you more than I can explain. Thank you for always being in my corner.
• For the lifts, the late-night chats and for knowing exactly when I need a cup of tea before I even ask – thank you.
• You were right about everything. (Please don’t tell Dad I said that).
• To the woman who taught me kindness, strength and how to make the best Sunday roast – Happy Mother’s Day.
• No matter how old I get, I’ll always need you Mum. Love you loads.

Funny Mother’s Day messages:

Best for: The mum who sends you memes and doesn’t take life too seriously.

Does your mum prefer banter over ballads? Skip the emotional stuff and go for something that will make her chuckle. After all, laughter is the best Mother’s Day present you can give her (besides, you know, actual gifts for mum).

• Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for putting up with me. I know I’m your favourite child, no matter what the others think.
• Mum, thanks for giving me life. And thanks for not taking it back when I tested your patience. You’re a real one.
• Happy centre of attention day! Don’t get too used to it…
• Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who truly does it all – including finding things I’ve been looking for in front of my face for 20 minutes.
• I was going to get you a fancy gift, but then I remembered you already have me. So… you’re welcome!
• Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for being my unpaid taxi service, bank manager and chef for all those years. I owe you (literally).
• Happy Mother’s Day to my number one fan (and my most active Facebook commenter). Love you!
• Happy Mother’s Day. Sorry for all the grey hairs I definitely caused.
• To the woman who knows way too many of my secrets – please keep them safe for another year!
• You’re a strong woman, Mum. You raised me, so you must be.

Simple but meaningful Mother’s Day messages:

Best for: When you’ve bought a small card or just want to keep it simple.

Sometimes, less is more. If you’re not one for writing essays (or you just have really big handwriting), these short, punchy Mother’s Day ideas say it all without cramping your hand.

• Happy Mother’s Day to the best mum in the world.
• Thanks for everything, Mum. Love you loads.
• To my number one fan – have the best day.
• Sending you so much love today and always – Happy Mother’s Day!
• Thanks for putting up with us. We love you like crazy.
• Oh, what would I do without you, Mum? Happy Mother’s Day.
• Simply the best. Love you, Mum.
• Hope you get spoilt today (you deserve it).
• Thinking of you today, Mum.
• My queen, my rock. Happy Mother’s Day!

New Mum Mother’s Day messages:

Best for: The sleep-deprived superhero in your life.

The first one is a big one. Whether it’s for your partner, sister or bestie, these first Mother’s Day gift messages acknowledge just how amazing she is.

• Happy first Mother’s Day! You are doing an incredible job – I’m so proud of you.
• Watching you become a mum has been the most beautiful thing. [Baby’s name] is so lucky to have you.
• We couldn’t be any luckier to have you. Enjoy your very first Mother’s Day – you absolutely deserve it mama!
• Happy Mother’s Day to the newest member of the mum club. You’re crushing it (even on the sleepless nights).
• To the world you are a mother, but to your family you are the world. Happy 1st Mother’s Day!
• May your coffee be strong and your naps be long today. You deserve it.
• You made a tiny human! How cool is that? Happy first Mother’s Day you absolute Wonder Woman.
• Seeing you with [baby’s name] makes my heart explode. You were born for this.
• To my Mummy – happy first Mother’s Day! I love you so much.

Step-mum Mother’s Day messages:

Best for: The woman who chose to be your mum.

Family isn’t always defined by DNA. If you have a step-mum (or bonus mum) who’s been there for the highs and lows, let her know she’s appreciated.

• You didn’t have to be my mum, but you chose to be. And that means everything to me.
• I am so happy you’re part of this family. Thanks for loving me like your own. Happy Mother’s Day!
• Happy Mother’s Day to the best bonus mum I could ask for.
• Thank you for always being in my corner (and for putting up with Dad!).
• I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Thanks for stepping up.

Grandma (Nan, Gran, Granny!) Mother’s Day messages:

Best for: The matriarch who lets you get away with murder.

She’s the one who still slips you a tenner when no one else is looking and makes the best food known to man. She definitely deserves a card of her own.

• Happy Mother’s Day, Gran! Thanks for spoiling me rotten and always having the best snacks.
• To the matriarch of the family – thanks for keeping us all in check.
• Mums know a lot, but Grandmas know everything. Happy Mother’s Day!
• Thanks for all the wisdom, the tea and the biscuits. Love you, Nan.
• You’re the heart of this family. Have a wonderful day.
• Sending huge love to the best Grandma in the world. (That’s you!)

Mother-in-law Mother’s Day messages:

Best for: The woman who raised your favourite person.

Whether you call her by her first name or she’s now officially known as ‘Mum’ too, this is a great chance to score some brownie points and say a genuine thank you.

• Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for welcoming me into the family with open arms.
• Thank you for raising such a great human being (you’ve made my job a lot easier!).
• I hit the jackpot with my in-laws. Thanks for being a second mum to me.
• Happy Mother’s Day to a wonderful mother and grandmother.
• Thanks for all the support and love you show us. Have a great day.
• Grateful to have you in my life. Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day messages for someone who’s like a mother:

Best for: The auntie, mentor or friend who feels just like a mum.

Sometimes the most motherly figure in your life isn’t actually your mum. If there is a special woman who has guided, loved and supported you just as fiercely, here’s exactly how to celebrate her.

• Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who taught me everything I know (the good, the bad and the… secret!)
• You’re very special and I am so glad you’re a part of my life.
• Thanks for being the ‘cool mum’ I could always run to. Have the best day.
• I wouldn’t be who I am today without you – thank you.
• Sending love to my absolute role model today. Happy Mother’s Day!
• You mean more to me than I can say! Love you to bits and wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.
• You’ve always been the mum I needed and I cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me. Happy Mother’s Day!
• You might not be my mum by blood, but you are in every way that matters.

Mother’s Day messages for mums who live far away:

Best for: When you can’t be there in person.

If you can’t make it home for IRL celebrations this year, these messages are the next best thing to that long-overdue hug.

• Mum, I know you’re on the other side of the world but I just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you today! Thanks for being the best mum ever – Happy Mother’s Day.
• Happy Mother’s Day! I may be far away, but you’re always close to my heart (and only a video call away!).
• Missing you extra today, Mum. Have a glass of wine for me!
• Sending you a huge hug through the post. Can’t wait to squeeze you in person soon.
• Sorry I can’t be there to spoil you today, but I’m sending all my love from across the miles.
• Counting down the days until I can see you again. Have the best day, Mum.

Found the perfect words? Now you need somewhere to write it (our personalised cards are a favourite, of course). And if you’re still hunting for Mother’s Day gift ideas, why not pair your card with something special? From Mother’s Day present keepsakes to photo books filled with your favourite memories, we’ve got plenty of ways to make her smile. Check out our dedicated Mother’s Day gift guide for all the inspo.

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