Mother’s Day is meant to be a day filled with love for the women who raised us and from the children who made us mothers. But for many, it’s a day that amplifies a painful loss.

Whether someone has lost their own mother, experienced infertility or pregnancy loss, or is grieving a child, Mother’s Day grief can feel isolating and painful.

If you have someone you care about who's hurting this Mother’s Day, it can be hard to know what to say—or what to do. Our eternal advice is to do something, even if small! Showing up is the most important part. Here are some meaningful ways you can do just that.

1. Acknowledge Their Grief — and Speak Their Loved One's Name

The worst thing you can do is say nothing. You can’t fix their grief, but you can make them feel less alone in it. Here are texts you can (tweak!) and send; we always recommend inserting their person’s name when possible:

For someone who suffered pregnancy loss: "Thinking of you today and honoring the deep love you carry in your heart for [Name] — a love that makes you a mother, always."

For someone who has lost their own mother: "[Name’s] love shaped a beautiful part of who you are. Holding you in my heart today as you remember and miss her."

For someone struggling with infertility: "Your longing and love make you a mother in every way that matters. I see your heart today, and I’m here for you."

For someone grieving a child: "Your love as a mother is eternal—it's written into every part of who you are. I'm holding space for you and for [Name] today, with so much love."

For any kind of loss that hurts on Mother’s Day: "Today, I honor your love, your strength, and your journey. You are deeply loved, and you are not alone."

2. Send a Thoughtful Gift That Honors Their Grief

Gifts don’t erase pain, but they show that you see the loss and are offering support. Our Rainy Day Boxes are regularly called “the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received.” What’s magical about them is the way they address the long road of grief. It’s a gift you can give on Mother’s Day that she can turn to in the weeks and months ahead. (Check out our Pregnancy Loss/Infertility options and Grief boxes.)

Other ideas:

• A framed quote
• A candle with a message that you plan to light your own candle in memory of [Name] today
• A donation to a cause that’s important to them or their loved one
• A NodPod body pod (like a weighted blanket, just more portable)
• A special tea (we’re partial to Hugo Tea these days)
• Here are 6 gift ideas specifically for someone who has suffered a miscarriage or experienced loss on their IVF journey

3. Offer Your Presence

If you suspect loneliness might set in on Mother’s Day, offer to be there physically if you can. Present concrete ideas rather than saying “Let me know if you want to do something”:

• “Would you like to take a walk together?”
• “Can I come by with coffee and pastries?”
• “If you’re looking to take your mind off things, we could watch a movie together.”
• “We could go pick out a special pot and plant in honor of [Name].”
• “Can I get ingredients for a dish your mom used to make and we can cook together?

4. Remember the Days Just Before and After Mother’s Day

Grief follows no prescribed timeline. Sometimes it’s the day or two before Mother’s Day (anticipatory dread) or the day after (everyone checked in on Sunday, but Monday is quiet and lonely) that are worst. Consider reaching out with a text or gift on one of the days that bookends the holiday.

Mother’s Day can be a complicated, painful day for many. By reaching out with honesty, thoughtfulness, and compassion, you can make an incredible difference in someone’s healing journey.

If you’re looking for a truly meaningful, comforting gift this Mother’s Day, explore our Rainy Day Boxes—thoughtfully curated to bring light to life’s hardest