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Saptak Ganguly/Stocsky
These Mother's Day Fails Will Make You Feel Way Better About Your Own Family

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It shouldn't be difficult for your fam to give you a pleasant Mother's Day. They spend all their time with you, so they theoretically know what you like better than anyone, and most moms I know would be eternally grateful for the simple gift of a 45-minute-long uninterrupted nap. And yet, Mother's Day fails happen every year, proving some kids and partners just can't get it together for the matriarchs in their lives.

Considering the plethora of ways you can celebrate Mother's Day, it's truly mind boggling that so many moms end up disappointed by their families every year when the holiday rolls around. Obviously, not everyone can give their mom a five-star spa treatment and it's totally understandable if the holiday sneaks up on you, but it's pretty low-effort to put together a handwritten card or make breakfast. Moms are the ones who go to work for their families every day of the year, so dedicating one day to them really isn't difficult. But the fails come anyway, whether because of a bumbling partner or because someone didn't think to check the 5-year-old's handmade card before they handed it to mom.

However, Mother's Day mix-ups can be pretty humorous, and seeing that other moms experience the same antics from their partners and children is a good reminder that this is a universal phenomenon. So read on for some hilarious and horrifying Mother's Day fails, and know you're not alone.

1

Better Off Alive

Psst, maybe help your 4-year-old phrase their Mother’s Day message before sending them in with a breakfast in bed tray. Just sayin’.

2

Mix Up

When dead-tired takes on a literal meaning. Thanks, Hallmark. They say it's the thought that counts, but... what exactly is this guy thinking about? (Just kidding. Valiant effort, dude.)

3

Facts

Are you a mom or a live-in chef? Who's to say? Either way, your contributions are clearly essential to this child's health and well-being.

4

Halfway There

Who's gonna tell them it's the making the cake part that's a sweet Mother's Day gift? I give your permission to throw a full-blown temper tantrum if your family does this to you.

5

Say It, Don't Spray It

Nothing says I love you mom like a little homemade graffiti. Bonus points for defacing your mom’s actual home.

6

Stay Safe?

Nothing says motherly love like preventing another pregnancy. (Maybe the employee behind this "fail" knew exactly what they were doing.)

7

Playing Favorites

Wearing a "My Dad Is My Hero" t-shirt in a Mother's Day card picture is honestly next level ironic. You can't make this kind of stuff up.

8

My Presence Is A Present

*Face palm.* At least it's something she spent some time on, and it's pretty funny. And congrats on raising a kid with healthy self-esteem, mom!

9

A For Effort

You're still doing way better than all the kids who didn't order their moms flowers at all, Angel. And now she'll have a nice surprise the next day!

10

It's The Thought That Counts?

Who needs another mug, anyway? She knows you care. Probably.

11

Sweet AND Sour

The card said "I picked it because that show is for old people who still like cartoons, like you" according to the original Imgur post. So, like, thanks for being thoughtful but also ouch.

12

The Most Important Meal Of The Day

In their defense, apple sauce and a taco would be a pretty sweet breakfast to a 5-year-old. I recommend drinking the Shandy before consuming the other offerings.

13

Wow, Um, No

We like pancakes as much as the next mom, but what exactly was IHOP trying to say here? Best not to think about it too much.

14

Thanks, But No Thanks

Let mama buy her own depilatory items. No one wants to open a box of these on Mother’s Day.

15

Squeaky Clean

Again, cleaning supplies are not a suitable gift unless the mom specifically asks for them. Don't even get me started on the sexist implications here.

16

Technically Right

Their adult version does mirror their younger selves, but it's not quite as cute. They're sweet to try, though, and mom probably got a good laugh out of it.

17

Is It Too Late To Return Them?

With the combined brain power of five children, this is all they could come up with. Fingers crossed it was a prank, and a giant bouquet of flowers was waiting around the corner.

18

I Love You Man, I Mean Mom

Nothing says “I care about you” like a drunk Snapchat. Way to show her you care, bro.

19

Truly Touching

Who doesn’t love a little poetry on their special day? Here’s a regular Billy Shakespeare in the making.

20

#blessed

Nothing says you need to relax, Mom, like an outdated gift card. It’s called self-care.

21

The Most Important Meal Of The Day

Note to self: Eggos and Fruit Roll Ups do not make a good combination. Props to the mom who received this gourmet breakfast if she really tried it.

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