New VistaPrint ‘Messages for Mum’ research reveals we’re more likely to crack a joke or  avoid the conversations than say “I love you,” even when we mean it! 

• Eight in ten (80%) Australians with a mum or ‘motherly figure’ find at least one type of  message hard to say directly to mum, with “I love you” topping the list (31%) • A simple “I love you” was named the most meaningful Mother’s Day message overall by 53%  of Australian Mums, ahead of a “thank you” (21%) 

• Four in ten (40%) Australians say the best gift for a mum is something thoughtful or  meaningful, followed by a heartfelt card or message (32%) and quality time together (31%) • Nearly three in four (73%) Australians have given a personalised gift to their mum or motherly  figure 

Australians are known for having a joke ready for any situation, but when it  comes to Mum, the humour is often doing more heavy lifting than we’d like to admit. Ahead of  Mother’s Day, VistaPrint’s new research finds 62% of Australians have left important words unsaid,  while 71% admit they’ve used humour to avoid saying something heartfelt. 

Even in close relationships, the gap between feeling something and actually saying it can be  surprisingly wide. 

Many Australians would rather crack a joke than say what they really feel. In fact, 80% say there is at  least one kind of message they still find hard to say directly, with 31% ranking “I love you” among the  toughest things to say, ahead of “I’m sorry” (14%) and even “you were right (13%).” 

When saying it out loud feels hard, Australians show it instead 

And while many Australians struggle to say it, 53% of mums say a simple “I love you” would mean  the most, while mother figures most value a heartfelt “thank you” (23%). 

Emotional openness does not always mean the most important words come easily. While six in ten  Australians (61%) with a mum or mother figure describe themselves extremely or very open with her,  many still struggle to say what matters most out loud. 

For some, humour remains the default, with over one in ten (14%) Australians saying they use it to  avoid deeper conversations altogether. When words fall short, personalised gestures can step in,  offering another way to say what might otherwise go left unsaid. 

The same thinking shows up in gifting, too, with many Australians turning to presents that do a bit of  the talking for them. The research found that 40% say the best gift for a mum is something thoughtful  or meaningful, while 29% believe mums want something personalised just for them.

Nearly three in four Australians (73%) have already given their Mum or mother figure a personalised  gift, proof that when it comes to Mum, it’s often the little details that say the big things. 

Gifts that do the talking when words don’t 

For many Australians, a personalised gift can do the talking when words don’t land. Whether it’s a  personalised card (30%), framed print (26%), canvas print with a family picture (21%), photobook  (20%) or another personalised keepsake (27%), these gestures can help capture love, gratitude, and  shared memories.  

Linda McDonald, VistaPrint Australia’s Senior Director of Marketing, CX and Sales, said:  “Mother’s Day has a way of bringing to the surface all the things we’ve been meaning to say but  haven’t quite found the words or moment for. From the heartfelt thank yous to admitting she was  right more often than we’d like to acknowledge, it’s a chance to celebrate everything our mums and  motherly figures do for us.  

At VistaPrint, we are here to help people express those feelings with a gift that’s tangible. Something  that is personal, thoughtful and true to the bond they share. It’s not just another gift, but something  she’ll actually hold onto as a little reminder of the thought and love that went into creating them.” 

What Australians wish they’d said to Mum sooner 

When asked what they wished they had said sooner, Australians shared messages that were simple,  honest and personal. 

• Thank you for everything you do 
• I appreciate you more than I say 
• I’m lucky to have you 
• I love you 

Some also shared lighter confessions, including sneaking out when they were younger, keeping  relationships under wraps, getting married in Las Vegas, or wanting to say, lovingly, “stop burning  the lasagna”. 

VistaPrint is encouraging Australians to use Mother’s Day as an opportunity to say what can  sometimes feel hardest to express, whether through a personalised gift or something that speaks for  itself.  

For more information on the VistaPrint range of personalised Mother’s Day products, visit: www.vistaprint.com.au