Mother's Day is such a difficult holiday to shop for. How do you tell the woman who's sacrificed everything — her time, her money, even her pre-baby body — just how much she means to you? It's no small task.
What's more, this holiday doesn't just celebrate your mother, but all the wonderful women in your life. So, in addition to Mom, you'll need to find something special for your wife, Grandma, Aunt Susie — any woman who's had an important impact on your life.
So, when you're strapped on time, money, and fresh ideas, what can you do to show just how much you care?
Well, you can start by perusing this list of cheap, easy, do-it-yourself gifts! All you'll need is a few craft supplies, a little time, and a lot of love.
Not only are these gifts adorable, but they're perfect crafts to make with little ones. Kids of all ages will love making these special keepsakes, and you'll love how quick and easy they are to make.
After going through these terrific projects, be sure to watch the video at the end for one more great idea.
Please SHARE if you'd love to give — or receive — these amazing presents!
1. Fabric Flower Pots
Instead of flowers sitting in plain terracotta, surprise your mom with these colorful pots. All you'll need is some fabric, a bottle of Mod Podge, a paintbrush, and of course some cheap pots. Just be sure to keep the pots indoors, as they definitely won't be rain-resistant when you're done. Now her windowsills will be doubly blooming with life!
2. Personalized Candles
Candles are a pleasant addition to any room — but they're even better when they're personal. To transform a plain ole pillar candle into a precious keepsake, you'll need some tissue paper, wax paper, and a hair dryer. Let the kids draw a nice picture on the tissue paper, then wrap it and some wax paper around the candle. Heat it with the hair dryer until the tissue paper melts, and voila! Lovely, personal candles.
3. Honey Bear Vases
For this adorable vase, you'll need a bear-shaped honey bottle — the kids will love to help empty it! — and either some gold spray paint or a gold leaf kit. (The gold leaf is a bit time-consuming, but it creates a beautiful texture.) With some fresh flowers and a lovely card, this little bear makes for one sweet surprise!
4. "Open When..." Letters
Moms deserve way more than just one card, so surprise her throughout the year with these "Open When" letters! First, make a list of special occasions ("Open when you're sad…" "When you're having a bad day…" "When you need a laugh…"). Then, write a letter for each one. Include photos, stickers, whatever you want! Bundle the stack with a nice ribbon and you've just made the most tear-jerking gift ever.
5. Personalized Ceramic Plates
This gift couldn't get easier, cheaper, or more adorable. With just a few $1 ceramic plates and some permanent markers, Mom's meals just got a whole lot cuter. Let the kids doodle a nice picture, then pop the plates in a cold oven; set it to 350 degrees, then let them bake for 40 minutes. Let them cool, wrap them up nicely, and you'll have a stunning gift with very little effort.
6. Scented Bath Bombs
Every woman needs and deserves a little pampering. Mom will enjoy relaxing with these scented, fizzy bath bombs — and kids will enjoy practicing their measuring skills. The recipe (found here) is a very forgiving one, so even the little ones can help. Orange, lavender, pink grapefruit, peppermint… The aromatic possibilities are endless!
7. Photo Coasters
To make these heartwarming coasters, all you'll need are some ceramic tiles, Mod Podge, and a bit of felt. The tiles (usually around $1 at your local home goods store) can be white or colored. Just print some of your favorite photos, lay them on the tiles, and coat them in Mod Podge. Once they dry, add some felt feet to the bottom, and Mom's coffee table will be flowing with happy memories.
8. Handprint Apron
Little hands grow so fast… Why not capture them in a practical way? All you'll need for this sweet gift is a simple apron and some washable fabric paint; if you'd like to customize it with names, you'll need heat transfer letters, too. Dip the family's hands in paint, one at a time, then gently press them onto the aprons. Careful of little wigglers, as it's easy to smudge! Moms will glow with pride when they wear this precious gift!
9. Wood Print
Some photos are so precious, they deserve much more than just a simple frame. To display your favorite picture in a big, rustic way, this wood print is perfect. This project is a little more complicated, so you might want to save it for the older kids — but it's well worth it. Once done, this beautiful gift will be one stunning conversation piece!
10. Footprint Heart
All you'll need for this charming keepsake is some flour, salt, water, and a couple of cute little piggies! Kids will love to help mix the salt dough (the full recipe can be found here), and moms will love capturing their tiny little feet forever. You can make a large plaque for the yard, or a small one for an ornament. Once it's molded and baked, paint it in Mom's favorite colors, then wrap it up nice. She's going to love it.
For one more great Mother's Day idea, be sure to watch the video below! Please SHARE if you think these are great gifts!
