RD.COM Gift Ideas
ByLucie Turkel
Updated: Jan. 19, 2023
Gather the kids and create one of these easy, adorable, and affordable Mother's Day crafts with supplies you already have on hand.
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DIY Mother’s Day gifts she’ll keep forever
They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and some tasty treats, but the way to a mom’s heart is definitely with a homemade present. You may still want to buy her an amazing Mother’s Day gift, but pairing it with something that you—or the little ones in her life—have made just for her will truly make her day and is a great (and affordable) Mother’s Day idea. Like any personalized gift ideas, DIY Mother’s Day gifts show that you’ve taken the extra time to really think about her and what would make her smile.
Not sure where to start and not particularly crafty? No worries! We’ve rounded up the sweetest, easiest Mother’s Day crafts that you can make with items you might even already have in your home (as well as a few kits that come with everything you need). So, rummage through your craft cabinet, raid your recycling bin, and have some fun with it! Whatever DIY gift you choose to create will help to make this Mother’s Day one she’ll never forget. If you also want to buy something but you’re running late, we’ve got ideas for some great last-minute Mother’s Day gifts, Mother’s Day gifts on Amazon, and Mother’s Day gift baskets too. Now, let’s dive into these extra-special gifts for Mom!
Via abeautifulmess.com
Gemstone soaps
Your mom already shines brighter than any diamond, but she’s still sure to love the glitz and glam of these gorgeous gemstone soaps. Not only can you customize them with her favorite colors and scents, but she will be super impressed with your DIY skills. Talk about a win-win! While you’re at it, make a few extra and save them for when you need a thoughtful hostess gift.
VIA LETSDIYITALL.COM
Shoe bin
Is the mom in your life obsessed with shoes? If so, make her this cheery DIY shoe bin to store her everyday faves neatly and stylishly. Although this more-involved craft should be spearheaded by an adult, kids can join in on the fun by customizing the bin with paint, decals, and more. If you really want to go all out, include a new pair of summer sandals as a surprise.
Via ellaclaireinspired.com
Bathtub tray
She spends so much time taking care of others, it’s important to remind her that she needs to take care of herself too. Encourage a little time in the tub by making this perfectly sized bathtub tray to hold her favorite bath items, a mother-daughter book, and a beverage.
Via aliceandlois.com
Leather envelope clutch
This Mother’s Day DIY is classy, cute, and simple to make. While it does require a trip to the fabric store to pick up some leather (real or faux), cotton fabric, and brass studs, the no-sew technique makes it completely worth it. If crafting’s your thing, pick up a few of these crafting kits to make all sorts of gifts for your loved ones—and yourself!
Via somewhatsimple.com
Dry-erase glass calendar
Organization meets beautification with this pretty but practical DIY Mother’s Day gift. A glass frame, vinyl letters (or calendar printables), a Sharpie, dry-erase markers, and your family’s list of activities are all you need to put together this calendar she’ll use all year long. No matter what you’re giving her, of course, don’t forget to include a sweet and funny Mother’s Day card.
VIA FRUGALCOUPONLIVING.COM
Teacup card
If she always has a cup of tea in hand or you can’t resist a good pun and want to tell her that she’s “tea-rrific,” this is the card for her. Using an egg carton for the cup, this teacup card is a cinch to whip together with card stock and leftover pattern or scrapbook paper. Write one of these Mother’s Day quotes inside the card and you’re all set!
VIA PINKFORTITUDE.COM
Succulent planters
Transform plastic recyclables into a lovely collection of rustic succulent planters. You just need twine and decoupage glue for this Mother’s Day gift. Your mom can display her succulents on a sunny windowsill, desk, or bedside table, and she’ll think of you every time she looks at them. Even better? Succulents are among the houseplants anyone can grow.
Via craftprojectideas.com
“I whaley love you” plaque
Kids will have a whale of a good time creating this adorable sea-themed sign. To start, you’ll need a piece of scrap wood or a pre-stretched canvas. Use acrylic craft paint to color the background with Mom’s favorite color, then use craft paper to create the cute little whale. Create the message above the whale with paint, or use paint pens to make it even easier. A sweet gift from the heart might make the mom in your life shed a few tears, as will these sentimental Mother’s Day songs.
VIA MOMMYSNIPPETS.COM
Love book
What better way to make a mother (or grandmother) smile than with a love book? All you need is some card stock or craft paper for the “pages” and a metal ring or even some pretty ribbon to hold it all together. Simply have your little ones write down or tell you what they love about the recipient and decorate the pages. Looking to add some comedic relief? Slip a few mom memes she’ll find hilariously relatable among the pages of heartfelt descriptions for a DIY present that’s both loving and funny.
FEELPIC/GETTY IMAGES
Bedazzled pots
For this DIY Mother’s Day gift, give an old pot a makeover. Add a couple of coats of chalk paint, and decorate with gem stickers once the paint dries. There’s no right or wrong here—have fun! Just note that these pots are for decorative purposes only; you should not plant directly in them, since they’re not weatherproof. Instead, slip a potted plant inside the bedazzled pot. Pair this DIY gift with a printable Mother’s Day card to complete the present.
VIA CRAFTPROJECTIDEAS.COM
Craft-stick Mother’s Day sign
Popsicle or craft sticks are a versatile and inexpensive crafting medium—and they work in a ton of different simple kids’ crafts that are easy to make and great to gift. Use them to make a sweet sign to let a mom know how much you appreciate everything she does. To save time on painting, you can even pick up colored craft sticks.
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Upcycled Mother’s Day vase
Mom will marvel at just how resourceful you are when you hand over this custom vase made from an upcycled plastic jar. To create this homemade gift, paint a clean plastic jar in her favorite color, and then use washi tape and ribbon to add some unique decorations. If you really want to go the extra mile, place the vase on a tray for the perfect Mother’s Day brunch setup.
VIA CRAFTPROJECTIDEAS.COM
Handprint bouquet
Capture a moment in time with this beautiful handprint bouquet she can keep forever. The “flowers” are made by painting little hands, stamping them onto paper, and then cutting them out. The handprint flowers are held up by wood dowelsembellished with pipe cleaners. This DIY Mother’s Day gift is easy and fun for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for real blooms, check out these gorgeous Mother’s Day flowers.
VIA PAGINGSUPERMOM.COM
Send-a-hug craft
What could possibly be better than getting a hug? How about sending a hug—one made out of wrapping paper, that is! For this simple craft, have your child lie down with arms outstretched (as if they’re about to give someone a giant hug) and trace the outline on wrapping paper. This is an especially great Mother’s Day gift for Grandma if she lives far away. Simply pop it in the mail!
VIA OTTAWAMOMMYCLUB.CA
Rose-filled heart card
It’s a fact: Moms love homemade cards. This particular one is adorned with perfect paper roses, and even though it looks elegant and professional, it’s super easy to make. All you need is colored craft paper, scissors, and glue. Once all the roses are assembled, glue them onto a folded sheet of paper and consider adding a Mother’s Day poem inside the card for an extra-special touch.
VIA CRAFTPROJECTIDEAS.COM
Flower box
Everyone knows flowers make a terrific Mother’s Day gift, but this year, put a DIY twist on the classic present by making Mom her very own flower box. Using pom-poms, craft sticks, and skill sticks, you can create this sweet flower box that she’ll adore. This homemade craft is perfect for young children, and it makes a wonderful hands-on activity. Just remember that adult supervision is needed when handling the hot glue.
ANGELINA ZINOVIEVA/GETTY IMAGES
Pasta card
Dried pasta is another multipurpose crafting material you already have in your pantry, and you can use multicolored bow-tie pasta to make a fun, colorful Mother’s Day card. If you only have plain pasta, don’t worry—you can dye it using an 1/8 cup of white vinegar and 20 to 30 drops of food coloring. Glue the colorful pasta onto card stock, and make the vase out of paper or a piece of burlap.
PHYNART STUDIO/GETTY IMAGES
Conversation rocks
Forget conversation hearts. This Mother’s Day, it’s all about conversation rocks. This clever gift requires a rock from your backyard, some paint, and a whole lot of creativity and love. Paint a sweet message (like one of these heartfelt mother-daughter quotes) on the surface of the rock to let her know just how much she means to you.
Via Merchant
DIY floral embroidery
Is the mom in your life the crafty type herself? If so, then she’ll absolutely love this embroidery kit. It’s just under $12, so you can afford to buy two—one to make for her and one for her to make herself. Choose from a variety of floral patterns perfect for spring days (and also for beginners).
ZOLOTAOSEN/GETTY IMAGES
Paper flower bouquet
Kid-ify a Mother’s Day classic with this adorable paper version of a bouquet. First, cut two pieces of construction paper into a kite shape for the bouquet holder. Then cut one of the kites in half, and staple or glue that half to the full kite to make a pocket to hold the paper flowers. From there, create as many flowers as your heart desires. The best part? They’ll never wilt!
MELPOMENEM/GETTY IMAGES
Mom ornaments
Who says ornaments are just for Christmas trees? To craft these Mother’s Day ornaments, pick up some metal letters and a heart, and string some twine through the loops to create the perfect hanging centerpiece.
Via Merchant
Candle-making kit
What mom can resist the scent of a newly burned candle? This DIY candle-making kit comes with lavender and vanilla essential oils to create two fragrant candles, but you can always swap those scents with her favorites for an extra-personalized gift. And don’t forget to attach a card stock gift tag with a motherhood quote on it.
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Personalized photo magnets
You can never have too many magnets on the fridge, and this is especially true when those magnets include cute photos of your favorite tot. These are super easy to make with stick-on magnets, and the sentimentality of the gift is sure to make Mom happy.
NIALL_MAJURY/GETTY IMAGES
“Thank you” jar
We all know that moms are superheroes, and Mother’s Day is the perfect time to express our gratitude. What better way to do this than with a DIY thank you jar? All you need for this quick yet meaningful craft is an old Mason jar and some scraps of construction paper. Write what you are most thankful for about your mother, from the little everyday things to the big ones.
Via Merchant
String-art hearts
The heart is a universal symbol of love, and this DIY string-art heart kit is the perfect way to show your love for Mom. It’s also customizable (you can choose your string colors), simple, and beautiful—the best combination for a Mother’s Day DIY.
VIA FREEBIEFINDINGMOM.COM
Mani-pedi in a jar
Rather than give your mom a gift certificate to the local beauty salon, pamper her in the comfort of her own home by creating a mani-pedi moment in a jar. The simple assembly makes this the perfect DIY Mother’s Day gift even for the craft-challenged. And you’ll certainly get extra brownie points if you throw in a free foot massage with it! Here are a few more things the two of you could use for a relaxing spa day at home.
Crochet plushie
Kids grow up, but this adorable little penguin will never leave the nest, making Mom smile now and throughout the years. The beginner crochet kit includes a step-by-step tutorial, a downloadable pattern PDF, and all the materials you need to bring your plushie friend to life.
13-SMILE/GETTY IMAGES
Button-head card
Get creative with this quirky idea. All you’ll need is some card stock, markers, glue, and, of course, buttons. Have the kids make button versions of themselves and Mom, and then decorate everyone as they see fit. It’s a fun twist on a classic craft that will make her smile.
Via craftprojectideas.com
Recipe holder
Use the ever-so-versatile craft stick to make a recipe holder. This craft comes together quickly with craft glue and paint. Present this DIY gift to Mom along with some family recipes printed on four-by-six-inch cards.
MARYNA TERLETSKA/GETTY IMAGES
Paper butterflies
This stunning Insta-worthy craft is better suited for older children or even adults, since an X-Acto knife is the best tool to use in order to carve such ornate detailing into card stock. Follow a template, or, if you’re feeling extra creative, freehand the designs on the butterfly wings.
Via Merchant
Stained-glass birds
Stained glass has never been so easy to make! This suncatcher kit will create beautiful stained-glass birds using stencils, tissue paper, and glue. This is a great Mother’s Day craft for grandmothers to do with their grandchildren, or mothers to do with their young kids.
TOLGART/GETTY IMAGES
Wooden heart plaque
Create a lovely rustic wooden heart for your special person this Mother’s Day. Michaels sells heart-shaped wood plaques for just $4. From there, you can decorate it by either painting directly on the heart or attaching the perfect sentiment, like in this example. Or take this sweet gift in a funnier direction by writing a hilarious mom joke on it.
p*rnPAK KHUNATORN/GETTY IMAGES
Hand hearts
This DIY Mother’s Day gift is sure to warm the hearts of both kids and mothers alike. Just have your child trace his or her hand on one side of a folded piece of paper. Cut around the outline, unfold, and watch as one hand becomes two! Then add a special message on the palms of the construction-paper hands.
Via Merchant
Springtime wreath
Wreaths in May? Absolutely! Bring some extra springtime cheer into your mom’s house with this pretty springtime rag wreath craft kit, which comes complete with fabric daisies and tassels. Add a wooden heart, if you’d like, for a little extra sweetness.
ELENA_HRAMOWA/GETTY IMAGES
Paper teddy
This DIY Mother’s Day craft is for any kid with a cute and cuddly side. To create this beary adorable little buddy, grab some construction paper, markers, and glue. Cut out a long strip using brown construction paper for the body of your newest furry friend. From there, glue add-ons such as eyes, ears, and a nose, as well as hearts cut out of red paper. Just watch out for cuteness overload!
Via Merchant
Personalized rainbow craft kit
Just like a rainbow can brighten a rainy day, a mom can make any day feel that much better. Convey that sentiment with this personalized rainbow craft kit. You can choose the color scheme of your rainbow and even add a name on the wooden base. Here are more Etsy gifts you can’t go wrong with.
TATIANA BUZMAKOVA/GETTY IMAGES
Heart caterpillar
Most moms have a silly side, and this DIY caterpillar is the perfect way to bring it out this holiday. For this fun craft, you’ll need pink, red, and black construction paper, plus glue and googly eyes. Create the lovebug by gluing paper hearts in a row. Add legs, antennae, and a sweet face to finish off your cute and crawly creation.
ALEKSANDR ZUBKOV/GETTY IMAGES
Felt hearts
Mothers have hearts of gold, so why not show that using…felt? Trust us: Stitching together these little felt hearts takes minimal effort (think felt, thread, and a needle), but giving them as a present makes a big impact on the big day. Looking for another way to make the day special? Watch one of these Mother’s Day movies with your mom.
Via Merchant
Embroidered tote bag
We all know the power of a mother’s purse. This Mother’s Day, create the ultimate tote for Mom using this embroidered canvas tote bag kit. You can choose between three unique floral designs for this DIY bag, which, of course, is roomy enough to hold everyone’s stuff. But the best part of this present is that every time she uses it, she’ll think of you.
Via Merchant
Homemade soap
Pretty soaps are one of life’s little luxuries. This soap-making kit comes with everything you need to create four to five colorful and silky-smooth bars of cocoa butter soap. While this may not be a trip to one of the most luxurious spas in the world, the thoughtfulness of this Mother’s Day DIY is sure to tug at Mom’s heartstrings.
EKATERINA REKINA/GETTY IMAGES
DIY doughnuts
Looking for a new twist on the typical Mother’s Day breakfast in bed? If so, these felt doughnuts are the answer. All you’ll need for this project is some colored felt, a needle, and thread. Bonus: With this DIY craft, you’ll be able to make mouthwatering treats without having to clean a single dish.
Via Merchant
Macramé planter
Is your mom a plant lady? Then she’ll absolutely adore this retro way to house her leafy friends. This DIY macramé planter kit includes a wooden hoop, four wooden beads, rope (in customizable colors), and an S-hook to hang your creation from. You can even find specific plants for your mom togo along with the planter. We recommend these indoor plants that do well in small spaces.
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“I love you, mom” garland
This Mother’s Day craft doubles as a gift and a decoration. It’s the perfect multitasker, just like Mom! For this project, you’ll need red construction paper or felt to make the heart shapes, some thick twine, and clothespins. Use colorful pens to write out sweet Mother’s Day messages on the hearts.
VIA CRICUT.COM
Personalized mug
Because what hardworking mom doesn’t need coffee in the morning? Make her caffeine fix extra amazing by creating a personalized mug for her. You can use Cricut’s Mug Press for a state-of-the-art yet totally unique mug, or if a younger craftsman wants to make this present, acrylic paint on a ceramic mug will get the job done. Add one of these other gifts for coffee lovers for the perfect package.
13-SMILE/GETTY IMAGES
Floral fan
Summer is right around the corner, and what better way to beat the heat than with a handmade fan? All you’ll need for this super easy DIY is card stock in a variety of colors, scissors, glue, and ribbon. Fold one piece of card stock back and forth to create the effects of a fan. Then tie at the bottom with a piece of ribbon, and decorate as you like.
MARINA BOGACHYOVA/GETTY IMAGES
Self-care box
This DIY self-care giftwill help Mom get the pampering she deserves.While this may require a quick trip to the store to pick up some goodies to fill your wicker basket with, it will certainly be worth it to see the joy on her face.
Via Merchant
Birdhouse kit
One of the best things about springtime is waking up to the sound of birds chirping. Capture the joy of the season with a homemadebirdhousethat you get to assemble and then paint. This also happens to be a perfect at-home activity whenever you need to keep little ones busy, so you might want to buy an extra. Here are more gorgeous ideas for a DIY birdhouse that you’ve never thought of.
13-SMILE/GETTY IMAGES
Painted leaves
This Mother’s Day craft is for all the mothers out there in tune with nature. Next time you go for a walk around the neighborhood, pick up a few leaves to bring home and paint with beautiful designs, using your choice of colored acrylic paint. Not only is this gift cheap and unique, but it’s also incredibly versatile—Mom can use these lovely leaves as centerpieces, bookmarks, wall art, and more.
DETRY26/GETTY IMAGES
Paper-napkin dress card
For this super easy craft, all you’ll need is a napkin (preferably sporting a fun pattern). Fold the napkin like an accordion to make the dress pleats. Then, on a piece of card stock, draw the bodice of the dress. Glue down the pleated napkin, and watch as your creation comes to life. This is the card of every fashionista mom’s dreams.
Via Merchant
Dream-catcher kit
Protect your mom’s precious moments of shut-eye with a dream catcher. A traditional dream catcher is a handmade willow hoop used in certain Native American cultures as a talisman to protect sleepers and ward off bad dreams. This DIY kit makes it easy to create one yourself.
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Personally decorated bookmark
This Mother’s Day craft goes out to all the bookworms out there. If your mom loves nothing more than cozying up with a good book, this is the perfect homemade gift for her. Simply cut thick pieces of card stock into strips shaped like bookmarks. From there, it’s all about the decoration. Whether you want to go for a sophisticated watercolor look or a free-for-all bedazzled take, anything goes as long as you have fun with it. Pair it with one of the best new fiction books and she’ll be ready for her favorite type of R&R.
Via Merchant
Cheese-making kit
If your mom loves anything she can put on a charcuterie board, she’ll fall head over heels for this DIY cheese-making kit. Everything you need comes right in the kit, so it’s the perfect one-stop shop. If your mom decides to move to France and open her own cheese shop after receiving this gift, well, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Via Merchant
Resin-art kit
Is Mom dreaming of the beach? With this DIY resin art kit, you’ll be able to create a beautiful wave scene for her out of resin, shells, and crushed glass. This sophisticated art piece can hang in any beach bum’s living room. One word of warning, though: This craft shouldn’t be attempted by young children, as it contains small glass fragments. But older kids and adults will love doing the project—and seeing the gorgeous result. Maybe this will inspire you to plan a mother-daughter trip to one of the best beaches near you.
Via themerrythought.com
Ring display
Stackable rings are in this season, and if you have a style maven of a mom, you already know this! Help her show off her ring bling with this DIY display. All you’ll need is a pine board and table saw. Adults, make sure to take the lead on this one, as you’ll be dealing with a sharp blade. Kids can follow up by painting the jewelry holder or picking out some new co*cktail rings to go in it.
Additional reporting by Debbie Wolfe.
Originally Published: May 04, 2022
Author
Lucie Turkel
Lucie Turkel is a lifestyle and culture writer covering the latest in holidays, books, movies and television, and e-commerce for RD.com. She graduated with an individualized major in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies from the University of Connecticut.
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