Affordable Mother’s Day Gifts Kids can Make

Mother’s Day is that one day of the year when we honor our mothers and show them that they are more than just our chef, housekeeper, teacher, chauffeur, coach, confidant, entertainer, and doctor. We all know that a mom’s favorite gift is one that her children made with their own heart and hands! So, instead of falling into credit card debt when gift shopping, give her the gift that says, “I love you.” 

The DIY ideas below make great last-minute gifts and require a few supplies and little money. With a bit of help from you, your kids can make their mother a truly memorable present and experience you will cherish forever. 

Let’s get crafting! 

Paper Flowers

Giving mom flowers on Mother’s Day is not new, but what if she could have a bouquet that never wilts? Paper flowers are easy to make, and your child won’t want to stop at a dozen! 

Here are some ideas: 

1. Cut out flower shapes from colorful or patterned paper. For young children, have them draw flower shapes and do the cutting for them. Cut green floral wire to the desired stem length and affix a button to the end. Poke the other end through the center of the paper flower and pull the wire so the button is the center of the flower. Repeat until you have an entire bouquet of lovely paper flowers. 

2. Quilling: Cut colorful paper into long, thin strips. Roll each strip into a tight circle and glue on cardstock, arranging the circles into a flower shape. Do the same with green and pinch the edges to make leaves. 

Personalized Coupon Booklet

Mom will adore tailor-made gifts that she can cash in on all year long. These can easily be made with some card stock and markers. They can also be made into a booklet by using a thin line of glue at the edge or by stapling them together. Alternatively, there are many printable versions available on the Internet, which still count as a homemade gift if your child is the one fulfilling the coupons! 

Some ideas: 

1. Make dinner 
2. An hour of quiet time 
3. Clean living room 
4. Blank (mom’s choice) 
5. A free hug 
6. Fold laundry 

Decorative Tiles

Small, ceramic tiles are inexpensive and can be found at your local home improvement store. Your child can paint a picture or simply draw on one with permanent markers. Be sure to spray your tile(s) with a clear sealer at the end to keep them lasting a very long time. 

Here are a few ideas: 

1. Decorate 2-inch x 2-inch tiles and glue a heavy-duty magnet on the back for a memorable fridge magnet. 

2. Decorate 4.5-inch x 4.5-inch tiles and glue felt to the back to make handy coasters. 

Bonus: Paint stone garden tiles with handprints or footprints for unique stepping stones in the garden. Be sure to use several coats of sealer so they will survive the weather. 

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A Picture Frame

Nothing will make mom happier than a photo of her child in a frame that was decorated by that child. Frames are inexpensive; you can buy an unfinished wooden one or simply use an empty one that’s hanging around the house. 

Some ideas: 

1. Decoupage: Paint on a thin layer of school glue or decoupage medium and place pictures on the frame that have been cut from magazines, old art books, or greeting cards. Cover with a coat or two of glue. 
2. Paint a picture on the frame. 
3. Cover the frame with glue and glitter 

Some days, the mom who runs around taking care of her family needs to soak those tired feet. Making a relaxing foot soak only takes minutes, but it can provide hours of relaxation. Combine one part Epsom salt to two parts baking soda in a bowl. Add a few drops of her favorite essential oil, enough to make it smell wonderful; lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint works well. Mix thoroughly and put it in a mason jar with a bow on it. 

Bath Bomb

Give mom this well-deserved treat to help her unwind after a busy day. A bath bomb—also known as bath fizzy—will dissolve in the bathtub, releasing a fragrant scent and soothing oils. Bath bombs come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Keep in mind that unique shapes like a heart, star or diamond will require a special mold.  

Younger children will require additional guidance as the process can be complex, but this kid-friendly tutorial lists out every ingredient needed and provides simple, step-by-step instructions. The process should take approximately 30 minutes. 

Ingredients include:  

• 1 ½ cups baking soda 
• ¾ cup citric acid 
• ½ cup fine sea salt 
• 2 Tbsp melted coconut oil (or other oil)  
• Witch hazel 

Chalkboard Paint on Anything

Chalkboard paint is one of the best inventions of the century; not only can it keep the kids occupied, but it can also make great home décor. Be sure to use several coats, alternating the direction of the strokes and letting it dry completely after each coat. Include a new box of chalk with the wrapped gift. 

Some ideas include: 

Flowerpot

If mom loves gardening, this may be the gift for her. First, cover your flowerpot in chalkboard paint and wait for it to dry. Your kids can then write a thoughtful message or doodle on the pot. Encourage them to get creative and paint the rim with their favorite color or add a special pattern.  

Mason jar

If flowers are part of your Mother’s Day gift, why not place them in a vase decorated by the kids? Have them cover a mason jar in a chalkboard paint color of their choosing and then add a simple decoration such as a twine bow on the top of the jar.  

Picture frame

Have your children select their favorite frame from the thrift store. Next, remove the glass and add at least six coats of chalkboard paint directly to the glass. The glass can have sharp edges, so do this part for younger children. Then, paint the outside of the frame a pretty color. When dry, put it back together and wrap it with a new box of chalk. It will look fantastic in the kitchen! 

Give from the heart

For all those dirty socks left in the hall, the mystery smells in the kids’ bedrooms, and the science fair projects your child told her about the night before, show mom how much she means to the whole family by helping your children make affordable, homemade gifts from the heart. 

This is a great opportunity for them to display their creative skills while also showing love and appreciation. Lastly, don’t forget to add a homemade Mother’s Day card containing a heartwarming message to complement your gift(s). 

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