Mother’s Day: That one day each year when we honor our mothers and show them that they’re more than just a chef, housekeeper, teacher, chauffeur, coach, confidant, entertainer, and doctor (how there is only ONE day per year for this is a topic for another time!). We all know that a mom’s favorite gift is one that her children made with their own heart and hands. Luckily, the best gifts to make for Mom only require a few supplies and little money! With a little help from you, your kids can make their mom a truly memorable gift she’ll 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!
Some ideas:
- 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.
- 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, but pinch the edges to make leaves.
Coupon Booklet
Consider the tried and true coupon booklet. Moms adore tailor-made gifts that she can cash in on all year long. They’re easy to make with a little card stock and markers, and can be made into a booklet by using a thin line of glue at the edge or by stapling them together. Alternatively, there are many versions available on the Internet to print, which still counts as a homemade gift if your child is the one fulfilling the coupons!
Some ideas:
- Make dinner
- An hour of quiet time
- Clean living room
- Blank (mom’s choice)
- A free hug
- Fold laundry
Decorative Tiles
Small, ceramic tiles are inexpensive and can be found at any home improvement store. Your child can paint a picture or simply draw on one with permanent markers. Spray with clear sealer.
Some ideas:
- Decorate 2-inch x 2-inch tiles and glue a heavy-duty magnet on the back for a memorable fridge magnet.
- 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 steppingstones for the garden. Be sure to use several coats of sealer so they’ll survive the weather.
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:
- 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 or medium.
- Paint a picture on the frame.
- Cover the frame with glue and glitter
Foot Soak
Some days, Mom just 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 well and put it in a mason jar with a bow on it. A quarter-cup in a foot bath will relax and refresh her tired feet.
Chalkboard Paint on Anything
Chalkboard paint is one of the best inventions of the century; it can make anything into a unique gift. 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:
- Flowerpot
- Mason jar
- Picture frame: Buy an interesting frame from a thrift store. Remove the glass and paint the chalkboard paint directly on the glass, at least six coats. The glass can have sharp edges, so do this part for younger children. Paint the outside of the frame a pretty color. When dry, put it back together and wrap with a new box of chalk. It’ll look fantastic in the kitchen!
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 and how everything she does is appreciated by helping your children make her homemade gifts from the heart.
