Flowers and jewelry are nice, but for most moms, nothing beats a gift made by her kids. Round up the kids and have them create one of these 10 sweet, easy, cheap Mother’s Day crafts for their mom, grandmother or whomever they want to show love to on this special day.
Photo: Deposit Photos
1. Painted flowerpot
This Mother’s Day craft is perfect for the mom who loves flowers. Grab a terra cotta pot, which can be found cheaply at craft shops, home-improvement stores or, sometimes, thrift stores. Prime the outside with white acrylic paint, then give the kids acrylic paint in bright colors and let them create their own masterpiece. Let the pot dry overnight, then add potting soil and a bright spring flower, like a petunia. For extra pizzazz, tie a ribbon around the rim.
2. Flower cards
Photo: Deposit photos
A card can be a gift when you make a 3D flower card out of cupcake liners. Get an 8.5 x 11 piece of colored card stock and three paper cupcake liners in complementary colors. Fold the card stock vertically and have your child write a message or draw a picture inside. Make vertical cuts into the edges of one cupcake liner about an inch long. On a second liner, make the cuts about two inches long. Flatten all the liners.
Have kids glue the uncut liner to the card, then glue the liner with two-inch cuts on top of that one, and the liner with one-inch cuts on top. Glue on a button or other round adornment for the “center” of the flower and fluff out the flower’s cut edges. Kids can use crayons or markers to draw a “stem” underneath.
Or, follow this tutorial from Mombrite to make a 3D heart flower card from colorful craft paper. Print out the template for even easier crafting.
3. “Why I love mom” jar
Photo: Deposit Photos
When Mom is elbow deep in dirty dishes or frantically tidying up at 11 p.m., she needs some positive affirmations. An “I love mom” jar will help her feel all the warm fuzzies. Get a medium-size decorative jar (or just use a clean spaghetti-sauce jar with the label removed) and have kids write the things they love most about mom on 2-inch-wide strips of pretty paper. Help younger kids by writing their messages with them. Roll up the strips and place them in the jar, then add a cute label on the front. Better Homes & Gardens has a nice example here.
4. Pencil holder
Photo: Deposit photos
Is Mom constantly looking for a pencil or is her home office desk cluttered with pens and highlighters? This Mother’s Day kid craft will help her bring order to the chaos. Upcycle an old soup can (or any other tin or aluminum can) into a cute pencil holder. Paint the can or cover it with fabric or felt, and then decorate it with Washi tape, paper craft flowers or stickers. Fill it with some quality pens and pencils and it’s ready for Mother’s Day. Even better, kids can help Mom find all the loose pens and pencils around the house and put them neatly in her new gift.
5. “I love mom” bag
This inexpensive but adorable gift is perfect for all types of moms. Decorate a small bag with self-stick letters and some craft foam, and mom can use it to store her cosmetics, pencils, coupons and other small items. Learn how to make this Mother’s Day craft with this guide from Needelpointers.com.
6. Kid art candle transfers
Kid art candles are another unique way to give handmade artwork without cluttering up the front of the fridge. Use wax paper and a blow dryer to transfer kids’ masterpieces onto white candles.
7. Sharpie mug
Many moms rely on their morning coffee, so a heartfelt mug is a welcome present. Kids can craft one using oil-based paint markers and a plain white mug to create an original Mother’s Day gift. Let your kids unleash their creativity and decorate their mug with hearts, flowers or their favorite things about mom. Use this tutorial to making a Sharpie mug to get started.
8. Bottle cap magnets
These DIY bottle cap magnets come together quickly and are as useful as they are cute. This tutorial suggests picking up some plastic soda bottle lids from your nearest craft store, rather than relying on metal ones from actual bottles. Another tip: Make sure the faces on the photos you use will fit on the cap before printing them. Draw Mom a picture or make her a card that she can affix to the fridge or a metal filing cabinet with her new homemade magnets.
9. DIY bookmark
This DIY bookmark tutorial is perfect for artistically minded kids with literary-lovin’ mamas, or for those who are still too young for a bigger project. All you need for this Mother’s Day craft is clear contact paper to preserve your child’s artwork on a bookmark that will make mom smile every time she sees it.
10. Pom pom wreath
This pom pom wreath project is great for older kids who still want to make something for mom themselves. Burlap fabric strips, a wreath form and pom poms bring this wreath together. Mom can use it to adorn the front door of the house, her office or her bedroom.
For more Mother’s Day articles:
- What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
- Mother’s Day gifts she’ll love
- Great gifts for a first Mother’s Day
- Card-making tips in time for Mother’s Day
- Thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts on a budget
- Free or cheap Mother’s Day gift ideas that cost little or no money
- DIY spa day gift basket
- Mother’s Day freebies and deals
