Mother's Day Gift Ideas to Buy or Make

Mother's Day is coming and, although I'm not really looking forward to it, I thought I'd share some ideas for Mother's Day gifts. These gifts, like any other type of gifts, should be given with the recipient in mind. Sometimes people just give a gift for the sake of giving one without considering who they're giving the gift to. I'm a strong believer that it's the thought that counts, but sometimes I wonder just how much thought goes into the gift. For example, one time I received a box of chocolates as a gift. I remember a friend casually walking towards me and smiling. She softly said, "We BOTH know you're not going to eat that chocolate" and she put out her hand.

In all fairness, the person who gave me the gift may not have known that I don't like sweets (it was one of those secret gift giving things at work), but a quick chat with any of my friends there could've helped. (Although, I wonder if that particular friend would've said yes anyway so she'd get the chocolates. LOL) Along with the box of chocolates, she also gave me money. 

I find money so impersonal. Money, gift cards. Sometimes it says, "I didn't even try". I understand why some people give money and gift cards. They really may NOT know what the other person likes, so gifting these is like a fail-safe. Can't go wrong with money, right? Meh. There ARE exceptions, but these are rare.

When it comes to gift-giving, some people also consider how much is spent. The more we spend, the more they'll like the gift, right? Another "no" in my book. What's the point of spending hundreds of dollars on...I don't know...a gaming system given as a gift to someone who doesn't really like to play? Again, people are thinking about the MONEY put into the gift...not specifically the person receiving the gift.

Maybe it's me. Maybe I over-think this whole gift-giving process. I LOVE gifting. When I worked full-time, I would make a list of all the things a "giftee" would like and then set out to the stores to find something from the list. Sometimes I would find something I didn't even think of. When things got a little tighter I would turn to handmade gifts, not only because I'd spend less money but also because I had more free time to make something. Let me tell you, it is NOT true that giving something handmade is easier. Trust me, it is MUCH easier to go out and buy something than to sit for who knows how long to make a gift. 

Sadly, there are those that don't think of that. They prefer something bought. Sometimes I think that these kinds of people don't even deserve to be given any type of gifts. Maybe any "mandatory" gifts but one you can just buy quick at a drugstore or one of those pre-made baskets people sell at the side of the road. "A gift is a gift." Yeah, I know. But, like I said, it's the thought that counts and if someone I have to give a gift to is one who appreciates only certain gifts, well then a thoughtless gift to them.

Ugh. I rambled. Anyway, taking in mind the person you are planning to gift to (they're likes, dislikes, things they'd enjoy, things they do, etc) take a look at the list for some Mother's Day gift ideas. You'll find gifts you can buy or make among other ideas. You won't find ideas on travel gifts or anything like that because I can't gift airfare or a hotel stay anywhere to anyone, so a lot of these gift ideas are within the "stay-at-home-mom budget". ;o)

Click where you'd like to go or (better yet, lol) keep scrolling through!

Gifts To Buy          Gifts to Make          Gifts to Spend (Time)          Gifts from Kids

 

Gifts to Buy*

For the crafty mom
Grab N' Go Rack System	Daily Zen Doodles: 365 Tangle Creations for Inspiration, Relaxation and Joy
For the book lover
Desktop Hand Bookends	Set of 2 Metal Hook Bookmarks with Pendant
For (coffee/wine/beer) drinker
Prescription Coffee Mug	Mommy's Sippy Cup Goblet
For the geek
Wonder Woman Collar Necklace	R2-D2 Lunch Kit
For the fashionista mom
Two Lady Jewelry Holder and Stand	Acrylic Jewelry and Cosmetic Storage
For the traveler
Scratch Map	Portable Hanging Bag Organizer
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Gifts to Make

• Memory book - Gather up photos of the past year and put them together in a scrapbook. I'm sure mom would cherish it for years to come.
  

  DIY Brag Book from Nalle's House	Cereal Box Book from The Dating Divas
  Grandma Album from Finding Time To Create (Tricky without a cutting machine.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Handbags - This totally depends on the mom. I have ONE bag because I couldn't seem to find one where everything could fit well inside and I wasn't even considering paying $100s for a bag. I ended up making my own carryall. (It's in its last days though. Now my king wants to carry toys everywhere we go so I need to make something better).
  

  "She Carries Flowers" Handbag from Tea Rose Home	Duct Tape Wallet from Craftionary
  The Urban Jungle Bag from Sew Sweetness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Jewelry - Before attempting any of these (or any others you may find online) take into account the mom's tastes. Observe. What colors does she use? What type of jewelry does she usually wear? DOES she wear jewelry? I love fun bright jewelry, but I haven't worn any for a while because they suddenly become playthings while I'm waring them. ;o)
  

  Rosette Necklace from Everything Etsy	Knockoff Pyramid Earrings from mad mim
  DIY Chalkboard Necklace from hello natural

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Home Decor - This totally depends on the mom. I have ONE bag because I couldn't seem to find one where everything could fit well inside and I wasn't even considering paying $100s for a bag. I ended up making my own carryall. (It's in its last days though. Now my king wants to carry toys everywhere we go so I need to make something better).
  

  Mother's Day DIY Magnets from Sundae Sins	Clay Jewelry Dish from Fiskars
  Family Photo Throw Pillow from Better Homes & Garden	Mother's Day Canvas from Craftionary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Bath & Beauty - I know of no mom that doesn't like a little bit pampering even if it's self-pampering. Not saying they don't exist....I just don't know any of them.
  

  Handmade Foot Soak from Or so she says

  DIY Body Scrub from Deliciously Organized

 

 

 

 

 

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Gifts to Spend (Time)

• Day Off - Come on, now. Who WOULDN'T want a day off? Even if mom isn't a SAHM, I'm sure she'd love a day where she has to do absolutely nothing but relax. This means no dishes, no cooking, no picking up toys, no visiting mother-in-law uness she wants to...add breakfast in bed. That is always a winner. Btw, did I mention no dishes? ("No dishes" does NOT mean leave them so she could do them the next day. Been there. Not cool.)
• Mom Day - sometimes couples don't enjoy doing the same things. Why not do the things SHE truly enjoys on her day? Enjoy the time being spent together. (This means, no I'm-bored faces. Practice that before HER day. Been there. Not cool.)
  

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Gifts from Kids

• Handmade card - the best part of these is that kids always have fun making them. They put so much love into it, too. (oh...the feels)
  

  Tri-fold "Love You to Pieces Card" from Brilliant Beginnings Preschool

  Mother's Day Purse Card from All Kids Network

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Storybook - Great idea for older children. Let their creativity run wild as they write and illustrate a story just for mom. At bedtime, THEY can do the story reading to HER.
  

  Flap Book from Wayward Girls' Crafts (Extra bookstyle towards the bottom)

  Paper Bag Book from Rosy Posy (Adapt to Mom's Day)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Flowerpots - Have the kids decorate some flowerpots. Then, they can either plant seeds or better yet you can get some inexpensive flowers and transfer them to the decorated pots.

  Handpainted Flower Pots from penny pinchin mom	Rainbow Pour Painted Pots from dilly-dali art
  Footprint Butterfly Flowerpot from Mama.Papa.Bubba

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Faux Flowers - If mom doesn't have the gift of s green thumb, then give the gift of faux flowers made by the kids.

  Vibrantly Colored Coffee Filter Flowers from Fun at Home with Kids

  Swirly Paper Flowers from Wonderful DIY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Show - if you have multiple kids they can put together a show for mom. Include younger kids if you have them. A super fun idea? Have them play mom in different scenarios.
  

  Doorway Puppet Theater from Sew Many Ways...	PVC Pipe Backdrop from Wedding Bee
  Dozens of Downloadable Masks from Super Punch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Memory Jar/Box - Have kids write or write and draw their favorite memories. Place them in a decorated jar (or box). Reading about our kids happy memories gets a mom right in the heart.
  

  Decorating Jars 5 Ways from The Country Chic Cottage (I prefer large-mouthed jars like the ones some dips come in.)	DIY Memory Box from ediTORIal
  DIY Mosaic Keepsake Box from thistle & LEAVES	Memory Box Ideas from moms & munchkins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Photo frame - have kids decorate a photo then choose a photo to put in it.
  

  Toiler Paper Roll Painting from Creative Carmella (Kids can paint the canvas board any way the like then just add the chosen photo on top.)

  Popsicle Sticks Photo Frame from Squigly's Arts & Crafts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Handmade Jewelry - I would brag about the necklace or bracelet my king made for me wherever I went. You can use bought polymer clay or homemade oven clay for a thumbprint necklace (or cell phone charm, keyring, etc). If they're a bit older, they can make their own beads (with the homemade or store-bought clay) or charms and make a bracelet.
  

  Thumbprint Necklace from The Crafty Crow (I suggest trying with silver colored clay and adding beads to the necklace/fob. You can also run a crayon over the print to give it some color.)

  Shrinky Dinks Beaded Bracelet from Growing Kinders

 

 

 

 

 

 

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If you still don't know, ask. This needs to be used with caution, though. Try to REALLY think about a gift before doing this. Why? Because you may be replied to with an "I don't know" or, worse yet, an actual answer. Why is an actual answer worse? Because it may be something you don't like. Even if it is, the best thing you can do is respect her wishes. Not doing so is disapointing and it's kind of messed up for a mom to be disppointed on Mother's Day. (Been there. Not cool.)

 

*("Gifts to Buy" contains affiliate links. Read full disclosure here.)