A homemade breakfast in bed is always sweet, but getting an adorable DIY keepsake craft or treat from little ones for Mother’s Day can be just as memorable. In fact, a survey found that that only 7 per cent of moms want the traditional breakfast in bed. Most moms prefer gifts instead.
So why not make something mom will remember?
These crafts are easy and the list includes ideas for kids in every age bracket (and helpers at every level of craftiness). Many of these crafts call for supplies you either already have at home, or can easily grab from the supermarket, dollar store, or craft store.
1. Cocoa Body Scrub
This all-natural sweet-smelling body scrub comes entirely from the pantry.
What you need:
small or medium jar (mason jars work well)
brown and white sugars
cooking oil
cocoa
vanilla extract
How to make it:
- Fill your jar about two-thirds full with equal parts brown and white sugar. (This is to make sure you have the right amount of sugar for your jar, not too much or too little.)
- Pour out the sugar into a bowl, and add about a tablespoon or so of cocoa powder and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Mix in a few tablespoons of oil such as vegetable or coconut oil.
- Pack it into the jar for a sweet treat.
2. Reasons I Love Mom Jar
This from-the-heart keepsake costs almost nothing and is easy for non-crafty types to do.
What you need:
jar or pretty tin
label
paper
How to make it:
- Cut strips from a sheet or two of paper, and on each strip, have the kids write (or write for them) a reason why they love mom.
- Label the jar or tin “15 Reasons We Love Mommy” or “This Is Why We Love You, Mommy!” and put the folded strips inside. Be sure to write the year on the label as Mom is likely to keep it for years to come.
3. Stenciled Napkins
The easiest way to make these is to use fabric paint, and letter stencils you probably already have from projects at home. Monogram one napkin for each member of the family, or if you’re really creative, you can make your own stencil patterns.
What you need:
cloth napkins
fabric paint
stencils
masking tape
How to make it:
Let the imagination run wild. Allow kids to use the stencils and fabric paint to create whatever they envision.
4. Ribbon Bookmarks
One of the easiest crafts on this list: just upcycle and customize spare ribbons.
What you need:
ribbons
stickers, buttons, etc.
How to make it:
Just cut ribbons to book length plus several inches, then decorate. This craft is great for every age. Littlest kids can add stickers or glue glitter to a length of pretty ribbon. School-age kids can braid three bright, skinny ribbons together, knotting on both ends. Tweens can sew a beautiful button to the top of a thick ribbon and trim the end.
5. Mini Herb Garden
A gift that keeps on giving (and growing)! If mom loves cooking, try this easy herb garden.
What you need:
flower pot and tray
potting soil
three or four herb plants
How to make it:
Make mom a mini herb garden planting three or four herb plants in a terracotta flower pot. There are so many herbs to choose from, but fresh basil, parsley, cilantro, and oregano are among the most-used in recipes.
6. Homemade Spice Blends
Your family’s culinary creativity is the limit with this edible craft.
What you need:
small jars with airtight lids
spices
stickable or cardboard labels (optional)
hole punch (optional)
string (optional)
How to make it:
You can find recipes online (here are a few good ideas from Erin at Naturally Ella) or create your own blends from flavours you think Mom would like. A trio of popcorn toppings would be great for the popcorn-loving mom. All-natural taco seasoning or a custom curry powder might be appreciated by a mom-gourmande. Or consider a pumpkin spice or nutmeg and cinnamon blend for a latte drinker. Then let the kids go wild by mixing up an “everything” spice—they’re sure to create something memorable!
Label the jars with hole-punched cardboard tags and string or with printed or handwritten peel-and-stick labels.
7. Custom Notepads
Even the most smartphone-addicted mom needs notepads around for the office or home, and a tiny one for her glove compartment or purse.
What you need:
blank notepads
permanent markers
stickers, decorative paper, ribbon, glue, etc.
How to make it:
Customize the notebook covers by covering in decorative paper or a collage, writing Mom’s name or initials, and/or doing a drawing of her she’s sure to cherish. Tiny tots can help out by decorating the covers with stickers.
8. “You Are My Sunshine” Care Package
Create a custom gift just for mom with a few of her favourite yellow things.
What you need:
basket
variety of yellow goodies
How to make it:
Have fun with the colour yellow by creating a card out of yellow construction paper that says “Mommy, you are my sunshine,” and fill a yellow basket with yellow-only goodies, like yellow candy, yellow-packaged chocolate, a yellow scented or natural beeswax candle, lip balm, etc. Or do the same with the colour orange and let the card read “Orange you glad it’s Mother’s Day?”
9. Fabric-Covered Bead Necklace
This is definitely a craft for older kids to help with as it involves measuring and sewing, but if you’re game it makes for a gorgeous gift.
What you need:
fabric
round beads
ribbon
How to make it:
- Sew a tube of fabric, then turn it right side out.
- Tie up beads one by one inside the tube.
- Tie a ribbon to the ends of the bead tube.
- Check out this photo tutorial for one beautiful example and see our Mother’s Day Gifts Pinterest board for more tutorials.
10. Baby Handprint or Footprint in Clay
Even baby can make her own contribution on Mother’s Day. Make it yourself following the steps below, or call your local craft store to see if they carry one of these Sculpey Keepsake Kits.
What you need:
polymer clay (the kind that hardens when dry) like Sculpey
or
baking soda and cornstarch, for DIY clay
How to make it
- If making your own clay, see this recipe from Arm & Hammer.
- Form the clay into a thick circle (you may want to roll out and use a bowl to press down and make a precise cut).
- Press baby’s hand or foot into the clay.
- Let it dry overnight or per the label’s instructions.
HOMEMADE SPICE BLENDS (IMAGE COURTESY OF NATURALLY ELLA)
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