Nothing says “I love you” quite like a handmade gift. This Mother’s Day, why not surprise Mom with something truly special?
Whether you’re short on time, or you just love to get crafty to add a personal touch, DIY gifts are a thoughtful way to show appreciation. From creative crafts to simple-yet-stunning keepsakes, we’ve rounded up 10 easy DIY gift ideas that will make Mom smile – no matter how confident you feel in your creative skills. And, just in case your craft ends up an epic fail, we’ve even thrown in some Displate posters that she can hang next to all of those photos of her favorite child (aka – you).
1. DIY Candles
Moms love unwinding with a good candle, whether it’s a soothing lavender scent or a rich sandalwood – preferences you’ve no doubt got memorized somewhere deep in your mom encyclopedia. For a more personal touch, try making one yourself. Candle-making is easier than you’d expect, and the payoff is priceless. Not only does it create a moment of relaxation for her, but you can also decorate the glass with heartfelt messages celebrating all the things that you love about her.
Find a local candle-making workshop in your town or grab a DIY kit online, but plan ahead – wax takes time to set, so this isn’t a last-minute craft!
2. Tassled Fabric Bookmarks
If your mom is a certified bookworm, a DIY bookmark is perfect. The world is your oyster when it comes to decorations – you could paint some vibrant tulips on there, or scrawl some affirmation messages to remind her just how much of a queen she really is. Decorate your card, then cut it into a 2” width x 6” length rectangle to easily slot into her next novel.
Whatever design you choose, make sure you add some tassels by getting some nice thread or wool from a craft store. Not only will this add a little flair to her new favorite bookmark, but it’ll also make it even easier to find her spot in the book. Why not opt for a nice spring color theme, to suit the stunning flowers of May, or strands of all her favorite colors. She’ll think of you every time she opens her book.
3. Shell Trinkets
If you’ve been meaning to do something with that big shell you took from the beach years ago, we’ve got a great idea. This craft is simple but entirely effective. If your mum is the owner of many bits-and-bobs and has no where to keep them safe, why not take that big shell and decorate it as a beautiful trinket dish. Perfect for her to keep her rings, keys, or other knick-knacks safely nestled in a unique spot.
All you will need is a good-sized, shallow shell, like an oyster or fan-style, some paint (add gold leaf if you’re feeling fancy), and some Mod Podge to lock it in. This will definitely be used more than some of the dishes you made in kindergarten!
4. Scrapbook of Memories
“Alexa, play Slipping Through My Fingers by ABBA”. It’s time to reminisce on all the laughter, memories and family outings from years gone by with a scrapbook filled with photos and keepsakes. Grab a scrapbook, some pens, photos, tickets from the movies, any drawings you did when you were little, concert stubs – whatever you can get your hands on that’s likely to mean something to your mom.
Assemble them artfully across the pages, adding extra written quotes or annotations to really amplify the effect. If you want to add some extra memories for mom to enjoy, why not jump back to before your time by adding images you can find of your mum and your grandma together – it’s sure to be a tear jerker.
5. Crochet Coaster
This is a tad more skill-based, but if you have a nimble hand, why not try crocheting? Why not start with a little coaster for your mum to put her coffee onto while she reads your card. Depending on how much you want to practice, and your patience levels, you can make a granny square with a simple or complex design by following YouTube tutorials or finding online guides.
Make sure you think about matching her home interior or favorite colors for maximum personalisation. The perfect, cute little gift she can use whenever she wants a hug in a mug.
6. Plant Pot
This DIY gift pairs beautifully with stylish garden gloves or a botanical print of her favorite plant. All you need is paint and Mod Podge to seal it – bonus points if you buy a plant to go in it!
Whether you create a marble effect, paint “Mom” in a heart, or add tiny bumblebees, design something she’ll love. And if mom isn’t into gardening, perhaps grandma would cherish a hand-painted pot for her garden – or do a matching pair so that they can have one each if you want serious brownie points!
7. Homemade Spa Kits
Your mom deserves to be pampered, and to enjoy a slice of time where she gets to put herself first. While a spa trip would be greatly appreciated, it can be costly. Creating a DIY spa kit is a great way to give her a pick-me-up that she can get several uses out of. Grab a gift box or basket, go to her favourite body shop and assemble things like:
- Face and hair masks
- Nail polish
- Body scrub (or make one yourself!)
- Bath bombs
- Body butter
- A dry brush
- Some of her favorite treats (candy, chocolate, or even champagne)
- A new fluffy towel
It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
8. Pressed Flowers Card
Want a bouquet of flowers to last a lifetime? Nothing says heartfelt like a handmade card, and a pressed flower card is a beautiful way to combine creativity with nature. Simply gather fresh flowers, press them in a heavy book for a week or two, and carefully arrange them on a blank card using glue or double-sided tape.
You can add a personal touch with handwritten messages, watercolour details, or even a spritz of floral-scented perfume. Just remember to start pressing the flowers with enough time to let them properly dry!
9. Baked Goods
After years of eating all of your mom’s sweet treats as a kid, it’s time to bake something for her to repay the favor. There are many great recipes out there that don’t require you to be the Cake Boss – so don’t panic if you’re not super confident in the kitchen.
From snickerdoodle cookies to easy, low-hassle loaf bakes, homemade, edible treats are great ways to add a personal touch to Mother’s Day. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not get icing pens or food dye pens to personalize them even more?
10. Handpainted Mugs
A handpainted mug is a charming and easy DIY gift for Mother’s Day that’s sure to make her smile on every tea or coffee break. Grab a plain ceramic mug and use porcelain paints or oil-based markers to create a design that reflects your mom’s personality – think floral patterns, meaningful quotes, or even a funny joke only the two of you will understand.
Once painted, bake the mug in the oven according to the paint instructions to set your design. It’s that simple!
When in Doubt: Displate
If crafting isn’t for you, there’s no need to fear – we have you covered. With thousands of designs at Displate, we’re certain we have a metal poster that your mom will love.
Printed at high resolution onto metal, our high quality posters are designed to last a lifetime. Need some inspiration? Check out our Floral & Botanical Art and Retro Travel posters to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift.
