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18 DIY Mother's Day Gifts

HEARTFELT CRAFTS THAT MOM WILL CHERISH

Article by City Lifestyle

Photography by Provided

Not sure what to get Mom for Mother’s Day this year? While a store-bought gift is perfectly acceptable, a homemade gift will be so much more special.

No matter what age her children are, mothers always appreciate being acknowledged and celebrated on Mother’s Day. Show Mom that you care by making her one of these creative Mother’s Day gift ideas.

For the Beauty Queen Mom

Lavender Bath Bombs

Mom will swoon when she opens these little balls of relaxation. If she loves to take a bath as a way to relax, then these DIY bath bombs are sure to please.

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What You’ll Need

  • 1 C. Baking Soda
  • 1/2 C. Arrowroot Flour, Organic Cornstarch OR… Tapioca Starch
  • 1/2 C. Epsom Salt
  • 1/2 C. non-GMO Citric Acid
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp Sweet Almond Oil (or fractionated coconut oil)
  • 2 tsp water
  • 20-25 drops of your favorite Essential Oil 
  • Optional: Soap Colorant Pigment Powder
  • Bath Bomb Molds
  • For wrapping, 100 ct cellophane bags

Directions

  1. Combine and stir the dry ingredients in a bowl. 
  2. Add food coloring (optional). 
  3. Carefully add the oil and water to the dry ingredients.
  4. Using your hands, mix the ingredients together.
  5. Stuff the mixture into spherical molds, one half at a time.
  6. Put the two halves together so they stick and form a ball. 
  7. Gently remove half of the mold. Set aside to dry for 1 hour.
  8. Remove the other half and allow bath bombs to dry for 6-8 hours. 
  9. Wrap the bombs in cellophane. 

Honey Lip Scrub

This honey lip scrub results in smooth, beautiful lips. Plus, the all-natural ingredients are safe to eat! Whip up a batch of this stuff so Mom can enjoy soft, moisturized lips.

What You’ll Need

  • 1 part Honey (or other liquid sweetener. Vegetable glycerin is great for those with candida, if you are concerned about eating some of it.) For added benefits, you can use Manuka Honey.
  • 1 part Granulated sweetener
  • 1 part Olive oil (other great oils would be jojoba, almond, or even coconut oil)

Directions

  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Carefully fill small containers with mixture.
  3. Store in refrigerator for prolonged shelf life.

Jasmine Aloe Perfume Body Spray

This body spray smells just as beautiful as it looks, and Mom will be so impressed that you made her her very own scent! It is light, floral and perfect for spring.

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What You’ll Need

  • 3 oz witch hazel with aloe vera
  • 1 oz vegetable glycerin
  • 25 drops of jasmine essential oil
  • assorted dried flowers
  • flaked mica optional

Directions

  1. Fill a 4-ounce spray bottle with dried flowers and flaked mica (optional).
  2. Add witch hazel and glycerin.
  3. Top with 25 drops of jasmine essential oil. 

For the Sentimental Mom

Child’s Handprint Clay Jewelry Dish

This personalized jewelry dish is sure to melt Mom’s heart. It’s easy to make and something she’ll keep forever as a fond memory of her child.

What You’ll Need

  • Crayola Air Dry Clay
  • Crayola Washable Paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Heart-shaped Cookie Cutter
  • Rolling Pin
  • Parchment Paper
  • Pencil
  • Small Bowl of Water
  • Small Glass Bowl
  • X-acto Knife
  • Cutting Mat

Directions

  1. Roll out a small ball of clay between two layers of parchment paper until ¼-⅛ inch thick.
  2. Place the child’s hand on the clay and gently trace around it with a pencil.
  3. Remove child’s hand from the clay. Cut out with an X-acto knife.
  4. Smooth out any rough edges with a bit of water. Use a cotton swab for between the fingers.
  5. Roll out a bit of excess clay until ¼-⅛ inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut a heart out of the clay.
  6. Adhere the heart to the center of the palm using water.
  7. Place the hand over a small bowl turned upside down to shape the hand.
  8. Gently press down on the bottom of the hand with parchment paper and a book so the jewelry holder will lay flat once dry.
  9. Allow clay to dry for 24-48 hours.
  10. Paint heart a different color (optional).

Custom Recipe Tea Towels

For a truly unique and heartfelt Mother’s Day gift, make Mom a custom recipe tea towel. Select a cherished recipe from her collection—a favorite dessert from her mom or a beloved family recipe from her great-aunt—and print it on a tea towel.

What You’ll Need

  • A scanner – TIP: Use a UPS store to scan your photos!
  • Canva
  • A pdf viewer on your computer (Preview on macs works perfectly)
  • Spoonflower
  • A sewing machine

Directions

  1. Decide your pattern. Select an even number of images.
  2. Scan your images. Save them as a .jpg with Adobe.
  3. Create your pattern for Spoonflower. Create a free Canva account and design your pattern.
  4. Upload pattern to Spoonflower. Order and pay for it.
  5. Cut along the image lines. Hem and press.

Photo Coasters

For a sentimental yet practical Mother’s Day gift, make these photo coasters. They’ll protect the table when in use and double as sweet decor when not in use.

What You’ll Need

  • ModPodge ( this will last for years….you will use this in so many projects)
  • ModPodge Spray Gloss
  • Tiles (4.25″)
  • Foam Brush
  • Scissors
  • Printed Color Photos (use plain computer paper)

Directions

  1. Print out color photos on computer paper about ¼ inch smaller than the tiles.
  2. Cut out the photos.
  3. Brush a layer of ModgePodge to the smooth side of tile.
  4. Position photo to center of tile.
  5. Gently brush ModgePodge on photo.
  6. Let dry. Then add another layer of ModgePodge.
  7. Spray coasters with thin coat of gloss to seal the photo.
  8. Use hot glue to adhere felt squares to corners of coasters on the bottom.
  9. Tie stack of coasters together with ribbon.

For the Foodie Mom

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Mom will be so impressed that you made her chocolate-covered strawberries instead of buying them from the store. These pretty treats will certainly please any mom with a sweet tooth!

What You’ll Need

  • 16 oz. fresh strawberries
  • 8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips (good quality)
  • 1 Tbsp coconut oil

Directions

  1. Clean strawberries and dry thoroughly.
  2. Melt chocolate. 
  3. Dip strawberries in melted chocolate. Let dry on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Transfer strawberries to refrigerator and let harden, about 15 minutes.
  5. Decorate strawberries with crushed pretzels, chocolate drizzles, coconut, etc.

Bloody Mary Mix Gift Kit

If Mom is a fan of a good brunch cocktail, then she’ll love this cute bloody mary cocktail kit. Go the extra mile and make your own bloody mary mix for a more personalized gift.

What You’ll Need

  • 1 large jar 
  • 1 (5 ½ oz) bottle or can organic tomato juice 
  • 1 mini bottle of vodka 
  • 1 bottle Tabasco sauce 

Directions

  1. Make your own bloody mary spice mix using Worcestershire sauce powder, paprika, celery salt, pepper and garlic powder.
  2. Place spice mix in a small jar. Shake to combine.
  3. Add vodka, Tabasco sauce, spice mix and tomato juice to a large jar.
  4. Decorate jar and add instructions for bloody mary cocktail.

Mason Jar Herb Garden

If Mom loves to cook, then she’ll really appreciate having fresh herbs growing right in her kitchen. Give her the gift that keeps on giving—plus, you’ll get to enjoy her flavorful dishes (if you’re lucky.)

What You’ll Need

  • Mason jars
  • Mason jar holder (optional)
  • Soil
  • Rocks/pebbles
  • Plants/Herbs

Directions

  1. Add a few rocks or pebbles to the bottom of the jars.
  2. Fill jars halfway with potting soil.
  3. Plant herb seedlings or grown herbs into the soil.
  4. Label each jar using stickers, gift tags, etc.

For the Bookworm Mom

DIY Tassel Bookmarks

If Mom always has her nose buried in a book, then she’ll appreciate these chic tassel bookmarks. They’ll be a welcome upgrade from the grocery store receipt she always uses.

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What You’ll Need

  • yarn
  • scissors
  • cardboard
  • ruler
  • pencil
  • cardstock
  • Mod Podge
  • foam brush
  • hole puncher

Directions

  1. Cut a piece of cardboard about 3 ½ inches wide.
  2. Wrap yarn around cardboard 50 times. Cut off excess yarn.
  3. To create the tassel, slide a piece of yarn under the yarn wrapped around the cardboard. Tie a double knot at the top.
  4. Cut all the yarn on the opposite side of the double knot. Keep the yarn folded as is.
  5. Tightly tie a double knot toward the top of the folded yarn to create the head of the tassel.
  6. Tie another tight double knot underneath the first one. 
  7. Cut out a piece of cardstock that measures 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches.
  8. Fold cardstock in half lengthwise.
  9. Paint a thin layer of Modge Podge on the inside of the cardstock fold. Press the cardstock together so it adheres. Let dry.
  10. Punch a hole at the top of the bookmark.
  11. Tie a double knot with the top of the tassel through the hole punch.

Chunky Knit Blanket

When you curl up with a good book, a nice, cozy blanket is a must. Mom will love this beautiful handmade blanket and will think of you each time she uses it.

What You’ll Need

  • Thick yarn
  • Scissors

Directions

  1. Make a slipknot in your working yarn.
  2. Reach inside of the slipknot with your thumb and forefinger and grab the working yarn. Pull it up through the slipknot. That is one chain.
  3. Repeat Step 2 as many times as you wish. This will determine the width of the blanket.
  4. Once you’ve created enough chains for the desired width of the blanket, begin making “real” stitches. Skip the first stitch near the end of the chain. 
  5. Stick thumb and forefinger through the top of the stitch. Pull yarn through the loop. Pull a large loop of yarn through if you want a looser knit blanket or a small loop of yarn if you want a tighter knit blanket.
  6. Repeat Steps 4-5 until you reach the end of the chain. Then, skip the first stitch and go back the other direction. Continue this process until you’ve reached the desired length for the blanket. 
  7. To finish the blanket, grab two loops of yarn and thread the working yarn through both loops. Release the two loops, and you are left with one loop. 
  8. Grab another loop and put it in your left hand. With your right hand, grab the working yarn and pass it through the loops in your left hand. 
  9. Repeat this process until all loops have been secured.
  10. Pull the working yarn through the last loops and pull to tighten it. 
  11. Cut a 6-8-inch tail of yarn to weave into the blanket. 
  12. Weave the tail into the back of the blanket by looping it over and under the stitches.

Book Tote

With all those trips back and forth to the library and bookstore, Mom will need a tote bag to carry her haul. Make a truly standout tote bag with a unique DIY design for her to show off.

What You’ll Need

  • Inkodye
  • Freezer paper
  • X-Acto knife
  • Blank canvas tote
  • Clothing iron
  • Foam brush
  • Masking tape

Directions

  1. Print desired design either on printer paper or freezer paper cut to fit into printer. If you used printer paper, trace the design on the dull side of the freezer paper.
  2. Cut out the design using an X-Acto knife/scissors. 
  3. Iron the design, shiny side down, using a clothing iron set to the appropriate setting for the canvas tote bag fabric.
  4. Press down firmly with the iron to ensure the pieces are secured and no dye can seep underneath them.
  5. In a dimly lit room, paint over the design with Inkodye on a foam brush. Blot off any excess with a paper towel.
  6. Place the tote in the sun. Wait 10 minutes for the color to develop.
  7. Peel the freezer paper design off the tote bag to reveal the final product. Let dry.

For the Stylish Mom

Polymer Clay Earrings

Give Mom a pair (or two) of one-of-a-kind statement earrings made from the heart. The compliments will roll in, and she’ll love to brag that you made them for her!

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What You’ll Need

  • polymer clay in various colors
  • earring backs (either posts, hooks, or hoops)
  • jump rings
  • flexible superglue such as Loctite Gel or Gorilla Glue Gel Super Glue
  • parchment paper or foil
  • acrylic rolling pin (Don’t use the same wooden rolling pin that you use with food.)
  • X-Acto, craft knife, or clay slicer
  • clay cutters or cookie cutters
  • toothpick or a large needle
  • flat baking sheet
  • jewelry pliers

Directions

  1. Condition the polymer clay to make it softer and easier to mold.
  2. Choose your earring design.
  3. Roll clay out until it is about ⅛ inch thick.
  4. When the design is complete, use cutters or a craft knife to cut out earring shape.
  5. Using a toothpick, poke small holes in the earrings to attach metal jewelry components.
  6. Bake earrings at temperature indicated on polymer clay packaging.
  7. Once cooled, add metal jewelry components.

Pom Pom Infinity Scarf

With unpredictable temperatures in the spring, Mom will wear this lightweight scarf all season. Choose a color or pattern that will put a pep in her step!

What You’ll Need

  • 1 yd 58-60” wide or 2yd 45” wide lightweight apparel fabric
  • 2 yd pom pom trim
  • zipper foot
  • basic sewing supplies – scissors, thread, pins, hand needle

Directions

  1. Cut fabric 30 inches wide and 58-60 inches long.
  2. Place the edge of the pom pom trim on the right side of one long edge of fabric. Sew trim to scarf, using ¼-inch seam allowance.
  3. Measure width of pom pom trim base. Fold fabric in half with the right sides together, matching the raw edges. 
  4. Using a zipper foot seam allowance slightly larger than the width of pom pom base, stitch the scarf together.
  5. Turn scarf right side out and fold flat along pom pom edge. 
  6. Fold scarf to place short raw edges together.
  7. To create a twist in the scarf, flip top short raw edge over once. 
  8. Pin the right sides of the short raw edges together. 
  9. Stitch around pinned edges, leaving a 4-inch opening.
  10. Turn scarf right side out through the opening.
  11. Sew the opening closed using a needle and thread.

Faux Leather Keychain

A true fashionista knows that there’s always room to make things stylish, even your keys! Make Mom an adorable faux leather keychain that will earn her major style points.

What You’ll Need

  • Cricut Faux Pebble Leather
  • Rivets
  • Keychain Hardware
  • Iron-On Vinyl (optional)
  • Cricut machine
  • Hot glue gun
  • Keychain Cut File in Cricut Design Space

Directions

  1. Cut faux leather using Cricut machine.
  2. Choose as many colors, designs and shapes as you wish.
  3. Add iron-on labels/details (optional).
  4. Add keychain hardware to complete the project.

For the Mom Who Loves Flowers

Tulip Wreath

Sure, a fresh bouquet is a lovely Mother’s Day gift. But why not make Mom a gift that will last so much longer? These DIY spring wreaths will look fresh year after year.

What You’ll Need

  • 18-inch wire wreath form
  • 8 yards of 2-inch ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Hot-glue gun
  • Hot glue
  • 20 bunches of mini tulips
  • Florists wire
  • Wire clippers

Directions

  1. Wrap a 7-inch section of the wire frame with ribbon. 
  2. Use a hot glue gun to secure the ribbon in place.
  3. Lay the tulip bunches over the wire frame to be sure you have enough to make the wreath.
  4. Lay the first tulip bunch down where you placed the ribbon. 
  5. Take the remaining ribbon and wrap it around the tulip stems. Secure the ribbon with hot glue.
  6. Lay the second bunch of tulips over the exposed ribbon. 
  7. Wrap the stems with ribbon and secure with glue.
  8. Repeat Steps 5-6 until the entire frame is covered in tulips.
  9. When you reach the second to last bunch of tulips, wrap the remaining ribbon around the rest of the frame until it meets the starting point.
  10. Trim the last bunch of tulips so the stems are short. Tuck them under the first bunch to hide the exposed ribbon. Secure with hot glue.
  11. Add a wreath hanger.

Decoupage Flower Pots

Mom will love these unique flower pots made with decorative napkins. Choose a fun print in her favorite colors to spruce up her plants.

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Paper Calla Lily Bouquet

A bouquet of real flowers is lovely, but they don’t last long. Give Mom this beautiful bouquet of paper Calla lilies as a unique Mother’s Day gift this year.

What You’ll Need

  • sheets of card
  • a hot glue gun
  • green garden ties (for the stems)
  • chenille (for the stamen)
  • scissors and a pencil

Directions

  1. Draw large teardrop shapes on the card and cut them out.
  2. Roll the edges of the teardrops inward to form the Calla lily shape.
  3. Cut even lengths of garden ties to create the flower stems.
  4. Attach folded yellow chenille to the top of the garden ties to create the stamen.
  5. Attach the stem to the inside of the flower petal with hot glue.
  6. Glue the base of the petals together to form the lily shape.
  7. Draw small leaves on more card stock and cut them out.
  8. Attach the leaves to the garden ties at varying heights.
  9. When the glue is dry, tie the bouquet together with ribbon.

Make this Mother's Day one she won't forget by giving Mom a homemade gift. She will appreciate the time and effort you put into creating a unique present just for her, whether it's a simple paper craft or an elaborate labor of love.

The satisfaction you'll feel when you've finished your DIY Mother's Day gift—and the look on Mom's face when she opens it—will be well wroth it.