64 Thoughtful Gifts and Craft Ideas to Make for Mom

Loraine loves arts and crafts and used to volunteer at an elementary art class. She loves sharing fun and easy craft tutorials.

Homemade Gifts for Mom's Birthday or Mother's Day

Are you wondering what you could make for Mom for Mother's Day or for her birthday? Moms like to get gifts, especially ones that have been handmade for them by one of their children.

I searched for crafts to make for moms that showed pictures of the project and also had patterns and instructions. I think that I have found some really outstanding items and ones that any mother would love. Some of them can be made by very little kids, some could be made by grade-school children, and then there are some that teenagers or adults would have to make or help with.

All of the projects are very appropriate for mothers or grandmothers of any age.

1. Plant Waterer

No longer do you need to worry about your precious potted plants when you go on vacation. This plant waterer is the perfect answer to how your plants can survive until you get home. It's a thoughtful gift to make for Mom for her birthday and it's easy to make—just follow the tutorial found at Creative Green Living.

2. Anthro-Inspired Pleated Necklace

Your mom will never believe you made this beautiful necklace with your own two hands. But she will love it all the more because you did! Find the tutorial for making this necklace at Tatertots & Jello.

3. Iron-On Transfer Dish Towels

You can never go wrong with customized dish towels. These iron-on transfer dish towels are super easy to make when you follow the tutorial at Today's Creative Life.

4. Pillowcase Apron

You'll be able to make an apron for Mom in a quick, easy and inexpensive way by following the instructions for making this pillowcase apron at Favecrafts. There are so many pillowcase colors and designs that it will be easy to choose one exactly right for your mom.

5. Polka Dot Coasters

I love these elegant-looking coasters. They are so easy to make using plain, clear glass coasters as the base. Make them for your mom by following the tutorial given at Creme de la Craft. It's an outstanding gift idea for other occasions, too—think bridal shower or wedding gifts.

6. Jeweled Stemware

Make this beautiful jeweled stemware for Mom using the instructions from the Centsational Girl site. Outstanding!!

7. Fingerprint Frames

If making and giving a gift that will be treasured forever is your aim, this is a perfect example of the type of gift you'll want. This is super easy to make and you'll see just how easy it is by going to HGTV for the instructions.

8. Felt Flower Bracelet or Necklace

Using felt as a craft supply is perfect for kids because it's easy to use and there are oodles of colors to choose from. Follow the instructions at Toddler Approved to make this craft.

9. Mosaic Votive

With all the beautiful colors of tissue paper available, you'll be able to make so many unique mosaic votives. Be sure to use a black Sharpie to outline the pieces so you get this outstanding look. Find the tutorial for this project at Inner Child Fun.

10. Mod Podge Watering Can

If your mother loves anything and everything that has to do with gardening, here is a nice gift idea: Make her a beautiful watering can.

11. Hands Apron

Make this for either Mom or Grandma and you'll be greeted with tears of happiness and thanks. Follow the tutorial at Simply Kierste.

12. Salt Dough Jewelry

You'll find the recipe for making the salt dough along with the instructions when you visit the Saved By Love Creations site. You can either make the dough all the same color or make a variety of colors for your salt dough beads.

13. Sliding Knot Rhinestone Bracelets

While you're making a set of these bracelets for Mom, be sure you make some for yourself also. Otherwise, you'll just have to borrow them from her anyway. You'll find a nice tutorial for making these bracelets at Honestly WTF.

14. Solar Jar Lamp

You can decorate your jar using so many different gems, jewels or beads—make your solar lamp unique and special for your mom. You'll find the tutorial for this beautiful project at Dream a Little Bigger.

15. No-Sew Sachets

You can use homegrown lavender or store-purchased potpourri—whichever scent is your favorite—to make these no-sew burlap sachets. It's so easy to do following the instructions found at On Sutton Place. Sachets can be used in dresser drawers, closets, or even in the car.

16. Footprint Butterfly Towels

Although I love these butterflies made into towels, I think I'd rather have the prints displayed in a picture frame. Find the tutorial at Creative Green Living. I think it would be nice to add the child's name and the year to the print also. This is certainly a gift that would become a keepsake.

17. Home Is Mom Mug

Mom will treasure this gift for years to come. Find the easy-to-follow tutorial at Gimme Some Oven.

18. Drawer Gift Boxes

Go to Live Laugh Rowe for the tutorial to make these super cute drawer gift boxes. Think of all the gifts that would be enhanced with them.

19. Printables

This is a super easy way to make a Mother's Day card. Find the free printables at Glued to My Crafts.

20. Flying Cups

Flowers appear to be spilling out of the cup into the saucer in this beautiful decorator item which you can make by following the tutorial that you'll find at DIY Enthusiasts. Mom will be so impressed with this gift.

21. Quick Gift Flower Candle

22. Coupon Book for Mom

Use your imagination and think up all the nice things you could do that would please Mom and then make a coupon book to give her. For some ideas on how to do this, go to Homemade Gifts Made Easy.

23. Spring Bouquet

The flowers in this unique flower pot are absolutely beautiful. Mom will love and cherish them for years to come. American Crafts Studio is the place to go for the instructions.

24. Seed Tape

This is a very thoughtful gift to give to a mom who likes to garden. Make seed tapes for Mom by following the instructions at P&G everyday.

25. Cork-Covered Containers

Mom can use these containers wherever she works: at home, at the office, or at school. See how to make these containers by going to Paper & Stitch for the instructions.

26. Handkerchief Sachets

You can buy inexpensive ladies' handkerchiefs at the dollar store or at garage sales. You may even have some stashed away wondering what to do with them. Make sachets using the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.

27. Fabric-Covered Notebooks

There's something about a beautiful, fabric-covered notebook that makes you want to use them or display them as a decorative item. Go to The Spruce to see how to cover notebooks.

28. Coasters

I love these coasters using decorative paper, but I can imagine how cool they would look if family photos were used. For the instructions, go to The Mad House.

29. Button Bouquet

A simple, easy craft for making a button bouquet for Mom. You'll find the instructions at Jones Design Company.

30. Table Napkin Rings

Give a set of these to Mom, and they will be a beautiful addition to any dinner or luncheon that she might plan. She'll love telling her guests that you made them for her. The directions for these table napkin rings can be found at Crafts by Amanda.

31. Decorated Golf Balls

I would personally love to be the recipient of golf balls decorated just for me. Go to Laughing Kids Learn for the directions.

32. Faux Punched Tin

This looks like an expensive custom-made punched tin, but it is very easy to do. Go to Suzy’s Sitcom for the directions and to see how simple it is.

33. Ruffle Scarf

This ruffled scarf is so easy to make using jersey knit fabric. Mom will love to wear this. Go to Sew Much Ado for the directions.

34. Steering Wheel Cover

Mom will appreciate this gift in the summertime, when the steering wheel gets very hot, or in the wintertime, when it's mighty cold. You'll find the tutorial to make this steering wheel cover at Corner Window. You might consider making one of these for Dad and other friends too. Once they see this gift, they'll want one of their own.

35. Faux Bois Vases

This beautiful, fake wood finish is a popular look in décor. Find the instructions for making this vase at Centsational Girl.

36. Faux Stained Glass Mosaic Luminary

To make the outstanding mosaic luminary shown above, go to Crafts by Amanda for the tutorial.

37. Fancy Hand Mirror

Help a little kid make this for his or her mother and you'll see one proud gift-giver. Go to Make and Takes to find out how to make it.

38. Photo Bookmarks

Mom will stash these away to keep them for keepsakes. To find out how to make these photo bookmarks, go to Come Together Kids.

39. Magnetic Mousetrap Clips

This is a unique and useful way to give a mousetrap a decorative look—find the instructions for this craft on Suzy's Sitcom site.

40. Emergency Clutch

Just as the name implies, this clutch carries emergency supplies. Made with a potholder and ziplock bags, every gal should have one. See how easy this clutch is to make by going to Eighteen25 for the directions.

41. Interchangeable Beaded Jewelry

For the directions for this very attractive necklace, go to Bacon Time With the Hungry Hippo.

42. Painted Flower Pots

Each one of these painted pots are beautiful and would make a mom happy. Go to Children’s Art.info for step-by-step directions.

43. Fingerprint Planter

You'll make your mom especially happy if you gift her with a beautiful planter with your fingerprints decorating it. Find the tutorial for making this craft at Messy Little Monster.

44. Bookmark

This unique bookmark is made using Sharpie pens and rubbing alcohol. A very nice gift idea. The tutorial for making this bookmark is found at Happy Hooligans.

45. Butterfly Footprints

Make this for Mother's Day or Father's Day and it'll no doubt become a treasured family heirloom. Find the directions at Plain Vanilla Mom.

46. Suncatcher and Wind Chimes

There is a bit more to making this suncatcher than most of them, but it'll be worth the time and effort. Go to stay.at.home.life to see how to make it.

47. Mom and Friend Plaque

I love this plaque!! It's so easy to make with the downloadables and directions that you'll find at Shanty 2 Chic. This can be changed for a gift for a sister, teacher, aunt, mother-in-law, sister-in-law or grandma.

48. Photo Necklace

Go to Rhythms of Play to find the tutorial for making this really great gift.

49. No-Sew Basket Liners

Okay, when you finish making a set of these basket liners you'll find it impossible to part with them—so, just plan on making at least two sets so you have one to give to Mom. Find the tutorial and more pictures of this project at Confessions of a Plate Addict.

50. Mosaic Jug

An eggshell mosaic jug would be a perfect gift for Mom. You'll find the directions at Michele Made Me.

51. Salt Dough Flower Magnets

It's always fun to work with salt dough and this is no exception. Find out how to make these very cool magnets for your mom at The Best Ideas for Kids.

52. Mom's Day Card

Make a cute "I love you" card to give to Mom. She'll really like it knowing that you crafted it yourself. You'll find the instructions for making a card like the one shown above by going to Krokotak.

53. Pin Cushion in a Cup

I love the bright and colorful fabrics used to make these pin cushions. Your mom or grandma will really appreciate a gift like this, even if she doesn't sew. It's a very attractive decoration. Find the tutorial for making the pin cushion in a cup at Jennifer Jangles.

54. Grandma Blocks

You'll have a great time making this craft with the kids to give the grandmas. I don't know a grandma who wouldn't love to receive this as a gift. To make these blocks, find the tutorial at I Heart Nap Time.

55. No-Sew Table Runner

A simple, no-sew table runner makes a nice, thoughtful gift for Mom. To see how to make this no-sew runner, find and follow the directions at Madigan Made. Be sure to make the runner in a color that goes with your mom's decor.

56. Flower Bookmark

Bookmarks are always a nice gift to give to anyone who loves to read. Older kids can easily make these without help, but the younger ones will need some help. Find the instructions for making this flower bookmark at Kasey Crafts.

57. Hyacinths

This is a great classroom project for kids to make as a gift for their mother for Mother's Day. Find the easy-to-follow instructions for making these hyacinths at Krokotak.

58. Bunny Placecards

You might want to make some other suggestions for using these little bunny placecard holders when you present this gift to Mom. They seem perfect for holding photos—or a recipe card, too. Go to The Sweetest Occasion for the instructions.

59. Glass Gem Suncatcher

You can so easily make this beautiful glass gem suncatcher by following the instructions given at Kids Activities.com. It's an outstanding gift for Mom.

60. Bath Bombs

This very thoughtful gift will make your mother happy and relaxed. Find the instructions for making these bath bombs at Play Dough to Plato.

61. Big Button Magnets

All you need is some canning lids for making these big button magnets. I really like these and think lots of moms would. Find the tutorial for making these jar lid button magnets at Liz on Call.

62. Easy Knit Slippers

I keep promising myself that I'm going to buy some knitting needles and learn how to knit, but so far I haven't followed through. Seeing this easy knit slippers project makes me more determined to get with it. The instructions for knitting the slippers is found at Craft Foxes.

63. Crocheted Ring Towel Holder

This crocheted ring towel holder allows you to change the kitchen towels easily when they become soiled. See how easy it is to crochet this ring towel holder by visiting the Little Birdie Secrets blog.

64. Children's Art Tea Towels

Mothers and grandmothers will love receiving a gift made using their child's art. This beautiful Sharpie marker idea comes from Setting for Four where you'll find the tutorial. I think this idea could be used for t-shirts also.

Questions & Answers

Question: Can these diys be bought?

Answer: If you are asking if the items can be purchased already made, I don't know the answer to that. You might check on Etsy. The tutorials can be found by clicking on the highlighted words in the paragraph under the project image.

© 2012 Loraine Brummer

Which Craft Would Your Mom Like?

Malik shehryartoor on August 23, 2020:

I haven't find the best one for my mother's birthday

Abam precious on July 19, 2020:

Thanks 4 the idea

!!! on July 09, 2020:

I don’t know what to do!!!

Allastor on July 09, 2020:

I am only ten and none of these were perfect so I made my own thing it was a flying phone case and I know your all like "oh you can't make a flying phone case your only ten!" But with my building skills and with a little help from a video from Mark Rober I recommend his channel if you like science,building,and a YouTuber with a sense of humor. So yeah to make it he put the materials in the something below I don't know I forgot what it was called but he puts the materials in the section so I'm almost done.

Avie Ramos on June 09, 2020:

This seems kind of complicated for me because I'm only 8 and my mom's birthday is today and I can't really do anything or make any thing because I'm crowded with her in this tiny house because of

COVID-19.

hi on May 26, 2020:

i couldnt really find the perfect one :/

Sydney on May 25, 2020:

“Thank You for these super cool ideas!’’

Person123 on May 20, 2020:

I'm doing a cup

Moll doll on May 06, 2020:

I’m going to do the fingerprint picture frame

mickey on April 16, 2020:

I will try to create the suncatcher

emmii on April 07, 2020:

I like your ideas I might make a flower for my mummy

thank you for the ideas

Rachel on March 25, 2020:

Amazing ideas welldone

I like your ideas I will make a braclette for mommy on March 22, 2020:

thank you

Ella on February 27, 2020:

love the ideas

Denia Brenchley-Sheldon on December 10, 2019:

Im gonna make my mum the tea towel

Arianna on August 18, 2019:

my mom will love this

Mireille on June 22, 2019:

My Mom is going to like these.Thanks for the ideas.

Jules on August 07, 2018:

These are fun and creative gifts my mom loved!

Laura on August 01, 2018:

This is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

Renelle on March 12, 2018:

Thanks l found many gifts to give it to my mom I loved your website thanks thanks thanks thanks

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on December 24, 2014:

Thanks for visiting, lkram. I know that these are all homemade gifts I'd love to receive.

Ikram on December 23, 2014:

I love your ideas.

NicoleRM on January 26, 2014:

Love the gift ideas, thank you

Merry Citarella from Oregon's Southern Coast on October 22, 2013:

What clever ideas. I always loved the gifts my daughter made. Very special!

Shelly Sellers from Midwest U.S.A. on May 12, 2013:

I would love any of these Mother's Day crafts if my son made them! Happy Mother's Day!

Rosanna Grace on February 27, 2013:

Wow! So many wonderful ideas. Thank you for sharing.! :0)

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on February 14, 2013:

@Just-a-Day-Dream: Thanks for your comment. Check out my new article Kids and Crafts: Without Adult Help @ https://discover.hubpages.com/art/kids-and-crafts-...

Just-a-Day-Dream on February 10, 2013:

Wow i like these ideas...but..... Some seem to complicated because i am only 12 and i need a gift idea i can do without "parental supervision" any ideas? but i liked it

pretyfunky on December 31, 2012:

Nicely done!

WBJanitorial LM on November 10, 2012:

My mother would love all of these ideas. Very nice lens.

Takkhis on October 30, 2012:

Your ideas are great.

VeronicaHaynes on October 25, 2012:

Such wonderful ideas. I love the paper flower. Great lens.

TwistedWiseman on August 15, 2012:

My mom used to collect napkins, so the paper pad might be the right thing.

sheezie77 on May 18, 2012:

Nicely done! Thumbs up!

Little Linda Pinda from Florida on May 17, 2012:

A power point presentation for my mom. It came from my heart and it meant so much to her.

Little Linda Pinda from Florida on May 17, 2012:

Nice ideas. Thank you.

Elyn MacInnis from Shanghai, China on May 11, 2012:

Knitted socks, made with fine, colorful yarn. I wear them all the time in winter and love them thanks to my sweet daughter who knits. I am blessed.

earthybirthymum from Ontario, Canada on May 10, 2012:

Candles are always nice, I really like the tea cup candles, I could always use an apron..

anonymous on May 10, 2012:

All I see here is a lot of love to warm a Mother's or Grandmother's heart for Mother's Day and I think they would work for any day of the year, sweetness!

KateHonebrink on May 09, 2012:

Fabulous article with so many super ideas! Love it!!!

Itaya Lightbourne from Topeka, KS on May 08, 2012:

Great article and list of ideas! Saving to refer to later. :)

mytortoisemind on May 05, 2012:

My sister, mam, and granny are all fans of the home made gift. I have to be honest and say all are not my taste, but I really appreciate their efforts and would always prefer something that had a lot of thought behind it rather than some quick buy from a shop. I love a lot of your ideas in this lens, thanks for sharing,

HenkWillemse on May 04, 2012:

Great lens full of wonderful ideas for homemade gifts.

evaemilie on May 04, 2012:

Wonderful ideas! Lots for kids of all ages to make. Will explore some of the sites, thanks for all the links :)

Pam Irie from Land of Aloha on May 01, 2012:

Are my homemade Christmas ornaments when my kids were young (long ago.) Love them!

publicdomain lm on May 01, 2012:

my favorite mothers day gift from my young son is still hanging by my office desk... it's just a picture with lots of glitter and made with tons of love.

iWriteaLot on May 01, 2012:

So many ideas! This lens is great. In love all the flowers with buttons. Too cute!

iWriteaLot on May 01, 2012:

So many ideas! This lens is great. In love all the flowers with buttons. Too cute!

AJ from Australia on May 01, 2012:

Your selections are just beautiful. Wishing you a Happy Mother's Day and congratulations on being selected in the Best of Squidoo Mother's Day Gift lenses. Blessings.

SheilaMilne from Kent, UK on May 01, 2012:

You've put together an wonderful range of gifts for mothers. I will note some of them for helping my granddaughter with a gift for her mother.

Rose Jones on April 30, 2012:

My favorite is the button bracelet.

wrapitup4me on April 28, 2012:

There are some very cute ideas here.