Mother’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the moms, grandmothers, and caregivers who make life brighter every single day.  As I was just going through my memory box of Mother’s Day gifts I’ve collected over the years, I thought I’d write a quick post of the best-of gifts ideas for kids to mom.

For kids, handmade gifts are not just budget-friendly—they’re deeply meaningful. Whether your kids are toddlers with tiny handprints or big kids who love crafting with intention, these ideas are a sweet way to say “I love you” with glue, paint, and heart.  And I want to reiterate that (personally) there is nothing sweeter than those handprint crafts over the years.

Here are 20 DIY Mother’s Day gifts that are simple, creative, and—best of all—mom-approved.

1. Handprint Flower Pot

This classic gift idea never goes out of style. All you need is a plain terracotta pot, acrylic paints, and a little supervision. Let kids stamp their painted hands around the pot like petals, then add Mom’s favorite plant.

Pro Tip: Use permanent marker to add the child’s name and date on the bottom so Mom can cherish it for years to come.  In fact, quick friendly reminder to always add in the name and date. I was bummed to discover way to many art pieces without a name and date!

2. “Reasons I Love Mom” Jar

This one’s perfect for older kids who can write. Decorate a mason jar or any clean glass container, then fill it with handwritten notes: “You make the best pancakes,” “You read me stories at night,” or “You give the best hugs.”

Variation: Add chocolate kisses or mini origami hearts inside for a “sweet” twist.

3. Fingerprint Heart Keychain

Shrink plastic (like Shrinky Dinks) or polymer clay works great for this. Kids press their fingerprints into a heart shape, bake it, and attach it to a keyring. This gift is small enough for Mom to carry everywhere.

Safety Tip: An adult should handle baking steps.

4. DIY Coupon Book

Make a book of promises and small acts of kindness—like “One foot rub,” “I’ll clean up my toys,” or “Help with laundry.” Kids can decorate the cover with stickers or drawings.

Bonus: Laminate each coupon so Mom can use them year-round.

5. Mother’s Day Portrait Drawing

Ask kids to draw Mom—her favorite clothes, hairstyle, or doing something she loves (yoga, gardening, cooking). Frame it for an instant keepsake.

Teacher Tip: Have students interview Mom beforehand to add favorite facts in speech bubbles around the drawing.

6. Thumbprint Butterfly Card

A quick and charming card idea: use thumbprints in mirrored positions to form butterfly wings, then draw in the body and antennae with marker.

Message idea: “You make my heart flutter, Mom!”

7. DIY Beaded Jewelry

With elastic string and beads, kids can design custom bracelets or necklaces. Try alternating colored beads with letter beads to spell names or words like “LOVE,” “BEST MOM,” or “XO.” I also love this custom keychain kit.  Same idea, just in keychain form.  My girls love all these colorful beads!

Adapt for Toddlers: Use large beads and thick yarn for a toddler-safe version.

8. Salt Dough Handprint Ornament

Mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, and ½ cup water to create salt dough. Roll it out, press a handprint, then bake or air-dry. Afterward, kids can paint the print and decorate the edges.

Long-Term Tip: Seal with Mod Podge to preserve it.

9. Photo Bookmark

Great for moms who love reading. Print a photo of the child (or group photo), glue it to cardstock, and laminate if possible. Add a ribbon tassel to the top.

Cute Add-On: Write “Thanks for being the best chapter in my story” on the back.

10. Pressed Flower Art

Gather flowers or leaves and press them in heavy books for 3–5 days. Once flat, glue them to blank cardstock in a pretty arrangement and frame.

Creative Twist: Cut pressed flowers into a heart shape or spell “MOM” with them.

11. Mini Canvas Painting

Pick up small canvases from a craft store and let kids paint anything that reminds them of Mom: a rainbow, a sun, flowers, or their handprint.

Variation: Use painter’s tape to block off letters (like “MOM”), then let them paint over the canvas. Peel away tape when dry for a clean, modern look.

12. Bath Bombs in a Jar

Whip up a batch of bath bombs with baking soda, citric acid, coconut oil, and essential oils. Let kids mix and mold them, then store in a mason jar with a label like “Mom’s Spa Day.”  This one is going to require a little bit of adult help. I’ve used this bath bomb kit in the past with my girls and had a good experience.

Scent Ideas: Lavender for relaxation, orange for energy, or vanilla for comfort.

13. DIY Photo Frame

Provide a plain wood frame and let kids decorate it with sequins, buttons, stickers, or paint. Insert a family photo, and you’ve got a sentimental favorite.

Budget Tip: Dollar stores and Michael’s or Hobby Lobby are your best shot for blank frames.

14. Pop-Up Card

Cut and fold paper so when the card opens, a pop-up message or bouquet appears inside. Kids can write jokes, stories, or heartfelt messages inside.

Inspiration: Fold paper strips accordion-style for flowers that bloom when opened.

15. “You Are My Sunshine” Craft

Kids cut out a large sun from yellow paper, then write one word or phrase about Mom on each sunray. Glue it onto a blue background for a cheerful surprise.

Use as Wall Art: Tape it to Mom’s bathroom mirror or bedroom wall.

16. Mom & Me Memory Book

Create a 4- to 8-page booklet with construction paper and let kids fill in prompts:

• “My favorite thing to do with Mom is…”

• “She always says…”

• “If Mom was a superhero, her power would be…”

Binding Options: Staple the pages, punch holes and tie with ribbon, or use a mini notebook.

17. Decorated Wooden Spoon Set

Let kids paint the handles of wooden spoons with stripes, flowers, or hearts. Wrap them in a tea towel with twine for a functional kitchen gift.

Message Idea: “Made with love—and spoons!”

18. Lavender Sachets

Kids can help sew small fabric squares, stuff them with dried lavender or rice and essential oils, and tie them with ribbon. Slip into drawers for a calming scent.

Alternative: Use socks or small fabric pouches from the dollar store for no-sew versions.

19. Mother’s Day Tea Kit

Decorate a small box, tin, or mug and fill it with tea bags, honey sticks, a stirring spoon, and a sweet note.

Message for Tag: “You’re my cup of tea, Mom!”

20. “I Love You Because…” Flip Book

Staple index cards together and have kids write or draw one reason per card. Decorate the cover with a photo or custom title like “20 Reasons You’re the Best Mom Ever.”

Use cardstock and binder rings for a sturdier version that lasts all year!

The most meaningful Mother’s Day gifts are the ones made with love—and these ideas prove that you don’t need fancy supplies or big budgets to create something beautiful. Whether your child paints a picture or writes a sweet message, what matters most is the thought behind it.

These DIYs are also perfect for teachers or group leaders organizing Mother’s Day crafts in classrooms, scout meetings, or Sunday schools. Choose one or two age-appropriate projects and turn them into a sweet gift-making session kids will be proud of.

No matter which project you choose, remember: It’s not about perfection—it’s about love, effort, and celebrating everything that makes Mom the heart of the home.

Small Gift Ideas to Pair With DIY Mother’s Day Gifts

Sometimes a little extra touch can make a handmade gift even more special. If you want to pair a small store-bought item with your child’s DIY project—or if you’re helping organize a classroom or group activity—these simple, affordable ideas work beautifully alongside homemade cards, art, or crafts.

Here are small gift ideas that feel thoughtful without taking away from the handmade magic:

1. A Pretty Notebook or Journal

Pair a “Reasons I Love Mom” jar or hand-drawn portrait with a beautiful notebook for Mom to jot down memories, recipes, or goals.

Tip: Let the child write a short message inside the front cover to personalize it.

2. Scented Candle

Tuck a mini candle into a gift basket along with bath bombs, lavender sachets, or a handmade card. Choose relaxing scents like vanilla, lavender, or eucalyptus.

3. Tea Sampler or Coffee Pods

If you’re making a “Mom’s Tea Kit,” add a few specialty tea bags, a honey stick, or flavored coffee pods to complete the set.

Bonus Tip: Wrap it in a cute mug the kids decorated themselves with ceramic markers.   I also came across this Paint-Your-Own Ceramic Mug at Target the other day that would be an awesome addition!

4. Hand Lotion or Bath Salts

Pair with a handprint flower pot or a memory book. Moms are often busy and appreciate little moments of self-care tucked into their day.

5. Seeds or a Small Plant

A packet of wildflower seeds, a tiny succulent, or a basil plant pairs perfectly with a decorated flower pot or pressed flower art.

DIY Touch: Have the child make a plant marker using a popsicle stick and washi tape.

6. Custom Bookmark or Favorite Book

If you’re making a photo bookmark, consider gifting Mom a novel, poetry collection, or even a fun magazine to go with it.

Personal Touch: Let kids choose a book they think Mom would love—or one they can read together.

7. Lip Balm or Handcrafted Soap

Handmade or artisan soaps and lip balms make charming little add-ons to bath-related DIY gifts like homemade bath bombs or spa kits.

8. Gift Card for a Coffee Shop or Bakery

Tuck a $5 or $10 gift card inside a DIY pop-up card or memory book for a sweet surprise. It’s a simple but appreciated gesture for a coffee or treat on the go.

Cute Message: “Because you deserve a latte love!”

9. Cute Kitchen Towels

Pair with decorated wooden spoons or a DIY recipe card kit. Choose towels in Mom’s favorite color or pattern to brighten her kitchen.

10. Photo Prints or Mini Album

Print a handful of favorite family photos and clip them together with a pretty binder clip, tuck into a mini album, or simply tie with ribbon. It’s the perfect bonus to a handmade photo frame or Mother’s Day card.

It’s the Combination That Matters

When you pair a small, thoughtful gift with a child’s handmade creation, it shows extra care without feeling over-the-top. Whether it’s a potted plant with a thumbprint-decorated pot, a tea kit with a homemade card, or a simple bookmark tucked into a new novel, these little combinations turn DIY gifts into full, meaningful experiences for Mom.

Thoughtfulness always matters more than size or cost.