Mother's Day Gift Guide

Last year I rounded up two DIY gift guides for Mother's Day (see here and here).  This year I'm sharing some sweet ideas for what to buy Mom.  It might seem a little early, but with so many great gifts available online, it makes sense to shop a little earlier to allow for shipping time.

I know few Moms who wouldn't love an all-for-her treat with thoughtful details, and jewellery fits the bill!  A brass and hand painted necklace, in soft pink or black, is on-trend but casual enough to wear every day while mint green glass studs, handcrafted in Italy, are subtle but pretty (and cost $8.00!).  A white ceramic watch seems kind of decadent, making it a perfect gift for a Mom who could use a little luxury in her everyday.

Overstock; Leperla Handmade Glass; Ilios

If Mom isn't enthusiastic about jewellery, something beautiful for the home is always a good idea.  Although your Mom might love something practical (mine would), consider something she would buy for herself, but upgrade it a little, like a pretty Marimekko throw pillow, a hand-printed tea towel or a set of beautiful storage jars.  These little luxuries, but things she will use and love, will brighten her day all year long. 

LaKattun, Truly Swedish Design, EQ3

If you're worried about accidentally buying the same thing for Mom as someone else (like a sibling), turn to local vintage shops or Etsy to find a more unusual gift.  Track down a hard to find item for Mom's collection, or buy a special show piece or set, like cheery fine vintage glassware, collectible Cathrineholm bowls or plates.  Mom will appreciate not just the beautiful gift, but the time you took to find something quirky and different, just for her.  Bonus points if it's something sentimental from her childhood.

Minden; Luola; A Living Space

A perennial favorite gift to give: artwork!!  Etsy is chock full of beautiful paintings and fun prints.  Find a quote from a movie you both love, or a painting that reminds Mom of you.

Hair Brained Schemes

Elizabeth Mayville

Linnea Heide Art

Linnea Heide Art

Perhaps the best gift of all: your time.  Plan a trip together (even just a drive in the country), schedule an extra-long Skype session, or present Mom with a "coupon" for yard work.  It's just as cute as an adult as it was when you were five, and now there are some great customizable and printable options available (see here and here).  You know Mom just wants some more time with her kid(s).  But a pair of pretty earrings doesn't hurt either.  What are you doing to make Mom feel special this year?  And Moms: what's the best Mother's Day you've ever had?

More DIY Gift Ideas for Mom

Yesterday I shared a few ideas for how to customize some of the projects from my DIY archives to make a gift for your Mom.  Today I'm sharing a few crafty ideas new to you and me.

How about a cute pearl bracelet?  Click here for the simple tutorial.

Photo & project from Heodeza

If you're running short on time, this simple embroidery floss wrapped wreath looks easy to make but is stunning in its simplicity.  Try it with Mom's favorite colours.

Photo & project from Duo Fiberworks

Spring has sprung(ish) in my neck of the woods and these juicy felt coasters would be a gift as cheery as the season.

Photo & project from The Purl Bee

I love this tutorial for making a tiered cake stand because, with plastic plates, this is perfect for Mom's patio parties!

Photo & project from Backless Shirt

Rummage through family photos to select a few choice ones to turn into mini polaroid magnets.  So sweet!

Photo & project from Ambrosia Creative

If making something from scratch seems a little daunting, try a simple makeover.  For example, see how this plain ring got a little spruce. . .

Photo & project from Papernstitch

. . . or how this wood vase became more glam.

Photo & project from Joe & Cheryl

Terracotta planters and some paint are all you need to make Mom some fun vessels for herbs or colourful flowers.

Photo & project from Dellie

Baked goods are always appreciated.  Spruce up a tin for presentations points, or make a mix so Mom can whip up something tasty later (and not have to share).

Photo and recipe from Our Best Bites

So, are you all prepped and ready with something for Mom?

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Mom-approved DIY Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Handy Hubby's Mom and her husband are arriving today for a visit (they leave Saturday) and we couldn't be more excited.  I'm also a little tuckered out from trying to cram a week's worth of work into a weekend, so we could have more time to spend with them. I failed, but at least we remembered to pick up a Mother's Day gift (pssst, some chocolate from the best chocolate shop in Ottawa).

My own Mom is not a fan of Mother's Day.  She's not one to go with the crowd.  But she loves handmade goods and is especially fond of a few of my DIY projects.  If I was a better daughter, I'd have made her something and forced her to revel in the joy that is Mother's Day.

Today I'm featuring my Mom's favorite projects from my DIY archives, with ideas for how to personalize them for your Mom.  Check back tomorrow for a list of fun DIY gift ideas for Mom I haven't yet tried.

Framed Bakelite Brooches:

I love this project because it is so customizable.  You could make one large display for all of Mom's brooches, or use a few special pieces (maybe family heirlooms?) so she can enjoy them everyday, as "art".  And remember: this project doesn't damage the brooch and it is still easily removable.

Handmade Art:

Awww, Mom's with grown kids (unless they have grandkids) have no more school art projects to pin to the fridge.  Why not tackle a blank canvas and create Mom some one of a kind artwork?  I promise she will love it - my Mom is always stealing paintings I've made (see her living room for one of them).  Or, for something even more sentimental, invite Mom over, hand her a smock and paint something together!  Check out my DIY Projects Page for some inspiration.

Simple Beaded Jewellery:

Beautiful jewellery can be so simple to make.  Check out this tutorial for simple drop earrings, this post about stringing beads to make a bracelet, or this chain and pearl necklace post for some ideas.  After my sister-in-law's first baby was born, I made her a pair of earrings from her and her little girl's birthstones.  Try a pair with your birthstone paired with your Mom's.

Customized Table Linens:

I think Moms, like most people, have too much stuff.  My Mom complains of that all the time.  If your Mom had begged for no more clutter, try making something usable and consumable.  Decorative items (unless they meet their maker in an unexpected dusting accident) last forever and take up space, doing nothing!  But table linens can be used daily and eventually wear out (so we always seem to be able to use more).  Try making a table cloth for your Mom's specific table measurements, or a set of napkins - or both!

Frame Something Special:

Maybe a photo of you coupled with some memorabilia, or a collection of vintage spoons needs a better way to be displayed.  You can find really nice shadow boxes at craft and framing stores and, with a little personalization, you can finally display what is most special to your Mom.  Take a peek at my framed skeleton keys for inspiration.   This DIY is easy-peasy!

Pretty Card Display:

One thing Mom might have a lot of: greeting cards!  Make her a special place to collect them, like my DIY card display made from a vintage frame.  She will thank you every holiday!

"Renovation Gift Card":

Maybe your Mom has complained her tiling is dated or her walls need painting.  Why not give her a "gift card" for a weekend of your time, or a specific job (one you're good at, now is not the time to experiment)?  I actually enjoy spending a weekend helping my Mom organize and de-clutter, because I feel like I've really given her a gift (although she's a fan of chocolate too).

Tell me: what do you have planned for Mother's Day?  Does your Mom like homemade gifts?  Nothing at all?

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