Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show your mom how much she means to you. But let’s be honest—store-bought gifts can feel impersonal and, let’s face it, expensive. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 20 Easy DIY Mother’s Day Gifts that look luxurious but are surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re crafting for your mom, grandma, or a mother figure in your life, these handmade Mother’s Day gifts are sure to make her feel special.
Plus, I’ve included an image prompt for each gift, a list of materials, and step-by-step instructions to guide you. Let’s dive in!
Before we dive in, grab your free downloadable checklist of all the materials you’ll need!
Why Choose DIY Gifts?
DIY gifts are more than just thoughtful—they’re a way to show your mom how much you care. Here are some reasons why DIY gifts are so special:
- Personal and Heartfelt: DIY gifts show you’ve put thought and effort into creating something unique.
- Budget-Friendly: Most of these projects cost less than $20 to make.
- Customizable: Tailor each gift to your mom’s preferences and style.
Why Moms Deserve These Gifts
Moms give so much of themselves every day. These DIY gifts are a small way to show appreciation for all they do. If you want to learn more about celebrating moms, check out Why Moms Deserve Trophies.
1. Personalized Photo Frame

Materials Needed:
- Plain wooden frame
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Stencils (optional)
- Sandpaper
- Family photo
Instructions:
- Lightly sand the frame to create a smooth surface.
- Paint the frame with a base color and let it dry.
- Use stencils or freehand to write a message like “Best Mom Ever” or “Family Love.”
- Add decorative details like flowers or swirls.
- Insert a favorite family photo and wrap it up!
2. DIY Scented Candles
Want to see these DIY gifts in action? Check out the video tutorials below for step-by-step guidance! They’ll make crafting even easier and more fun.

Materials Needed:
- Soy wax flakes
- Candle wicks
- Essential oils (lavender, vanilla, or rose)
- Glass jars
- Dried flowers (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt the soy wax flakes in a double boiler.
- Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil.
- Secure the wick to the bottom of the jar and pour the wax in.
- Let it cool slightly, then sprinkle dried flowers on top.
- Allow the candle to set completely before gifting.
3. Hand-Painted Flower Pots
Materials Needed:
- Terracotta pots
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Clear sealant
- Small plants or succulents
Instructions:
- Paint the pots with a base color and let them dry.
- Add floral designs or patterns using contrasting colors.
- Seal the paint with a clear sealant to protect it.
- Plant a small succulent or herb inside.
4. Customized Jewelry Dish

Materials Needed:
- Plain ceramic dish
- Gold leaf pen or paint
- Paintbrush
- Stencils (optional)
Instructions:
- Clean the ceramic dish thoroughly.
- Use a stencil or freehand to write a message or design.
- Add gold leaf accents for a luxurious touch.
- Let it dry completely before gifting.
5. Homemade Bath Bombs

Materials Needed:
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup citric acid
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- Essential oils
- Dried flowers
- Silicone molds
Instructions:
- Mix baking soda, citric acid, and Epsom salt in a bowl.
- Add coconut oil and a few drops of essential oil.
- Press the mixture into silicone molds and sprinkle dried flowers on top.
- Let them dry for 24 hours before removing from the molds.
6. Knitted Cozy Blanket

Materials Needed:
- Chunky yarn
- Knitting needles or your hands (for arm knitting)
Instructions:
- Choose a simple knit stitch or use the arm-knitting technique.
- Knit until the blanket reaches your desired size.
- Tie off the ends securely.
7. DIY Lavender Sachets

Materials Needed:
- Linen or cotton fabric
- Dried lavender
- Needle and thread
- Ribbon
Instructions:
- Cut the fabric into small squares.
- Sew three sides together to form a pouch.
- Fill with dried lavender and sew the fourth side closed.
- Tie a ribbon around the sachet for a finishing touch.
8. Handmade Soap Bars

Materials Needed:
- Melt-and-pour soap base
- Essential oils
- Soap molds
- Dried flowers or herbs
Instructions:
- Melt the soap base in a microwave-safe container.
- Add essential oils and dried flowers.
- Pour the mixture into molds and let it set.
- Unmold and wrap in pretty paper.
9. Custom Recipe Book

Materials Needed:
- Blank notebook or binder
- Fabric or decorative paper
- Glue
- Pens or markers
Instructions:
- Cover the notebook with fabric or decorative paper.
- Write down your mom’s favorite recipes inside.
- Add personal notes or memories with each recipe.
10. DIY Floral Wall Art

Materials Needed:
- Canvas
- Watercolor paints
- Paintbrushes
- Stencils (optional)
Instructions:
- Paint a floral design on the canvas using watercolors.
- Add a quote like “Home is Where Mom Is.”
- Let it dry and frame it if desired.
Not sure which gift to make? Take this quick quiz to find the perfect DIY gift for your mom!
DIY Mother’s Day Gift Poll & Quiz
Poll: Which DIY gift are you most excited to make?
Quiz: Find the Perfect DIY Gift for Your Mom!
11. Personalized Tote Bag

Materials Needed:
- Plain canvas tote bag
- Fabric paint
- Paintbrushes
Instructions:
- Paint a design or message on the tote bag.
- Let it dry completely before using.
12. DIY Herb Garden Kit

Materials Needed:
- Small pots
- Potting soil
- Herb seeds
- Chalkboard paint
- Chalk
Instructions:
- Paint the pots with chalkboard paint and let them dry.
- Fill the pots with soil and plant the seeds.
- Label each pot with the herb name using chalk.
13. Homemade Body Scrub

Materials Needed:
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup coconut oil
- Essential oils
- Glass jar
Instructions:
- Mix sugar and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Add a few drops of essential oil.
- Transfer to a glass jar and tie a ribbon around the lid.
14. DIY Memory Jar

Materials Needed:
- Mason jar
- Small pieces of paper
- Pen
- Twine or ribbon
Instructions:
- Write down favorite memories or reasons you love your mom on the paper.
- Fold the notes and place them in the jar.
- Tie a ribbon around the jar for decoration.
15. Handmade Beaded Jewelry

Materials Needed:
- Beads
- Jewelry wire or string
- Clasp
Instructions:
- String the beads onto the wire or string.
- Attach a clasp to secure the jewelry.
16. DIY Coasters

Materials Needed:
- Cork or tile coasters
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Clear sealant
Instructions:
- Paint the coasters with your chosen design.
- Seal with a clear coat to protect the paint.
17. Customized Mug

Materials Needed:
- Plain white mug
- Porcelain paint markers
Instructions:
- Write or draw your design on the mug.
- Bake the mug according to the paint instructions to set the design.
18. DIY Photo Album

Materials Needed:
- Blank photo album
- Photos
- Decorative paper
- Glue
- Markers
Instructions:
- Arrange photos and decorative paper in the album.
- Add captions or notes to each page.
19. Homemade Lip Balm

Materials Needed:
- Beeswax
- Coconut oil
- Essential oils
- Lip balm containers
Instructions:
- Melt beeswax and coconut oil together.
- Add a few drops of essential oil.
- Pour the mixture into containers and let it set.
20. DIY Flower Crown

Materials Needed:
- Floral wire
- Fresh or artificial flowers
- Floral tape
Instructions:
- Shape the wire into a crown.
- Attach flowers using floral tape.
Ready to get started? Download the complete materials checklist here!
Adapt These Gifts for Any Occasion
These DIY gifts aren’t just for Mother’s Day—they’re perfect for birthdays, Christmas, or just because! For example:
- Use the DIY Scented Candles as stocking stuffers for Christmas.
- Turn the Custom Recipe Book into a holiday gift by adding seasonal recipes.
- Adapt the DIY Flower Crown for a summer birthday party.
Let’s get those pins trending! 📌


Final Thoughts
These DIY Mother’s Day gifts are not only thoughtful but also budget-friendly. They show your mom how much you care by putting in the time and effort to create something unique. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out these related posts:
- Why Moms Deserve Trophies: Stop Waiting for Thanks and Start Rewarding Yourself
- Self-Care Strategies for Moms
- The Busy Mom’s Guide to Self-Love: Nourishing Body, Mind, and Soul
Happy crafting, and happy Mother’s Day!
FAQs
Q: How long do these DIY gifts take to make?
A: Most projects can be completed in under an hour, while others (like knitting a blanket) may take a bit longer.
Q: Are these gifts suitable for grandmas?
A: Absolutely! These ideas work for moms, grandmas, and any mother figure in your life.
Q: Do I need to be crafty to make these gifts?
A: Not at all! These projects are beginner-friendly and come with step-by-step instructions.