Mother's Day is one of those holidays that creeps up on you. You have every intention of hunting down the perfect gift, but then you get paralyzed by options — didn't you get her a Trail of Painted Ponies sculpture last year? What about a necklace? But she never wears necklaces! Before you know it, it's the day before the holiday and you're seriously contemplating veering into the CVS parking lot and settling on a box of chocolates, flowers and a singing card you'll tell yourself isn't obnoxious. Until you hear it blast for the sixth time before you get to Mom's house.
This year, give her something with character. These DIY gift ideas are genuinely easy to make, meaning even the most novice crafter can tackle them. And if anything goes awry, well, that's character — and still way more useful than that "Pocketful of Sunshine" card.
1. Marbled Clay Ring Dish
Who doesn't struggle to keep track of her rings? Help her corral them with a cheerful dish, made from colorful oven-baked clay and gold paint.
Marbled ring dish, $10; Etsy
2. Teacup Candle
Combine a vintage cup and saucer with a candle to give your mom something she can look forward to lighting at the end of a long day.
Vintage teacup and saucer, $8.25; Etsy
3. Dipped Wooden Utensils
Why not give her something that will brighten up her kitchen, like these vibrant cooking utensils? Even better: This is a one-and-done DIY.
Wooden utensils set, $12; Amazon
4. Pounded Flower Tote
That's not paint! The floral print on this bag is created by pounding real flowers with a hammer into the canvas. Lovely, no?
Canvas tote bags, set of four; $16; Amazon
5. Stenciled Tea Towels
A paper stencil is what this blogger used to measure and space out the triangles on these towels.
Plain tea towels, set of 12; $17; Amazon
6. Pink Himalayan Salt Grapefruit Soap
The grapefruit scent and grit from the salt in this bar of soap will provide a refreshing and rejuvenating experience for Mom.
7. Polka Dot Mug
If your mom is a coffee drinker, she'll appreciate the thought and time you put into making her a cheerful morning mug.
8. Watercolor Treat Boxes
A box of homemade cookies is always welcome, but add an extra touch by packing them up in these pretty watercolor boxes.
9. Geode Wine Stoppers
Keep that red wine fresh with these cute, handmade geode stoppers. This super simple DIY will take you less than 15 minutes.
10. Marble Cutting Board
This dual-toned marble cutting board is a classy gift for mothers who love entertaining as much as they love a good brie.
Marble and Mango Wood Cutting Board, $24; Amazon
11. Patterned Toiletry Bag
Help your mom wrangle her travel musts with this adorable zippered bag — just pick a fabric that matches her personality. Beginner sewers, take note: It's an easy project.
12. Lemon Bath Bomb
A special day should end with a rela soak in the tub. A glass of wine and candles are nice, but this lovely lemon bath bomb makes it complete.
13. Glass Candles
Keep her home smelling sweet with these handmade candles, made by pouring wax into cocktail glasses. Choose her favorite scents or repurpose a half-used candle.
14. Leather Keychains
Upgrade her keyring with these leather (or pleather) pulls. Use a rotary punch and metal letter stamps to monogram them for a personalized touch.
15. Matchbook Bouquet
Send tiny flowers to the far-away moms you love. Don't let their miniature size daunt you; they're not hard to make — all you need is patience.
