20 Best DIY Gifts For Mom And Grandma That Will Show You Care

A mother and daughter giving grandma a gift for mother's day

We've rounded up 20 amazing DIY projects that will show your mom or grandma how much you care. These projects are easy enough for even the most novice crafter to pull off. So get creative and start crafting. We've covered everything from the usual DIY cards to beautiful frames and practical gifts, so you’ll be sure to find something for the special woman in your life.

Easy DIY Gifts for Kids to Make

With a little help, kids can make these easy DIY gifts to please any mom or grandma. You can also make them using common art materials at home, making it as accessible as possible for you and your kids to have a go. 

1. Origami Pull-Down Card

Easy origami pull-down card

Easy origami pull-down card - Image by Saira Art & Craft

Looking for a thoughtful, handmade gift for Mother's Day or Grandma's birthday? Then check out this easy origami pull-down card. Just a few folds, you've got a beautiful card that doubles as a sweet little gift, putting a smile on any mother or grandmother's face.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Fold a printer paper in half, lengthwise.
  2. Open the folded paper. Lay it flat on the table.
  3. Fold the corners inward to form a triangle on both ends of the paper.
  4. Fold the sides into the center, touching the middle crease. The end triangles will be smaller.
  5. Fold the triangles in to make a smaller rectangle, approximately the size of a small envelope.
  6. Turn the origami over and draw your design with colored markers.
  7. Fold the origami in thirds, flat side with the design and greetings.
  8. Insert the corners of the folded paper into the other corner to seal the message.
  9. Write the word PULL on the center triangle and a HAPPY MOTHER'S Day message on the other flaps.

2. Pop-Up Heart Card

Pop-up heart card for mother's day

Pop-up heart card for mother's day - Image by Red Ted Art

What's better than DIY-ing a mother's day gift? This pop-up card is great for anyone, and you can tailor it to any special occasion - Valentine's Day, Mother's day, and other occasions. It's also very easy to make that even kids can do them without much help.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Cut a 2-inch strip from white construction paper. Fold the strip into an accordion fold, about one 1/2-inch for each fold.
  2. Cut out a heart from this folded strip without cutting through, so you get a string of white hearts.
  3. Cut a smaller strip of red construction paper, fold it accordion-style, then cut a smaller string of hearts.
  4. Glue the heart strips together so that the red hearts have a white border.
  5. Fold red cardstock in half, then glue the hearts to the card.
  6. Decorate the card's front and add your message.

3. Handprint Wall Art

Handprint wall art

Handprint wall art - Image by Awesomely Crafty

What do kids love about their moms (and grandmas)? This sweet wall art has the answer. It features charming illustrations (for kids who don't know how to write) and handwritten text conveying all the reasons why kids love these women. This wall art will bring a smile to any special lady's face.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Cut a vase shape from white cardstock.
  2. Trace your kid's hand on colored cardstocks to cut out after. 
  3. Cut the green pipe cleaners in half.
  4. Glue the vase cutout, pipe cleaners, and handprints together.
  5. Finish the wall art with a message for mom.

4. Heart Fingerpainting

Heart Fingerpainting

Heart Fingerpainting - Image by Erin Phraner

Looking for a gift that is sure to please your mother or grandmother? Why not give them something thoughtful and unique, like a finger painting from their grandchild. No need to worry about your child's artistic abilities; even toddlers can do them.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Cut a heart out of a letter-size printer paper.
  2. Use the heart cutout as a stencil for fingerpainting.
  3. Paint inside the heart stencil and finger paint inside using red and pink acrylic paint.
  4. Remove the heart cutout and let the painting dry.
  5. Frame the artwork to give to grandma.

Practical But Easy Crafts

Crafting gifts for grandmothers is a great way to show your kids the importance of caring for the elderly. This section includes easy crafts with practical use - picture frames, jewelry boxes, ref magnets so that mom or grandma will feel they're loved every time they use them.

5. DIY Ref Magnets

DIY ref magnets for Mother's Day

DIY ref magnets for Mother's Day - Image by Krafts by Katelyn

DIY gifts are always budget-friendly and much more personal than store-bought items. If you're looking for a Mother's Day gift idea that is unique and practical, consider making DIY ref magnets. It's a great way to give mom an excuse to display her grandkids' art or hold important, and you can use the magnets to hold important papers or notes on the fridge. The project is easy enough for even the youngest crafters to do.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Paint the 2x3" wood rectangles with the black chalkboard paint. Let dry. Apply another layer if the paint is too thin. These wooden rectangles will be the base for the ref magnets.
  2. Draw some chalk squiggles on the painted surface, then erase the chalk writings with a rag.
  3. Add the stickers to the ref magnet base.
  4. Paint the stickers with white glue. Let the glue dry.
  5. Add a stitch-like design around the wooden base.
  6. Glue the magnet to the back of the wooden base using a hot glue gun.

6. Macrame Plant Hanger

Macrame Plant Hanger

A potted plant in a macrame plant hanger - Image by Fairyland Cottage

Mothers will surely feel special if they receive this rustic macrame hanger for Mother's Day. It's a gift that keeps on giving, just like your mom and grandma. Whether you choose a simple design or something more elaborate, a macrame plant hanger will become a hit for every mom.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Cut the jute rope into eight 1-meter lengths. Adjust the rope if you have a larger planter.
  2. Hold all the eight lengths together, then tie a knot at one end, leaving about an inch for the tail.
  3. Turn the planter you want to use upside down.
  4. Divide the ropes into four sections, with two ropes per section.
  5. Measure from the center of the planter. Hold the two ropes together, then tie a knot about an inch from the edge of the planter's bottom.
  6. Repeat tying the knot on the other sections, ensuring that the knots are approximately the same distance from the center.
  7. Take one rope each from the adjoining sections and tie them together. Do the same with the other sections. Always make sure that the distance of one knot from the other is the same.
  8. Bring the ropes together from the first knot and tie another knot. You know you're doing right if you've made a diamond on the section between the second and third knot.
  9. Place the planter into the holder after positioning your paint inside the planter. Hang it where it gets the right amount of sunshine.

7. Teacup Succulent Planter

Teacup Succulent Planter

A teacup planted with succulents - Image by Krafts by Katelyn

This DIY teacup planted with succulents is the perfect desk decor for a career mom and grandma who need a little something to spruce up their space. Plus, succulents are known to be very resilient, so even if your mother or grandmother can't seem to keep a plant alive, they can still enjoy this lovely gift.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Paint the glass mug with white chalk paint and the handle with pink chalk paint.
  2. Draw a face on the mug using the black markers.
  3. Cut up the floral foam and hot glue pieces inside the mug, careful not to show parts of the floral foam. Skip the floral foam and add stones at the bottom and soil if you want to plant real succulents.
  4. Arrange the succulents in the planter, putting the taller ones at the back and the shorter ones at the front.
  5. Write a short message on the wooden heart and hang it on the side of the mug so it looks like a teabag.
  6. Decorate with river rocks to finish the setup.

8. Floral Box

Floral Box

Floral box with pink roses - Image by DIY with Amber

It's difficult to find a mother or grandmother who doesn't appreciate the beauty of flowers. But as anyone with a green thumb knows, keeping real plants alive and healthy can be a challenge. Unlike fresh blooms, artificial flowers are easy to clean and require no watering. They're the perfect choice for adding a burst of color to any mantle or foyer.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Remove the glass cover of the shadow box. If it is not white, paint the box with white chalk paint. Let it dry between coats until nothing shows from underneath.
  2. Cut off the stems on the roses and arrange them inside the shadow box. Secure the flowers using a hot glue gun.
  3. Decorate the shadow box with the pearl wrap.
  4. Wrap the floral box with a cellophane gift bag and tie it with a contrasting ribbon.

9. Spoon Candle Holder

Spoon candle holder

Spoon Candle Holder - Image by Ventuno Art

Candles are a great way to create a relaxing ambiance, and they're a nice addition to the bath or bedroom. Traditional candle holders are easy to knock over, and open flames are dangerous. These holders secure candles at the base of a metal spoon, creating a stable base that is difficult to tip over and float in the tub for a water lily effect.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Cut the handle of the plastic spoons.
  2. Spray the spoons with metallic gold paint. Let the paint dry.
  3. Glue the spoons on a round cardboard base. If you plan to use it on water, use a waterproof material for the base.
  4. Add the second layer of spoons to the first layer of spoons.
  5. Place the tea lights on top of the spoon base.

10. Clay Bowl Desk Catchers

Clay bowl desk catchers

Clay bowl desk catchers - Image by Ventuno Art

Clay bowl desk catchers are perfect for corralling your mom's jewelry, coins, keys, and other small items on her desk. These durable clay bowls are easy to make and do not need curing in the oven. You may even customize them to fit the occasion or use a bigger mold to make bigger bowls.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Knead the air-dry clay in your hands until it becomes soft and pliable.
  2. Roll it on the table, then flatten it with the rolling pin.
  3. Stamp your design on the clay. You may also skip this step if you want to paint the clay bowl later.
  4. Use a small bowl to trace a circle on the clay. Cut the excess clay.
  5. Carefully remove the clay circle from the table and place it inside the bowl you used to make the circle.
  6. Mold the clay into the bowl and let it dry. If you choose to paint, you can use acrylic paint.
  7. Once dry, you may apply acrylic varnish to the clay bowl.

11. Mother's Day DIY Frame

Mother's Day DIY frame

Mother's Day DIY frame - Image by Creative Cat

If you're looking for a thoughtful DIY gift, this sweet frame is the perfect option. The frame is simple to put together but incredibly heartfelt. Your mom or grandma will be teary-eyed when you present it to them.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Cut four hearts out of cardboard. Hollow out smaller hearts from two cardboard hearts to form the frame.
  2. Glue the four pieces together.
  3. Paint the cardboard with gesso primer.
  4. Choose a stencil to decorate the center of the heart frame.
  5. Apply texture paste evenly with a small putty knife. Let the paste dry well.
  6. Roll a small piece of air-dry clay and form it into a tree trunk, branches, and flowers.
  7. Add the swing and the mother and child sitting on it. Mold and let the clay dry.
  8. Mold flowers and curlicues from the air-dry clay using the silicone molding tool. Let the clay dry.
  9. Paint the frame with acrylics.

12. Mom and Daughter DIY Sculpture

Mom and daughter DIY sculpture

Mom and daughter DIY sculpture - Image by RV Creativity

For mother and daughter bonding time, try making a sculpture together. This sculpture uses old newspaper, wire, and paper towels, but its message is very strong. Find something that you used to do with your mom and recreate that using this tutorial as inspiration.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Cut the newspaper into 2x6-inch strips.
  2. Roll the strips and secure them with glue. Make 20 of these paper rolls.
  3. Cut the wire to 6 inches; make 20 cuts of the wire.
  4. Stick the wire into the paper rolls to shape the paper rolls better.
  5. Make the sculpture's frame using newspaper strips and paper towels to give mom and daughter form.
  6. Let the sculptures dry well.
  7. Paint the sculptures with black acrylic paint. Let dry.
  8. Use your fingers to apply metallic gold paint to the creases of the dresses.

13. Quilted Artwork

Quilted Artwork

A framed quilted artwork for Mother's Day - Image by Art Gallery Fabrics

A framed quilted artwork for Mother's Day is a sweet and thoughtful gift for moms who love needlework. Put together some color-coordinated fabric and add the design you want, plus a brief but sweet message for mom.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Find the picture frame first. There is no use in doing a project that won't fit or is too large on the frame.
  2. Cut the main fabric the size of the frame, allowing 1/2 inch around.
  3. Iron the fusible web to the back of the quilting squares.
  4. Trace the letters on the quilting squares using the disappearing marker pen.
  5. Cut out the letters and iron them on the cotton fabric.
  6. Place the quilt base on top of the batting. Secure, so the fabrics don't move a lot.
  7. Make grid lines for the quilting guide.
  8. Sew on the lines until finished.
  9. Remove the glass or acrylic cover on the frame and put the quilt on a 9x12 picture frame.

14. Charger Organizer Bag

Charger organizer bag

Charger organizer bag - Image by Show of Crafts

If mom or grandma are forever looking for chargers and rechargeable batteries, this thoughtful organizer bag with elastics to keep the wires intact is an excellent gift they'll surely appreciate. Customize the colors according to their favorite.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Cut the quilt batting to size and sew it together with two plain colored fabrics of choice. Leave a small part on the width of the fabric so you can turn the fabric, so the right side is out.
  2. Position the 1" and 1/2" garter along the long side of the part you just finished sewing.
  3. Push the garter in so it makes a small bridge, sew on the part touching the organizer, then repeat until you make four bridge-like gaps.
  4. Sew the zipper to one side of the bag using two printed 7x10" fabric pieces. Close the other three sides, then turn the bag right-side out.
  5. Sew the three sides of the printed bag to the bottom of the plain organizer to cover the rest of the elastic garters.
  6. Add a small piece of cord for the hanger and cover the end of the cord with a piece of vintage lace.

15. Water Candles

Different designs of water candles

Different designs of water candles - Image by Knife n Fork

Water candles are a symbol of hope and prosperity. As they float on the water, they represent the light of knowledge that dispels ignorance and darkness. Recreate these Diwali-inspired candles to bring beautiful light into your home.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Wash a wine glass and dry well.
  2. Drop a wooden bead necklace you no longer use into the glass.
  3. Add water to three-quarters of the glass.
  4. Add a jigger of vegetable oil.
  5. Cut a piece of cellophane to fit inside the wine glass. Make a hole in the center for the cotton wick.
  6. Push the cotton wick into the cellophane and place it on top of the oil.
  7. Light and enjoy.

16. Crayon Candle

Crayon candle

Crayon candle - Image by Ventuno Art

Tired of broken crayons anywhere? Corral them into one craft basket, divide by colors, and melt them with some wax for colorful candles made from leftover crayons that your mom won't suspect.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Position a wick inside the mason jar using the adhesive dots.
  2. Microwave a small amount of soy wax in a paper cup for 5 minutes. Pour the melted wax into the mason jar. Let the wax dry to stabilize the wick.
  3. Add another handful of soy wax and broken crayons into a paper cup and microwave for 5 minutes.
  4. Pour the melted wax and crayons on the wax and let it dry.
  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 using a new paper cup for each color until the mason jar is almost full.
  6. Trim off the excess wick and cover the mason jar.
  7. Write your note on a gift tag, then string the gift tag to a length of satin ribbon. Tie the ribbon around the mason jar.
  8. If using a glass, wrap cellophane around the glass, and tie it close with a satin ribbon and a tag.

17. Scented Soy Wax Candle

Scented soy wax candleScented soy wax candle - Image by Candle Science

Ready to make your soy candles? Aside from being environment-friendly, soy candles burn without producing soot and toxins. Its stronger scent profile holds in the scent from the fragrance added so your mom can enjoy the benefits better.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Heat water in a saucepan using the hot plate
  2. Set the pitcher to zero on the weighing scale. Weigh 1lb wax in the pitcher.
  3. Heat the wax in the saucepan at 185 degrees.
  4. Measure 1oz of the fragrance on the weighing scale.
  5. Remove the melted wax from heat and mix the fragrance oil for 2 minutes. Wait for it to cool down to 135 degrees.
  6. Stick the wick sticker into the metal end of the wick, then secure the wick in the middle of the tin can.
  7. Pour the wax into the tin can until about a quarter inch from the top.
  8. Use the wick bar to support the wick. Let it stand overnight in an undisturbed area.
  9. Let the candles cure from 5 days to 2 weeks to allow the fragrance oils to infuse well into the candle. 

18. Melt and Pour Candles

Melt and pour candles into glass jars

Melt and pour candles in glass jars - Image by Kelly Barlow

Moms and grandmas love scented candles because they are a great way to boost the mood, set the tone for a cozy evening, or add a touch of ambiance to any room. No time to make budget-friendly scented candles to give to your mom? Try this hack instead and use scented wax melts.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Arrange the white pillar candles on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil to stabilize the pillar candles.
  2. Melt the white pillar candles in a 300-degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
  3. After 20 minutes, remove the melted candles and add the wax melts, one scent per pillar candle.
  4. Return the candles to the oven, set at 300 degrees, for another 10 minutes.
  5. Stick the wicks into the bottom of the glass jar.
  6. Pour the melted candles into individual glass jars. Hold the wick upright by wrapping it around a skewer, hairpin, or clothespin.
  7. Let the candles set overnight in an undisturbed place.
  8. Wrap the biker twine several times around the neck of the glass jar, and secure it with a bow. Add the tag with another piece of baker's twine.
  9. To complete the setup, arrange the glass jars on a wooden tray.

19. Essential Oil Bath Salt

Essential oil bath salt in a glass jar

Essential oil bath salt in a glass jar - Image by Mary Elizabeth

This Mother's Day, why not give mom the gift of relaxation? This DIY essential oil bath salt is a great way to show her how much you care. The combination of essential oils and salts will help to soothe muscles, ease tension, and exfoliate her skin. In addition, the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils can help to improve mood and promote feelings of well-being. So whether mom is feeling stressed or just needs some time to unwind, this is the perfect gift for her.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Pour the sea salt into a large plate.
  2. Add a few drops of lavender and eucalyptus oil to the salt and mix well.
  3. Fill a glass jar with the scented sea salt.
  4. Write your message on a Kraft tag and tie it around the jar with the jute string.

20. Herbed Olive Oil

Herbed olive oil in easy-pour bottles

Herbed olive oil in easy-pour bottles - Image by Mary Elizabeth

Olive oil is a healthy, versatile cooking oil that you can use in various recipes. It is also a healthy addition to salad dressings and marinades. The herbed olive oil in easy-pour bottles makes it easy to add flavor to salads without the mess. Plus, the cute presentation looks great on any kitchen counter, and any mom who loves salads will be happy to receive this.

What You'll Need

Directions

  1. Clean the bottles and dry them well before using them.
  2. Add rosemary sprigs in one other and peeled garlic cloves and chili flakes on the other.
  3. Fill the bottles with olive oil.
  4. Write a label on a piece of Kraft tag and tie it around the bottle's neck with a jute string.
  5. Let the oil steep for a day before giving them to your mom or grandmother.

Best DIY Gifts For Mom And Grandma - What To Look For 

If you plan on crafting something special for your mom or grandma this mother’s day, this are some of the pointers you can be considering: 

  • Easy to Make 

If you’re not typically the arts & crafts person but want to go above and beyond and make the effort, you’d want to consider the level of ease or difficulty in making the project. Nobody wants to receive something made out of resentment specially when you start to despise and complain how hard it was to make it. 

  • Time 

With a few days left before Mother’s Day, you’d want to choose something that’ll probably take you a reasonable amount of time to make. As they say, time is of the essence and what you don’t want to happen is to have a great idea but fail to factor in time. Thus, leaving you with an unfinished project. 

  • Cost

If you’re being realistic, you’d also want to factor in costs in this scenario. Are you allotting way more budget for a DIY gift than perhaps if you get something from the shops? DIY gifts are sweet and thoughtful, and people often opt to go this route to also save some money. If it’s making you splurge than save, maybe that’s something to make you pause and have a think about.  

FAQ

1. How do you choose the best gifts for moms?

Choosing the best gifts for your mom or your grandma depends significantly on how well you know them. Getting to now what they like or don’t like over the years will certainly make it easier for you to choose something that will fit them or their personality. It also helps to ask their significant others for more intel to help you decide with DIY gift you can take on and customize as your project. 

2. Does a DIY gift have to be purely made from scratch?

DIY gifts are great for those with extra time to spare and like to pay attention and work with details. However, they don’t necessarily mean that everything has to be made from scratch. You can already take advantage of certain materials, say, from old projects or things that you currently have but don’t use anymore. Recycle and get creative.

3. Are DIY gifts only for the artsy type?

Definitely no. DIY gifts are not only for the artsy type. While those with creative inclinations are more likely to find DIY projects easier, that shouldn’t limit those who probably haven’t done something artsy before. After all, this is mostly about putting in the effort to make something thoughtful for you mom or grandmother. So, let nothing stop you. 

Conclusion

If you want to show your mom or grandma how much you care this Mother's Day, skip the store-bought gifts and opt for something more personal and homemade. DIY gifts are thoughtful, but they also show that you went above and beyond, taking the time and effort to make something special just for them.

Have you tried making any of these DIY gifts before? Let us know in the comments below!

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