5 handmade Mother’s Day gifts for kids to make

My mom still has a few Mother’s Day gifts I made for her back in my childhood, and now that I am a mother myself, I can understand why that macaroni-studded flower pot means so much to her. In a world where we can purchase anything with convenience, ease (and let’s face it, very little thought), handmade Mother’s Day gifts from our children will stand the test of time.

As a former preschool teacher, I know that my students’ mothers will cherish some of their handmade masterpieces forever, and others, well, mom may have held on for a few weeks before tossing them. To save your child from creating beautiful masterpieces that will only last a few months, here are the top five projects I have found to make a forever and cherished keepsake. They’re somewhat easy and well-suited for any child to give to their mother this holiday, from babies to teens. (Although the younger the child, the more supervision and assistance they will need.)

If you are a mother reading this, be sure to send this to your partner or your child’s caretaker so they can ensure you receive a thoughtful handmade gift from your child this Mother’s Day!

Here are 5 handmade Mother’s Day gifts that are sure to capture her heart.

1) Handprint and questions about mom

This simple activity was always a favorite among mothers back when I taught preschool. This project is perfect for children three and up, but younger kids can enjoy it depending on their vocabulary and listening comprehension.

This project requires minimal supplies. All you need is washable paint in the color of your choice, a piece of paper, and a pen or printer. Paint the child’s hand and have them leave their handprint on the paper, where the following questions are listed below.

• Why do you love Mommy?
• What does Mommy always say to you?
• What makes Mommy happy?
• How does Mommy make you laugh?
• What is Mommy really good at?
• What is Mommy’s favorite food?

Leave space in between each question to fill out their answers if you are handwriting them. Write down word for word what they say, pauses and verbal static included. Be sure to write the year at the top. Because I wanted this gift myself, I created a word doc for my husband to fill out with the children. He then prints it and has them do their handprint in the middle of the page. I then add it to Leather 3 Ring Binder from Amazon each year. I love seeing how much the answers and their handprints change as they grow!

2) Shrink wrap keychain

This Shrink Wrap Keychain Kit from Amazon allows you to make any drawing into an adorable keychain. This was an activity the kids loved to make, and the mothers loved this keepsake! This kit comes with everything you need, including easy to understand instructions. Create your design on the provided shrink wrap, cut, and place in the oven.

3) Personalized decorated apron

Get these Solid Color Aprons set of 2 from Amazon and this fabric paint set to create a work of art for mom to sport next time she needs to cover up while cooking! Something as simple as painting the word “Mom” with the heart being a painted handprint will mean so much to her this Mother’s Day. Even babies can lend a hand—or footprint!

4) Thumbprint painted flower pots

Grab this pack of 20 Terracotta Pots on Amazon and have your child create works of memorable art with their thumbs! This butterfly design by Mom Always Finds Out is adorable and will be cherished forever, but no doubt your kids will have plenty of their own creative ideas.

5) Fingerprint heart painting

A special ‘I LOVE YOU’ for you from me. “

Photo: Messy Little Monster

This is a gift your baby or toddler can make as well! You can make it two ways.

1. Have your child dip each finger in different color paint, give them some paper, and have them go crazy (or you can assist them in ensuring nice clear fingerprints are being made). The great thing about it is that they can just paint away and it will still come out as perfect as you saw it on Pinterest!

Once that is completed, cut it out in a heart shape and attach it to a piece of paper or canvas with a little poem. This is the one I used for this project.

“I know you wipe some away,

But these prints were made to stay.

So keep them forever, a treasure they’ll be.

2. Or you can do this art project in reverse. Cut out a heat, tape it to the canvas, have your child leave fingerprints everywhere, then remove the heart cut out once they are finished. (Shop this 12 Pack Canvas from Amazon.)

Photo: KidsActivities.com

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