The Update

6 Gifts for Mom that Don’t Break the Budget

It’s time to show Mom how much she means to you! If the idea of Mother’s Day brings thoughts of pricey chocolates, flowers and other gifts, along with a busted budget, you may be going about this the wrong way. No worries, though; we can help. Here’s a list of six ways you can show your mom how much you care without draining your wallet.

A customized journal

A beautiful notebook for journaling and recording memories can make a wonderful gift for Mom. You can turn it into a more personalized gift by adding inspirational quotes your mom would enjoy, gluing dried and pressed flowers onto random pages and even adding some of your favorite snapshots of you and your mom. She’ll think of you every time she takes out the notebook to jot down some thoughts, and that makes a journal a gift that truly keeps on giving.

For the coffee-lover

If Mom can’t start her morning without her favorite cup of Joe, which is always iced when it’s warm outside, consider purchasing a Cold Bruer for $80. For a less expensive gift, which can also be perfect for the coffee-loving mom, consider an adorable pair of coasters from Etsy or a mug with a snappy message like this one from Amazon.

A day to remember

Why not gift Mom with the best gift of all: a day spent in the company of everyone she loves? Treat Mom to a family day, including all of her favorite things; from her favorite meals to her cherished parks and walking trails. You can create an official itinerary for the day and write it up nicely on a piece of cardstock or patterned paper. Seal the itinerary in a decorated envelope and deliver it to her via priority mail.

Peace and quiet

If you’ll be presenting a gift to your partner and you’ve got one or more little ones at home, consider giving their mom a day to herself. Take the kids out for the day and let her enjoy a rare afternoon alone in a calm, clean house. You won’t be paying for a gift for Mom at all, but it may just be the best present she’s ever received!

A homemade creation

No one is as proud of the things you can create as much as your mother. She’ll still say you’ve done an awesome job, even if you show up at her door holding a painting you’ve drawn yourself that looks like it was crafted by a 5-year-old. Make something for Mom this Mother’s Day to show her just how much she means to you. It can be a homemade bath kit to help her relax, a full, nicely packaged meal of her favorite foods or even a scrapbook of your best shared moments. Homemade gifts are especially meaningful and sure to be appreciated by your mom.

A DIY craft kit

If your mom is the one who’s crafty, but she can’t seem to find the time to get down to Michael’s or Hobby Lobby to pick up the materials she needs for her next project, you can do it for her this Mother’s Day. Hit a crafts store or site, and choose an array of materials and tools for Mom to use in her creative pursuits. You can buy a prepackaged kit for a specific craft, or just purchase a variety of craft supplies to see what Mom makes out of them. She’s sure to love the chance to tap into her inner artist and let the creative juices flow, all without leaving the house.

Mother’s Day can be a great opportunity to show your mom or your partner how much they mean to you, but it’s no excuse to break the budget. Use the ideas shared here to help the mom in your life celebrate the best Mother’s Day without spending much money at all.