Creative Mother's Day Decorations

Fruit - You can get quite a bit of fruit in various colors for $10. Watermelons and other sorts of melons will go far, and apples come in red, yellow, and green. The best thing about this decoration is that once you make a pretty centerpiece, Mom can eat it! The apples/oranges premade bags are great for this too. If you don't want to get the fresh fruit, then a fruit salad is still a very bright, cheery Mother's Day decoration. Best yet - Strawberries are in season!

Wildflowers - Those of you in more southerly climates than I can go out and pick flowers! For moms with younger kids, this is also a good activity for someone to do with the kids to give Mom some time off. Put the flowers in vases throughout the house. Even in the more northern states (and countries) you should have a few flowers out that you can bring in.

Houseplants - This is a bit more expensive, but at most places a few small plants can be purchased with $10. Make sure Mom has somewhere to put them when you give them to her, though! Christmas Cactus and Easter Lilies are both very easy to keep alive. Spider Plants are another good choice. Another option would be a small herb garden for the windowsill.

Kid Art - Give the kids some crayons and a few coloring books, then let them put the pictures up throughout a room, or even the house. This is even better than a card, for some Moms. You'd be surprised how many older kids will really get into this, too.

Bake a Cake - Another idea that'll give mom time to herself. Pick some bright food coloring and Mom's favorite cake and frosting. Write a message in some squeeze gel frosting, and display it nicely on a table. Another pretty, edible idea.

Paint the windows - Get some water-based paint, and mix in some dish soap for ease of cleaning. Lay down some newspaper and let the kids write messages and draw pictures for mom on the windows. It should wash right off!

Paint some rocks - Maybe the windows aren't your thing. Instead, have the kids go out and find rocks they like, and let them paint them. Decorate the house with them, then when Mother's Day is over, display them outside.

Family photos - Most families have a plethora of pictures. You can either make copies or use originals. Get a piece of heavy cardstock and make a collage of Mom's favorite pictures. You can also enlarge some of them, but be careful not to stretch them too much.

Origami - Have the kids make some construction-paper origami. Some easy instructions can be found here. Videos are included. This is best for older kids; some younger ones might get frustrated with the folding.

Mud pies - Not real mud! Make some chocolate pudding. Have the kids crush up some oreos, then mix it in the pudding. Color some Styrofoam cups to look like plant pots, then put in some gummi worms. Then you'll have mud pies that both mom and the kids will like.