Inexpensive Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's day is approaching and your family is on a tight budget. For mom, sometimes it is not the money spent on her gift, it is the effort and meaning behind the Mother's day gift. Dad, pack up the kids, it is time to head to your local craft or hobby store. Here are ideas to create a memorable Mother's day with meaningful gifts that mom will cherish.

Inexpensive Mother's Day Craft: T-shirt, Cost: $10-$20

Pick a t-shirt in mom's favorite color. They sell these t-shirts in craft stores, but you may find less expensive shirts at a discount store. T-shirts are normally 100% cotton so make sure you buy the size that will allow for some shrinkage in the dryer. If purchasing a t-shirt is too much on your budget, snag one of mom's plain colored t-shirts from her drawer. She may never know it is missing.

Pick out the paint for the shirt at the store. Craft stores sell a variety of paints for t-shirts. If your children are younger you can do a simple handprint pattern on the shirt in different colors. You can also paint free hand or purchase stencils and paint "World's Greatest Mom" across the front of the shirt. Make sure you really clean up the kids' hands before sending them back to mom. You will want to remove any evidence of what you are up to.

Older children can paint their own scenes on the t-shirt. If you are really brave, you can buy iron on patterns for the kids to paint. If you go this route, don't forget to buy a couple of inexpensive brushes. If you are unsure about the kinds of paints to use, just ask a sales associate. I have found that people who work in craft stores usually know their stuff.

Inexpensive Mother's Day Craft: Necklace and Bracelet, Cost: $10-$20

You will have to head to the bead section of the craft store. There are a multitude of choices on beads, clasps, and cords. Start by selecting the type of string that you want to string your beads on. It can be elastic or wire. If you use wire, you will need a wire cutter and pliers.

Next, pick the beads in the color and style that you think mom will like. You may need to also purchase spacers so that the beads flow on the necklace and bracelet. For design ideas, go to michaels.com. They have a complete design center.

The last part of this craft that you will have to decide on is the clasp. Craft stores have toggle clasps, lobster clasps, and screw clasps. Some clasps come with the wire that is needed for the necklace of bracelet. If you use an elastic band to string your beads then you do not need a clasp. You can just tie the elastic into knot and apply a drop of bead glue.

Take a day to plan your Mother's day gift. Start by going to the store and deciding which project works best for the age group of your children. Set your workshop up in the basement or a room of the house that is off limits to mom. Swear your children to secrecy and you are ready to make a Mother's day gift that mom will keep forever.

Sources:

Personal Experience

www.michaels.com