25Sep

Life Hacks

6 Alternative Home Made Mother’s Day Ideas

Although we should always show our loved ones how much we care about and appreciate them, Mother’s Day is the one day of the year where there’s no excuse not to make a fuss of our Mums. While many think that the amount you care is proportionate to the size of the gift you give, you absolutely don’t have to go overboard with presents and cards to show your Mum some love. It’s the thought that counts, and that really is true. We’ve compiled six thoughtful home-made gift ideas that are sure to make your Mum super happy this Mother’s Day.

1. Scrapbook

Scrapbook

A scrapbook is a great way to celebrate your memories from over the years. You can pick up scrapbook sets and supplies from The Works for under £5. Then, all you need to do is find your favourite pictures and arrange them. You could even write down your memories next to the photographs to make it more personal.

2. Movie night

Movie night

Sometimes the gift of your time is as valuable as any trinket you could buy, so why not spend some quality time with Mum instead by watching a movie you both love? Martha Stewart suggests you should choose your favourite film, get some popcorn and sweets and make a custom card. Draw the curtains to make it extra cosy, and make sure Mum doesn’t lift a finger. It’s her special day, after all!

Related: 5 Ways To Make Time For Family Time In A Busy Life

3. Teacup Candle

Teacup candle

For this gift, you can either use an old teacup you have at home or buy one from a charity shop. Make sure there are no cracks in it, though! You’ll need candle wicks and soy wax. Soy wax is non-toxic, lasts longer and gives a better scent than paraffin wax. If you can’t get your hands on the right kind of wax for this project, you could use old candles you have lying around as an alternative to buying new wax.

– Cut the wick 2 inches longer than the teacup depth and tie one end around a pencil. Rest the pencil on the top of the cup with the metal end of the wick touching the bottom of the cup

– Heat the wax in a bowl over a pan of boiling water (like when melting chocolate)

– Add essential oils for scent and some colouring if you like – be careful not to overdo it!

– Pour the wax into the cup and once hardened, trim the wick so it stands around 1cm above the top of the wax

Your Mum will be thrilled with this thoughtful home-made gift. Being able to customise it exactly to her tastes makes it much better than any shop-bought candle!

4. Sugar scrub

Sugar scrub

Treat your mum to her spa-inspired gift with this luxurious sugar scrub. The five ingredient recipe means it’s cheap and easy to make, as well as being environmentally friendly. We love this Passion tea scrub. You’ll need 1 cup of granulated sugar, two passion fruit tea bags, ¼ cup of jojoba oil, orange essential oil and food colouring (optional), as well as something to store your finished product in.

– Pour the tea bags and sugar into a bowl

– Add a couple of drops of food colouring. Don’t add too much or it will dye her skin!

– Add the jojoba oil and five drops of orange essential oil

– Mix and store in an airtight container like a pretty jar

The scrub should stay fresh for around six months – although it probably won’t last that long! Make sure not to let any moisture in as this can make the mixture mouldy.

Read more: Six DIY Beauty And Grooming Hacks Made From Common Household Ingredients

5. Home cooked meal

Place setting

We’ll bet you’ve lost count of the number of meals your Mum has made for you over the years, so it’s definitely time to return the favour. Let Mum have have a rest and cook her a tasty meal for a change! If you’re not enough of a culinary whizz to tackle anything too fiddly, BBC Food has tonnes of easy recipes to choose from. Make the most of the occasion by setting the table with pretty napkins, place cards, and use a vase of flowers to make an excellent centrepiece. Your Mum will appreciate the time and effort far more than a generic gift. Plus, you get to enjoy it with her. Just make sure you clean up as well – no Mum wants the hidden gift of washing up to follow a delicious meal!

6. Mini succulent garden

Succulent garden

Succulent plants are plants which retain water within their leaves and stems such as cacti, jade plants and aloe vera. They are super easy to care for as they hardly ever need watering! As well as looking beautiful, this gift will also improve your Mum’s living environment, with Health Line reporting that plants reduce air toxins and 20% of dust. You can buy these from all good garden stores and even some supermarkets. To make it, all you’ll need is a large bowl, some small rocks, cactus soil and 5-6 small succulent plants.

– Fill the bottom of the bowl with rocks – this will allow for the soil to drain so your plants will stay healthy

– Put a layer of soil on top

– Arrange your plants in the bowl – these will look best in a circular shape. Try to vary the colours and styles for a more interesting aesthetic

– Plant them by scooping and packing in cactus soil – this has added sand and grit for excellent drainage

Water the succulent garden and, hey presto, your gift is complete! Why not make a cute care tag to attach to the bowl? This will remind your Mum not to water it again until the soil has dried out. Succulent plants are used to dry, humid conditions, which is why they love living in homes so much! Your Mum will be right on trend with this gorgeous new addition to her home.

Let us know your home-made gift ideas in the comments!