DYI Gifts for Mother’s Day

Most of the ordering deadlines for Mother’s Day gifts have passed, so that leaves buying something in a local store or making something yourself. Something about handmade gifts means much more to moms. That you spent time and effort making her something says volumes and might even put you in the “favorite kid” category.

Truffles

Truffles are easy to make and there are bunch of recipes. Here are some links to start you on a path to chocolate making. Make sure to use waxed paper as a liner for whatever box you put the truffles in.

• The Oreo Truffles from Kraft Foods look very easy and very yummy. And who doesn’t like Oreos?
• All Recipes has an easy truffles recipe that can be easily adjusted for different flavors. Since all the recipes have been tested, you know what works and what doesn’t. Take the time to look over some of the reviews before making your truffles.
• For some fancier truffles check out Martha Stewart’s Truffle Eggs or the Chocolate-Champagne Truffles in Sparkling Sugar.

Alternatives: Cookies, from scratch or the take and bake kind, brownies, cranberry and orange loaf, blueberry loaf, all these goodies come in prepared mixes. Most of them you just have to add water and an egg and throw them in the oven. Pretty hard to screw up.

Gift Coupon Books

I know what you’re thinking. Didn’t we do this in grade school? My mom never cashed in any of her coupons when I was a kid, but I think it would be different now. Coupons seem a little childish, but sometimes moms just want to spend a little time with their children. Coupons are a way of promising that time. There are so many great templates out now that didn’t exist when I was a kid. Consider doing this for your grandmother and fill out the coupons with fun things to do with her, like going to the movies or playing a card game.

• Microsoft Office Online has some very cute templates that are customizable in Word.
• Martha Stewart has an elegant Mother’s Day Coupon Book on her website, complete with instructions.
• Kodak has a neat coupon booklet that you can put photos into. This could be very cute with your own photos.

Other Quick and Easy Ideas

• Fill a Ball jar with Epsom salts and a few drops of essential oil. Tie a ribbon and a card around the top. You could write something cute in the card like “A soothing treat, for your aching feet.” For those who don’t know, Epsom salts can be found at any drugstore for under $5, the Ball jar can be found in the canning aisle at the grocery store and essential oils can be found at craft stores, Bath and Body Works, health food stores and Whole Foods.
• HP has a wiki page called “Holiday Gifts in Under an Hour” that can easily be adapted for Mother’s Day. I like the idea of buying a bottle of wine and making a custom label with your mom’s name on it. A five minute project that would make your mom tickled pink.
• Have any other ideas? Share them in the comments. I’d love to know what you’re doing for your mom this Mother’s Day.

4 Gifts Not To Give Mom This Mother’s Day

The countdown to Mother’s Day is on, only 6 days left. Flower and chocolate ads are everywhere with spa specials sprinkled in. Those are lovely things, but what if you want something a little different? Have a list in hand? Well, make sure these things are not on it. Disclaimer: If these items are specifically asked for, then buy away. If not, I would avoid them.

1. Small appliances: Take out the blender, hand mixer, toaster, coffee maker, juicer, food processor, bread maker, slow cooker, microwave, and electric can opener from your shopping cart. If Mom needs one of these things, she can pick it out herself, which is a better option since many of these appliances now come in a rainbow of colors.

2. Weight loss/exercise equipment: There is only one way to interpret a gift of exercise equipment and is that the best way to say “Thank you for giving birth to me, Mom”?

3. Clothing where size is important: In addition to having to return it, if you buy a shirt too big, Mom might think “Do they think I’m fat?” and that’s not a sentiment she should be thinking on Mother’s Day. If you want to get a piece of clothing, stick to accessories, like scarves or brooches.

4. Gift cards: Gift cards are way too impersonal for a Mother’s Day gift. Gift cards should never be used as a gift for people whose last names you know. Put a little more thought into it, you know Mom will appreciate it.