What would we do without our mamas? Moms cook for us. They clean for us. Guiding our lives, they gently lead us back to the path when we’re out of line. If you’re looking for a way to make Mother’s Day meaningful but don’t have much cash to spare, there are plenty of affordable ideas to celebrate your mom without breaking the bank.
1. Gift Card Deals
‘Tis the season for gift cards. Mother’s Day, Graduation, and then Father’s Day mean that many of us are buying those plastic gifts left and right. A number of restaurants in particular are offering great deals on Gift Cards right now. When you purchase a set amount, you receive an additional bonus gift card. Want to really show mom that she’s taught you well? Search for a restaurant coupon to pair with that gift card.
2. Sugar Scrubs
You may not be able to send mom to the spa, but you can whip up a treatment or two for her to use right at home. In the past, I’ve made both a Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub and a Chocolate Facial!
3. A Handwritten Letter
Store bought cards can be meaningful. But moms love artwork from their kids, no matter their ages best of all. Spend some time penning a letter of why she matters so much and maybe even draw her a picture.
4. A Clean House
There’s never a vacation from housework! Send mom out for a long walk or a cup of coffee and get down to business cleaning the house from top to bottom. Live out of town? Head to Groupon to see if you can snag a deal on a one time maid service.
5. Let Her Nap
Mamas of wee little people really just one thing this Mother’s Day – to SLEEP. Take the kids out to the park and let her curl up for a nap. Bonus points if you prepare the bedroom by cleaning it and plumping her pillow.
6. Scrapbook Your Favorite Mom Memories
Most moms love photos of the special moments spent with their children. Print out some photos and create either a digital or handmade scrapbook for yours. Use Ebates to get 4% Cash back and find lots of coupon codes, too. Right now, I see a code good for a free 8×8 hardcover photo book for new customers.
7. Breakfast in Bed
After you’ve let her sleep in, why not whip up her favorite morning foods and spoil mom with breakfast in bed. More than likely you’ve already got plenty of foods on hand to make a gourmet meal. French toast, bacon, fruit, and mom fuel a.k.a. coffee served by her sweet little waiters and waitresses. Better yet, let her choose the menu with this Mother’s Day Room Service Door HangerMother’s Day Room Service Door Hanger.
8. Memories in a Jar
Both of my girls have brought home adorable memories in a jar from school for Mother’s Day before and these rank among my favorite gifts! On small slips of paper, write down your favorite memories of your mom and place in them in a mason jar. Seal with a lid and decorate with ribbon or fabric.
9. A Few of Her Favorite Things
No you might not have Oprah’s budget but you can still gather your mom’s favorites – favorite candy, favorite snack, favorite beverage, favorite gum, favorite lip balm, and more – and put them in a box or basket for her to enjoy!
10. Mother’s Day Freebies
Over the next week, plenty of restaurants and retailers will offer free perks for mom! While I’m sure the list will grow and you’ll want to check mom’s favorite places first, go here for a complete round up of Mother’s Day Freebies.
11. Clean Out Her Car
Oh how a mom mobile can easily become cluttered and dirty! Why not clean out your mom’s car this Mother’s Day? Bonus points if you also sweep and wash it.
12. Printable Mother’s Day Coupons
We’re not talking about coupons of the grocery store variety. No instead, print a booklet good for all the things she loves – like special time spent with her children or a load of laundry done in completion. Check out this adorable booklet from Skip To My Lou.
13. Free Printable Coloring Sheets
Even the littlest of artists can create a masterpiece for Mom! Check out these adorable Mother’s Day FREE printable coloring sheets that allow wee ones to share their thoughts and most loved aspects of their mamas.
- Mother’s Day Questionnaire
- 5 Things I Love About You Booklet
- Best Mom Ever Coloring Sheet
- If Moms Were Flowers, I’d Pick You Coloring Sheet
14. Plant Flowers
Instead of giving mom cut flowers that will last only a week or two, head to the nearest nursery (plenty are offering Mother’s Day specials) to buy some plants she can enjoy all summer long. If you can, purchase perennials that will come up year after year. Be sure you finish the job by cleaning out existing flower beds and mulching around the new plants.
15. Watch a Movie of Her Choice
Whether it’s on Netflix or you rent it from Redbox or Amazon Digital Video or hit the library, let mom choose the next flick. You’ll spend $5 or less and it might even be free. Mom controls the remote for the day!
16. Create Artwork from Family Favorites
A few years ago, I created a framed photo of my Grandma Beulah’s peanut butter fudge recipe. In her original hand writing, I loved how it turned out so much I made a few others for myself. You can find a tutorial on how to make your own here: Mother’s Day Recipe Card Art.
17. Make Her a Playlist
iTunes, Spotify, or even burning a CD – put together a great playlist of music just for mom!
No Matter what you choose to do for your mom this Mother’s Day, with a little creativity you can make an affordable and meaningful gift!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
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