Mother’s Day isn’t about spending loads of money, it’s about showing appreciation. While traditional gifts are lovely, sometimes the most meaningful presents are the ones that come straight from the heart. So, whether you're on a budget or just want to do something a little different this year, we’ve got a list of unique, thoughtful, and FREE ways to make your mum feel truly cherished.
Sentimental & DIY Gifts
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Nothing says “I love you” like something homemade and personal. These ideas are full of heart and cost next to nothing.
Handwritten Letter or Poem - Tell her all the things you appreciate about her. Bonus points if you write it beautifully and pop it in a frame.
Memory Scrapbook - Collect photos, ticket stubs, and notes to create a mini scrapbook of your best moments together. Tip: FreePrints lets you print 45 free photos a month, so you can fill your scrapbook without spending a penny!
“Top 10 Things I Love About You” List - Whether handwritten or typed up as a cute design on Canva, this is something she’ll treasure forever.
Custom Phone Background - Make her a personalised phone wallpaper featuring a family photo or an inspiring quote.
Homemade Card - A simple but sweet way to show love, especially if you get creative with doodles or pressed flowers.
Acts of Service
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A thoughtful gesture can be worth more than any shop-bought gift. Give the gift of time and effort!
Wash Her Car - A good clean, inside and out, will make her day.
Tidy the House - Take care of the housework so she can relax and enjoy her day stress-free.
Breakfast in Bed - Start her day right with a homemade breakfast. Bonus points for presentation!
Cook Her Favourite Meal - Whether it’s a fancy dinner or just a comforting homemade dish, she’ll love the effort you put in.
DIY Pamper Session - Run her a bubble bath, give her a massage, or set up a spa-like atmosphere at home.
Digitise Old Family Photos - Scan old pictures and put them in a digital album to preserve them forever.
Quality Time & Experience-Based Gifts
Sometimes the best gift is simply spending quality time together.
(Image credit: Dupe Photos)
Do an Activity She Loves - Whether it’s watching her favourite film, going for a walk, or baking together, this is about making memories.
Give Her “Me Time” - Take care of responsibilities for the day so she can enjoy a guilt-free break.
Make Her a Playlist - Put together songs that remind you of her or tunes she loves.
Ask Her to Teach You Something - Whether it’s cooking a family recipe or a skill she’s mastered, she’ll love sharing her wisdom.
Host a Family Game Night – Play board games, video games, or even a homemade quiz about family memories.
DIY Pamper Hamper - Fill a box with homemade body scrubs, a face mask, candles, and a heartfelt note.
Tea & Book Hamper - If she loves to unwind with a good book and a cuppa, gather some of her favourite teas, a book she’d enjoy, and some cosy socks.
Baking Kit - Put together a jar of pre-measured ingredients for a homemade cake or cookies with a cute recipe card.
Handmade Jewellery - If you’re crafty, make her a bracelet or necklace that’s one of a kind.
Pressed Flower Art - Collect flowers, press them in a heavy book, and arrange them in a frame for a unique, sentimental gift.
Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be about spending money. It’s about making her feel loved. Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a kind gesture, or a shared experience, these thoughtful ideas will make her day special without the hefty price tag. So, skip the overpriced flowers and give her a gift straight from the heart instead.
I started at MyVoucherCodes as a Deal Finder in the vouchers team, where I worked on sourcing deals and helping people save money and in January 2024, inspired by my passion for social media, I took the initiative to launch and grow the MyVoucherCodes TikTok account, creating all the content in my spare time. Creating and designing for social media has always been my dream, and now I get to bring that passion into my role full-time as a Social Media Executive across all of our social media platforms, as well as being able to combine my creativity with my writing by producing articles that correspond with the content I create.
Outside of work, I love gaming, cooking, and singing. I’m also planning my wedding, managing all the DIY and sourcing myself, which has given me a newfound appreciation for budgeting and creativity.
