Cheap Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts

Mother’s Day can sometimes sneak up on us, leaving little time (and budget) to find the perfect surprise. Don’t panic! There are plenty of ways to show Mum how much she means to you without spending money you don’t have. In fact, some of the most thoughtful presents are the simple, heartfelt ideas we cook up at home. So read on if you’re looking for last-minute DIY Mother’s Day gifts that won’t cost the earth.

Last minute DIY mother's day gifts

Before we get into the gift ideas, have you ever wondered when did Mother’s Day start in the UK? Here’s a sweet little story you can share with Mum: it actually dates back to the 16th century in the UK, when people would go back to their “mother church” during Lent. Over time, that tradition turned into what we now celebrate as Mother’s Day—a special moment to recognise and thank our mums for everything they do.

Bake Something For Mum

Fast forward to today, and it’s all about adding a personal, heartfelt touch. One of the best ways to do that is through do it yourself Mother’s Day gifts. For instance, you could whip up some simple cupcakes or biscuits and pop them into a cute tin or basket. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen; that extra dash of love (and a sprinkle of effort) will mean more to Mum than any store-bought treat ever could.

Make a Photobook or Flowerpot

Here’s another simple but heartfelt DIY idea: get a bunch of your favourite family photos and turn them into a sweet scrapbook or mini photo album. Then, add a handwritten letter telling Mum how much she means to you. And if you want something that’ll keep her smiling long after Mother’s Day, plant some flower or herb seeds in a little hand-painted pot. It’s a lovely way to brighten up her windowsill.

A Hamper to Pamper

For a quick and easy last-minute gift, why not make your own hamper? All you need is a box (even an old shoe box will do the trick) to decorate, paint, or wrap up, and your mum’s favourite products. Sweet treats such as chocolates and biscuits are a great hamper-filler and easy to come by from supermarkets like Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s if you’ve left your gift until the last minute. 

Decorate The Home & Garden

If you have a green-thumbed mum, a garden gift could be exactly what she wants. With Mother’s Day positioned just before Spring, it’s the perfect time to spruce up your garden with ornaments and plants that look great all year round.

Planters, seeds, gardening tools, and collections can be top gifts for garden lovers. Deal-orientated sites like Wowcher have loads of gardening products that make for brilliant Mother’s Day presents. Whether you have a small budget or not, a garden gift will paint a smile while they’re out in the sun. 

Other Gift Ideas

Of course, do it yourself projects aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s totally fine. If you’d rather steer clear of glue guns and craft paper, there are still plenty of last minute Mother’s Day gift ideas that can be gentle on your wallet, depending on where you shop. A thoughtful bouquet, a cosy scented candle, or even her favourite chocolates can all make Mum feel special without breaking the bank.

Jewellery & Accessories

Jewellery is a great gift, which remains true on Mother’s Day. Whether your mum is a necklace, bracelet, or ring person, a nice piece of jewellery is a great way to show your love this March. 

For budget-friendly options, Pandora and Bloom Boutique offer a wide variety of accessories and jewellery with a personalisation option that will surely paint a smile on your mum’s face.

Beauty & Wellness

If you’re hunting for makeup and skincare, sites like LOOKFANTASTIC is a good place to start. With their affordable prices and skin and shade-inclusive items, your mother can look and feel their best. Their fragrance collections are also great and you can find the best value fragrances with these 5 tips.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for bath & body products, we love Boots' more affordable products. Give your mum a beautiful glow and leave her feeling truly treated. Look at our ‘Beauty On A Budget’ article for more tips on budget beauty. 

Its the Thought that counts

Remember: the best gifts aren’t about money; they’re about meaning. By opting for thoughtful, last minute diy mother’s day gifts, you’ll create a memory Mum can treasure—proof that sometimes the simplest acts of love are the most memorable