DIY and Crafts

3 fun and easy DIY Mother’s Day gifts for kids

Article by Your Home and Garden

Creative and cute DIY Mother’s Day gifts for the kids to make at home Create a colourful beaded bracelet for mum. Image: Scott Hawkins

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and it’s never too early to start brainstorming the best gift ideas to ensure Mum receives a heartfelt token of your appreciation.

Some ideas that come to mind include scented candles, beautiful wall art, or a flashy gadget (like the new Breville Barista Touch Impress that specialises in coffees made with plant-based milk!).

However, if Mum already has it all, or you’re seeking an affordable way to show you care, a DIY gift is a fail-safe option.

From personalised coffee mugs to DIY bath bombs, here are three fun, easy and creative DIY Mother’s Day gifts the kids will love making.

3 DIY Mother’s Day gifts she’ll love

1. Personalised coffee mug

Craft materials:

Plain white mugs, $1.75 at Spotlight
Acrylic paint pen markers, $44.95 at Amazon or Micador aqua painters, $35 at Spotlight or Uni posca markers, $59.99 at Paper Plus
Also required: pencil

DIY instructions:

Sieve together the Bicarbonate soda and Citric acid in a large mixing bowl. Wash the mug in hot, soapy water to remove any grease. Dry thoroughly.
Draw your design onto the mug in pencil first so that you can easily wipe off any mistakes. Consider writing a nice message or drawing mum’s favourite things.
Once you’re happy with your design, trace over the pencil lines with your coloured paint pens.
Wait for them to dry completely before going back over them to add more details if desired.
If you want your mug to be dishwasher safe, bake it in the oven following the instructions that come with the paint pens.

2. DIY bath bombs

Craft materials:

1 1/2 cups Bicarbonate soda, $2.20 at Countdown
1/2 cup Citric acid, $3 at Countdown
Dried rose petals, $25.38 at Amazon
Vegetable oil, $5 at Countdown
Rose essential oil, $24.20 (usually $28.50) at HealthPost
Moulds, $2.20 at Amazon
Disposable gloves, $17.39 at Etsy

DIY instructions:

Sieve together the Bicarbonate soda and Citric acid in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate small bowl, combine 6 drops of your essential oil with a 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil.
Take a 1/2 cup of the dry mix and stir in the oil mixture slowly so it doesn’t start fizzing.
Wearing disposable gloves, work the oil mixture into the dry ingredients with your fingertips until it stays compressed when squeezed.
Wipe a small amount of vegetable oil around the inside of the moulds and sprinkle the rose petals into them. Then, fill the moulds with the mixture. Pack it firmly.
Repeat twice more until you have used all of your mixture.
Leave them to set for 24-36 hours before removing them from the mould.

Tip: Have a play with food colouring and see if you can change the rose petals and essential oil for a different scent. Consider orange or lemon essential oil with citrus zest.

3. Clay pinch jewellery pots

Craft materials:

Air dry clay, $7.20 at Spotlight
Acrylic paint set, $20 at Spotlight
Paint brushes, $18.90 at Spotlight
Also required: baking paper

DIY instructions:

First, lay some baking paper on your work surface to protect it from the mess.
Start with a small piece of clay and roll into a smooth ball using your hands.
Next, gently press your thumb into the centre of the ball to create an opening, allowing at least 0.5cm at the bottom to create the base of the bowl.
Using careful pinching motions, slowly shape into bowl form while working in a circle to keep the bowl somewhat even all the way around. Ensure the bowl still has a relative thickness (at least 0.5cm) to stop it from cracking when it dries. You’ll find out the best thickness through trial and error – this is the fun part.
Once you’re happy with your creation, place the bowl in an undisturbed location to harden. Most of the manufacturers’ instructions will say for up to 24 hours, but it may take a little longer to set completely.
When your bowl is completely dry, get creative with the paint and decorate until you’re happy with your final creation.
Let it dry once more before proudly gifting it to mum.

What are the best ideas for DIY Mother’s Day gifts?

The best homemade Mother’s Day gift is something made from the heart. Search for a craft idea that’s within your budget and that you think Mum will love. Bonus points if you can find something unique she doesn’t already have!

Above, we share three ideas for fun and simple DIY gifts for mum, from a personalised mug to a clay pinch pot to store her jewellery or other keepsakes. We recommend giving these Mother’s Day craft ideas a go!

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