• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Polka Dot Chair logo

  • SEWING
    • Free Sewing Patterns
    • Bag Sewing Patterns
    • Costumes Sewing Tutorials
    • Apparel Sewing Patterns
    • Learn to Sew
    • Beginner Friendly Sewing Projects
    • Hand Embroidery Patterns
    • Tips & Techniques
    • All Sewing
  • QUILTING
    • Quilt Block Patterns
    • Learn to Quilt
    • Free Quilt Patterns
    • Quilt Patterns
    • All Quilting
  • CRAFTS
    • Disney
    • Cricut
    • Printables
    • All Crafts
  • HOLIDAYS
    • Seasonal Projects
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • All Holidays
  • TUTORIALS
  • ABOUT
    • About Me
    • My Fabric Collections
    • Published Books
    • Press
    • FAQ’s
    • Contact
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • SHOP
menu icon
go to homepage
  • SHOP
  • TUTORIALS
  • SEWING
  • QUILTING
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • CRAFTS
  • HOLIDAY PROJECTS
  • ABOUT
    • Published Books
    • My Fabric Collections
  • CONTACT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • SHOP
    • TUTORIALS
    • SEWING
    • QUILTING
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • CRAFTS
    • HOLIDAY PROJECTS
    • ABOUT
      • Published Books
      • My Fabric Collections
    • CONTACT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Gift Ideas

    50 DIY Mother’s Day Gift & Craft Ideas

    Updated: Mar 3, 2023 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 1 Comment

    I love to create handmade gifts for Mother’s Day. I have so many wonderful Moms in my life and love to show them how much I appreciate them with a simple gift.  Even if you’re short on time, you may find something to make for Mom on this list! If you like this post of 50 DIY Mother’s Craft Ideas, you may also like this post with 15 Mason Jar Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day. 

    DIY Mother's Day Gift Ideas

    If you’d like to gift your mom something a bit more original than a bouquet of flowers in a nice vase, we’ve got 50+ great suggestions for you.

    Table of Contents
    • What is the best homemade gift for Mother’s Day?
    • What are some easy things to make for Mother’s Day?
    • Types of DIY Gifts in this Post
    • More than 50 DIY Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
    • Mother’s Day Gifts to Sew
    • Free DIY Mother’s Day Printables & Simple Gift Ideas
    • DIY Mother’s Day Gifts for Moms who Love to Sew
    • DIY Gifts Kids Can Make for Mom
    • DIY Photo Gifts for Mom

    Mother’s Day seems like it sneaks up on me every year! Some of my favorite things to create are handmade gifts. It seems I’m always scrolling through Pinterest looking for new ideas for gifts to make. I’ve even created a Pinterest board to collect some of the best ideas I find. 

    To keep things simple for you, I’ve broken the projects down into sections.

    What is the best homemade gift for Mother’s Day?

    What are some easy things to make for Mother’s Day?

    Types of DIY Gifts in this Post

    • Things to sew for Mom
    • Easy no-sew gift ideas
    • Things to craft for Mom – including gifts kids can make almost by themselves
    • Photo gifts for Mom

    If you’re looking for gifts for kids to make for Mom, then scroll down to the printables or crafts section. I tried to include many projects that are simple enough that they can be made in an afternoon!

    If you’ve got the hankering to spend a bit more time making something for Mom, I’ve included a few projects like that too!

    More than 50 DIY Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

    If you’ve got a hankering to make something special for your Mom this year, I’ve got 50 ideas for you today! They range from simple projects completed in less than an hour to some that require a bit more time but are totally worth it! 

    Many of the projects are things you can sew for Mom, and a few are fun printables and other crafts that kids can make themselves. I keep this list updated regularly and love to add new DIY projects that I think Mom will LOVE.

    Mother’s Day Gifts to Sew

    If you love to sew and want to make something for your mom or grandmother for Mother’s Day we’ve rounded up a list of free sewing patterns and project tutorials for items that make great gifts!

    1. Cute Things to Sew for the Home

    Free Sewing Pattern for Fabric Baskets designed to work with the Cricut Maker. Fabric Basket Sewing Pattern that is easy to make and great for a beginning seamstress. #CricutMade #CricutMaker #CricutProject #FabricBasket #SewingPattern #freesewingpattern #fabricbasketDIY

    DIY Fabric Storage Boxes 

    These baskets were designed for sewing storage, but they don’t have to be! You can add labels for Mom’s favorite things or leave the labels off and stitch up the baskets in some of her favorite colors.

    Learn how to make fabric storage bins with this sewing pattern. Round padded storage bins, great for organization projects! #fabricbins #fabricstorage #fabricbasket #sewingpattern #DIYBasket

    Padded Storage Bins

    These storage bins are a pattern for purchase in our shop. I actually made a set of these and gifted them to my mom one year for Mother’s day. She uses them as decoration in her bedroom to store items on her dresser.

    Round pot holder on white table

    Round Pot Holder Tutorial

    These round pot holders are a great gift for a mom who loves to cook or bake! Tuck your favorite recipe into the pocket to make the gift extra special.

    Sewing Machine Mat

    Sewing Machine Mat Tutorial

    Perfect for the Mom who loves to Sew or Quilt!

    Farmhouse style hanging kitchen dish towel

    Farmhouse Style Hanging Dishtowel Tutorial

    This Farmhouse Style hanging dishtowel is so easy to make. You need a hot pad and a dishtowel. If you’re new to sewing, no worries; this is a beginner-friendly project!

    2. Small Bags & Accessories to Sew

    How to make a Simple Zip Pouch

    A simple zip pouch is one of my favorite “go-to” gifts to sew. This tutorial will walk you through making a zip pouch with a flat bottom step by step.

    Learn how to draft a custom pattern for a frame clutch with this metal frame purse tutorial - how make a coin purse from a metal frame #frameclutch #sewing #sewingtutorial #sewingpattern #melissamortenson #polkadotchair #frameclutchpattern

    How to Make a Frame Clutch

    This little clutch is soo sweet and just the perfect size to hold Mom’s headphones or spare change.

    Big Bow Clutch; A DIY clutch purse pattern and free sewing tutorial. How to make an easy fabric clutch with a bow on the front. Fun sewing gift ideas.

    Bow Front Clutch Sewing Tutorial

    I can never get enough zippered pouches. I use them for EVERYTHING! This clutch is pretty enough for Mom to carry by itself, but it is also a great size to throw in a larger bag.

    Polka Dot & Leather Fold Over Clutch Sewing Tutorial on polkadotchair.com

    Polka Dot and Leather Fold-Over Clutch Sewing Pattern

    The leather is not as hard to sew with as you might think. I walk you through the process in this clutch tutorial.

    Seersucker & Leather Clutch by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com

     Seersucker and Leather Fold-Over Clutch

    This clutch made from seersucker is perfect for summer!

    Monogrammed Leather Zip Pouch Tutorial

    Monogrammed Leather Zip Pouch Tutorial

    Remember what I said about zip pouches above? Yeah, you can never have enough!

    beach-bound-straw-tote

    Beach Bound Straw Tote Sewing Tutorial

    This bag is perfect for summer! I give you tips for sewing with the “straw” fabric in the tutorial!

    Sunglasses Case to Sew

    Sunnies, Sunglasses Case Sewing Tutorial

    One of my all-time favorite projects! Help mom stop losing her sunglasses inside of her purse!

    Embellished Zip Pouch Tutorial

    Embellished Zippered Pouch Tutorial

    “Fancy” up a zippered pouch with a bit of trim!

    3. Tote Bags & Larger Accessories to Sew

    Retro Travel Bag Sewing Pattern by Melissa Mortenson; makes a cute weekend bag and can be made with leather straps or sewn purse handles. Would be a cute DIY summer travel bag.

    Retro Travel Bag

    A great travel bag for Mom! We have a video to help walk you through the steps of constructing the bag on Riley Blakes YouTube channel.

    The March Bag sewing pattern has been updated and re-released. It's a fun handbag sewing pattern with a large outside kangaroo style pocket and 4 different handle styles. #sewingpattern #bagpattern #handbagpattern #pursepattern #polkadotchair #melissamortenson #rileyblake #safariparty

    March Bag – Handbag Pattern

    This bag has a fun kangaroo pocket in the front. There’s also a video to help you sew this bag as well!

    Free Padded Laptop Sleeve Clutch Sewing Pattern on polkadotchair.com

    Laptop Sleeve Sewing Pattern

    This laptop sleeve can be easily adjusted to fit any size laptop.

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Drawstring Travel Bags

    I have these in several sizes and love using them when I travel. The largest size is perfect for a travel laundry bag. One of these bags gifted with a lavender sachet would be so dreamy for mom.

    padded tablet case sewing pattern

    Busy Day Tablet Case

    A padded tablet case in 3 sizes. Includes a small zippered pocket for stashing your apple pencil.

    Free Make Up Brush Roll Sewing Tutorial by Sweet Red Poppy. Learn how to sew a make up brush roll case, could also be used for a jewelry roll. Great gift for travelers

    Makeup Roll Brush Bag

    This is one of those projects that I keep meaning to make for myself! It would come in so handy when I’m traveling!

    4. Simple Sewn Gifts for Mom

    Keychain Chapstick Holder

    Chapstick Holder Tutorial

    This chapstick holder doubles as a lanyard and keychain!

    Easy Peasy Fleece Blanket Tutorial on polkadotchair.com

    Easy Peasy Fleece Blanket

    This blanket is a great one for kids to help make! They need some supervision to use the scissors and sewing machine but can contribute to the majority of the project.

    lip gloss pouch on marble tabletop

    Lip Gloss Case

    Help Mom keep her favorite lip gloss close by with this free sewing pattern. These would also be perfect for travel-size perfume bottles, so Mom can take her favorite scent with her when she’s away.

    Free DIY Mother’s Day Printables & Simple Gift Ideas

    All of these projects are “no-sew.” Many of these are simple enough that kids can make the gifts for Mom themselves!

    Round pot holder on white table

    Download these “You Bake Me” Happy Gift tags and gift them to mom in some cute potholders you can buy at the store. Throw a few of her favorite baking items in the pocket for good measure!

    Nail Polish Valentine's Day Gift idea on polkadotchair.com

    Nail Polish Gift Idea & Free Printable

    This silly and punny gift is inexpensive, and kids can help by picking out their favorite color of nail polish. You can find the free printable on our site.

    Strawberry Gift Basket Idea and free printable tags on polkadotchair.com

    Strawberry Gift Basket

    Fill a paper berry basket with some of moms favorite things! We filled ours with candy, but they would also be nice filled with berry-scented candles, scrubs or bath bombs.

    Polka Dot Gift Wrap

    DIY Polka Dot Gift Wrap

    This DIY gift wrap is so cute and a great way to “fancy up” an otherwise simple gift!

    15 Clever Mason Jar Gift Ideas for Mom - perfect for a last minute gift!

    Mother’s Day Mason Jar Craft Ideas (and free printable Happy Mother’s Day cards)

    Who doesn’t love a good Mason jar gift? We actually have an entire post dedicated to mason jar gifts for mom! They are so versatile and can be filled with a variety of things like bath salts, soaps, home decor items, or even jewelry!

    Free Printable Diet Coke Gift Tags; perfect for gifts for teachers - lots of cute gift ideas for friends or neighbors too. Love the Happy Birthday Tags!

    Soda Gift Idea

    Attach a fun tag to mom’s favorite treat!  This one says Happy Birthday, but the printable includes ones perfect for Mother’s Day. Use some decorative paper designed for paper crafts and a beautiful ribbon to make this gift extra special.

    printable luggage tag

    Free Printable Luggage Tags

    This one is a super easy Mother’s Day gift! We all know how the “which one is my black suitcase” thing feels at the airport luggage carousel.  Print out one of these luggage tags onto printable fabric, and Mom will never wonder which is her suitcase again!

    DIY Mother’s Day Gifts for Moms who Love to Sew

    DIY Mason Jar Sewing Kit (with free printable)

    Mason Jar Sewing Kit

    Turn the top of a mason jar into a pincushion with this fun DIY!

    A DIY Pillow cover that is a great way to spruce up your sewing room decor. Includes a free cricut cut file for the "fabric happiness" saying.

    Fabric Happiness Pillow

    Need I say more?? *wink* We have a free SVG file perfect to use with your Cricut machine so you can make this cute pillow. You could also make a tote bag, or t-shirt with the same image.

    DIY Embroidery Hoop Hanging Wall Organizer

    DIY Embroidery Hoop Sewing Room Organizers

    I’m ALWAYS losing my seam ripper! These fun embroidery hoop organizers would help me to keep my stuff in the right place!

    Pocket Pincushion Tutorial

    This clever pincushion has a pocket for holding your snips!

    DIY Gifts Kids Can Make for Mom

    Kids love to make handmade gifts for moms on Mother’s Day! From beautiful planters to mugs and more, here are some of our favorite things kids can make as the perfect gift for mom or grandma (with proper supervision, of course!)

    washi-tape-initial

    Washi Tape Covered Letters (would be a cute monogram for Mom)

    This is a super simple craft that kids can easily manage. Let them pick out the washi tape colors that they think mom would like.

    Preppy Bracelets

    Pretty Preppy Bracelets

    This one is a great one for kids to tackle themselves (or with minimal help). Turn pretty trims and ribbons into bracelets for Mom!

    Seashell Craft Ideas and free printable gift tags. This craft idea would be great for kids especially on a rainy summer day

    DIY Seashell Jewelry

    If you’re looking for a fun gift for Mom that kids can make themselves, these Seashell Crafts are perfect. Make mom a special seashell ring, bracelet, or necklace. This craft does use hot glue, so adult supervision is always recommended.

    They can even personalize the color of the shells with nail polish.  The project also includes links to free printable gift tags to hold their creations!

    Felt Flowers on white table

    How to Make Felt Flowers

    These felt flowers would be suitable for teens or older kids to try, given that you need sharp scissors and hot glue. But they would make a beautiful corsage for mom for Mother’s Day.

    DIY Photo Gifts for Mom

    Instagram mini scrapbook tutorial and free printable on polkadotchair.com

    Instagram Mini Scrapbook (Printable)

    I don’t know about you or your Mom, but I love Instagram! Surprise Mom by printing out some of her Instagram photos and turning them into a little book that she can keep on her nightstand.  This tutorial shows you how to make the book.

    Instagram Mini Photo Album on polkadotchair.com

    DIY Instagram Mini Album (purchase the album and add your own photos)

    If you want to make a gift for Mom but don’t want to make a scrapbook album, simply print out the photos and put them in a purchased album.

    Flip Book Mini Album

     FlipBook Mini Album

    This Flip Book Album is a fun take on a traditional photo scrapbook. You can include some of Mom’s favorite photos!

    DIY Thanksgiving Family Memory Banner


    Family Memory Banner

    I created this Family Memory banner for Thanksgiving one year, then ended up keeping it up for a long time.

    I love it so much. It’s so simple to make, just a clothesline, some index cards, and photos! Get those photos off your phone and print them!!

    How to make a simple photo memory quilt

    How to make a Photo Quilt

    Use a bit of printable fabric to create this simple quilt for Mom!

    DIY Patchwork Pillow Tutorial

    Patchwork Photo Pillow Tutorial

    Sweet, simple, and easy to make!

    DIY Mother's Day Gift Ideas
    More than 50 clever, cute, creative and simple DIY Gift Ideas for Mother's Day - ideas for what to make for Mom, includes lots of last minute gift ideas!

    More Projects You May Enjoy

    • package of hot chocolate in a bag on a gray table
      Hot Chocolate Christmas Neighbor Gift Idea
    • stuffed cat on baby blanket
      Gifts for Babies & Toddlers; Things to Make & Buy
    • 25+ Things to Make & Buy for Kids as Gifts
    • 25+ Gifts for Mom; Things to Make and Buy

    • Share
    • Email

    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sammi says

      May 04, 2020 at 5:27 am

      As always, great post and great selections. You woke up the creative part of my brain.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hello! It’s nice to meet you.

    I’m Melissa. I like to design things, like fabric, printables, and projects.

    I’m also a Mom and a Maker. I am like most of you, just trying to do my best every day. Some days I succeed, many days I fail.  I find joy in creating, if you do too, then I hope that you find something here bring a little “happy” to your life.  Find out more about me here.

    COPYRIGHT POLICY

    All my images and text are copyrighted. You may NOT use any images from this site in any kind of Video (this includes YouTube). If you would like to feature my work, you may use ONE (1) NON-COLLAGED image and must “follow” link back to my original blog post. You may NOT edit, crop, or change my images in any way without written permission. You MAY NOT print out or copy and distribute any text, images or patterns from this site. All patterns, content, instructions, and templates are for personal use ONLY! Thank you! Violators will be reported.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimers
    • About Melissa
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Press
    • Published Books
    • Fabric Collections

    Welcome to the Polka Dot Chair! Here you’ll find easy, step-by-step, sewing, quilting, and crafting projects. We design projects for Makers of all skill levels. Beginners are welcome!

    DISCLAIMER:

    While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content on this website, the information is made available without warranty of any kind. The Polka Dot Chair accepts no responsibility or liability, whether direct or indirect, as to the currency or accuracy of the information, nor any consequence of its uses. This website is not intended to substitute the advice of a professional.

    Copyright © 2022 Polka Dot Chair

    [ Placeholder content for popup link ] WordPress Download Manager - Best Download Management Plugin