Featured by Twinkl in Mother’s Day DIY Gift Trends 2024.

Budgets are tight, options are low and we aren’t allowed to leave our homes. Mother’s Day is very different this year BUT it hasn’t been canceled! In fact, this year mom’s need to be celebrated and told how much we love and appreciate them. These last-minute Mother’s Day ideas may be easy and budget-friendly but that doesn’t mean they aren’t thoughtful and I bet you, mom will treasure them forever.

5 Last-minute Mother’s Day ideas that mom will LOVE!

• Fingerprint cards

WHAT YOU NEED: * paint * paper/cardboard * pen or marker *Prestik

Toddlers love making these…

Take 2 A4 pieces of paper and fold both in half.

Cut out an A5 size heart-shaped stencil from one of the pieces. Secure the stencil onto the other piece of paper.

Let the kids add their fingerprints all over. Carefully remove the stencil being sure not to smudge any wet paint.

Set aside to dry. Add a message for mom once your card has dried completely.

• Foot- OR handprints cards

WHAT YOU NEED: * paint * paper * black pen or marker * Prestik * extras for decoration

This isn’t just a cute gift for mom but also a great daddy-and-me activity, especially for babies. And who doesn’t treasure these tiny hand and footprints!

The key is to set out everything beforehand and it may be easier to apply the paint onto your little one’s hands and feet using a paintbrush instead of dipping.

Secure your paper to the surface using Prestik. For babies, I would recommend working on a table. Empty an adequate amount of paint into a shallow plate or bowl. Have a damp cleaning towel at hand.

Now just dip and press. Older kids can do this on their own but babies will need dad to hold on to their kicking feet. You may need to make a few prints and choose the best one.

Then let the print dry. Once dry, you can add fun extras (if you don’t have glitter and stickers, go for flowers, twigs and leaves) and don’t forget the message.

The possibilities really are endless. These are our favourites Pinterest finds that we made this year.

• Delicious homemade Black Bean Chocolate Fudge truffles

WHAT YOU NEED: * canned black beans * coconut oil * cocoa powder * maple syrup * salt * vanilla extract * castor sugar * optional: chocolate for melting * wax paper * a container or box * food processor/blender

Homemade treats always hit the spot and I have yet to meet a person that doesn’t love these Black Bean Chocolate Fudge truffles. PLUS they are super easy to make. Just add all the ingredients together – blend – refrigerate – shape and add melted chocolate – refrigerate -ENJOY!

Make them fancy for Mom by placing them in a wax paper-lined gift box or pretty container. If you have one, add a bow!

DOWNLOAD the recipe HERE

• DIY book of Mom

WHAT YOU NEED: * paper * glue * crayons, paint, pencils, anything to draw with * OPTIONAL: home printer 

Why not surprise mom with a personalised bedtime story. Help the kids draw pictures and write up a story about mom using queue cards. Bind it all together and don’t forget to add a cover.

Who knows what adventures await for mom, locked away in your little one’s mind…

I found a pretty English DIY Mother’s Day book over at Hello Wonderful. You can get the download when signing up for their blog. I have however made our own version in English and Afrikaans.

Click HERE to download your own Mommy and Me book to make. (No emails needed)

LAAI HIER AF vir die Afrikaanse weergawe.

• A shadow photo message

WHAT YOU NEED: * cardboard or any stiff paper * utility knife * camera

This one has to be my favourite! Take any old box, a piece of cardboard or stiff paper and write mom a cut-out message. It can be on separate pieces or written altogether?

Then line up the kids in a cute little row, make sure cardboard words are turned upside down and snap away with your phone of camera.

Early morning and late afternoons make the best shadows.

Ps: This one “travels” really well and would be the perfect WhatsApp gift for grandma too.

Why not include a fun “About Mom” questionnaire too?

The answers should provide a good giggle and this could even become a Mother’s Day tradition to look back on year after year.

Click HERE to  download this Mothers Day Questionnaire in English

Also available – Moedersdag Vraagstuk  in Afrikaans

Keep it as is or add a photo of mom.

Any of these would blow me away and I hope our last-minute Mother’s Day ideas bring joy to other families too this coming Sunday.

However, you choose to celebrate, just know…

YOU are incredible mama, YOU are loved, YOU are needed, YOU are important, and most of all, YOU ARE ENOUGH!

Happy Mother’s Day!