Cute Crafts Kids Can Make for a Sweet Mother's Day Surprise

Flowers are nice, chocolates are sweet, kind words are meaningful, and gifts are always appreciated, but what Mom really wants for Mother's Day (apart from the chance to sleep in) is a heartfelt, homemade gift. That means when springtime rolls around, it's time to get out the paint, glue, glitter, and construction paper and get to work on a DIY project for Mom (with some adult supervision, of course). These Mother's Day crafts for kids show her how much she's appreciated and let little artists flex their creative muscles at the same time.

From toddlers to teenagers, there are projects here for every level of crafting skill. Some are simple cards with a twist — a stamp here, a 3D element there — that make them totally unique. Others are artist creations that are meant to be framed and displayed long after Mother's Day is over. Some are meant to be used, like dish towels, pot holders, and planters that will liven up the home all spring. And many rely on fingerprints as a starting point, so when Mom puts all these projects together after collecting them over the years, she can see how much her baby has grown.

If Mom loves flowers, fill up a window box for her with bright, beautiful blooms. This project requires a hot glue gun, and some supervision from an adult, but when it's done Mom will be delighted.

Get the tutorial at Craft Project Ideas »

This project is a two-in-one: It makes a cute candle for Mom, and it also uses up those crayon nubs that are too small to color with. Be sure to include Mom's favorite colors!

Get the tutorial at The Pinning Mama »

A gift that's both beautiful and practical, these rocks help Mom remember where she planted her herbs and veggies in her garden. If she's not the green-thumb type, you can use the technique to make a desk paperweight.

Get the tutorial at Crafts By Amanda »

The best thing about a Scrabble-tile frame is that you can personalize it however you want: Include Mom's name, the kids' names, or even hobbies she likes to do.

Get the tutorial at Buggy and Buddy »

There's nothing cuter than a mama animal showing love to her babies. For this 3D card, kids can make a family of chicks, penguins, or — our favorite — flamingoes. Or they can include all three!

Get the tutorial at Craft Project Ideas »

This craft is perfect for a first Mother's Day, since even the tiniest ones can do it (with a little help) and make art to save forever. The mini-canvas (with easel!) makes it look like your baby's a pro already.

Get the tutorial at Messy Little Monster »

RELATED: DIY Mother's Day Gifts That Are the Most Thoughtful Way to Say "I Love You

If Mom loves to cook, give her something that'll make her smile every time she enters the kitchen. All you have to do is start with DIY canvas pot holders.

Get the tutorial at Design Improvised »

The butterflies on this mug are made from kid fingerprints, so they're truly one-of-a-kind. It makes for a gift that's pretty, and also useful.

Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »

RELATED: The Best Mother’s Day Gifts That Are as Unique and Heartfelt as Your #1 Lady

Felt, pom poms, and the secret ingredient — egg cartons! — are transformed into a beautiful wreath you can display all spring and summer long. Making the flowers and letting them dry, then gluing them to the wreath and adding the pom-pom centers is a multi-step process, so this is better for older (and more patient) crafters.

Get the tutorial at Design Improvised »

The petals on this planter are also made from a child's thumbprint. The end result is both pretty enough to display in the garden, and a meaningful snapshot of how small their little hands can be.

Get the tutorial at 5 Minutes for Mom »

RELATED: DIY Mother's Day Cards That Are Simple Enough for Anyone to Make

Acrylic paint can turn any jar into a planter that Mom would love to put on a table or a shelf. But leave a heart-shaped opening for a baby picture (clear contact paper helps you from accidentally painting in the heart area), and the project becomes extra special.

Get the tutorial at I Heart Arts n Crafts »

If Mom is a reader, she'd love a sunny bookmark to help hold her place. The petals are made of felt and finished off with a button center, but the project requires no sewing.

Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade »

This colorful little planter is finished off with a wooden tag in the shape of a watering can, but you can also personalize it with a tag in the shape of a hobby or interest that Mom loves. Finish it off with an easy-to-care-for succulent inside.

Get the tutorial at Mad in Crafts »

A personalized, one-of-a kind monogram that's also easy to make? A win for everyone involved. Hint: If your little artist is messy with the glue, craft glue dots are basically made for this type of project.

Get the tutorial at Honey and Lime »

The secret to this project is finding chalkboard paint in fun colors, like pink or purple, so you can label the herbs and still have a pretty pot to put them all in. Then, tending the herb garden with the kids is a fun activity the family can do together all summer long.

Get the tutorial at Simply Suppa »

With a quick adjustment, an old, cardboard paper towel roll becomes the perfect heart stamp for use on cards, art projects, and gallery-worthy collages. Use a different color on each end of the tube for a two-in-one stamper.

Get the tutorial at Happy Hooligans »

Part card, part craft, Mom will be extra touched to learn all of the reasons why the family loves her so much. There may even be tears.

Get the tutorial at Busy Creating Memories »

With a little crafty ingenuity, an old egg carton becomes a card befitting any tea-drinking mom. Gift her some bags of her favorite brew to go with it.

Get the tutorial at In the Playroom »

Upcycle all those old cupcake liners and loose buttons you have lying around the house into a garden that doesn't need to be watered and never wilts. This craft is super easy, even real little ones can get creative with it.

Get the tutorial at I Heart Crafty Things »

Preserve Mom's favorite family memories on the fridge in a delightfully retro way. Doing this last-minute, without enough time to collect caps? You can buy them.

Get the tutorial at Fun Money Mom »

Get a colorful splash of citrus in the kitchen with an easy stamping project. You make the stamp by putting paint on actual slices of fruit, and then outline everything in a black marker.

Get the tutorial at Cutesy Crafts »

For another twist on the hand-stamped towel idea, you can use different shapes and sizes of fingerling potatoes to make a variety of fruits and veggies. Paint on seeds and stems for the finishing touch.

Get the tutorial at Alice and Lois »

With a few tweaks, you can repurpose some of those old plastic Easter eggs into a set of succulent planters for Mom. Hexagonal tile makes for the perfect base.

Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life »

The cutout design of this project makes for a 3D card she can hang up at her desk at work — or even a piece of art worthy of framing. For a twist, tailor the ribbons to Mom's favorite colors.

Get the tutorial at Happy Hooligans »

What mom really wants? A minute to relax. Help her out with these cute, DIY bath sachets (and a promise not to bother her when she's using them).

Get the tutorial at Sugar and Cloth »