30 Frugal Ways to Make Mom Smile

When it comes to Mother’s Day, we all want to make sure our Moms feel loved and appreciated – But it’s not always easy to think of ways to spoil her when you are on a tight budget.

This Mother’s Day think outside of the gift box and give your Mom something that comes from the heart, not your wallet.   To help you get started, here are 30 frugal ways to make your Mom smile on Mother’s day:

1. Breakfast in bed – Let Mom enjoy a morning of relaxation while you serve her breakfast in bed.

2. Do all her chores – From making beds and cleaning the bathrooms to laundry and vacuuming, our Moms never seem to stop!  Instead of wasting money on a gift, take on your Mom’s chores and give her the day off.

3. Show some affection – When asking one Mom what she wanted this Mother’s Day, her response was “hugs and kisses are more than enough.  I don’t wish for anything else.”

4. Write her a letter – Instead of a card, write a letter to your Mom.  Write about all the good memories you have with her and all the things she has done for you.  Don’t type it; a handwritten letter is far more thoughtful.

5. IOU Coupons – Put together a booklet of coupons redeemable for things like a free hug, one extra chore, and quality time together or cleaning your room with no complaints.

6. Your inner poet – Try writing a short poem for your Mom.  You don’t have to be a poet; it’s the thought that counts.  Or make her a list of the many reasons why you love her.

7. One-on-one time – Plan something special to do with your Mom.  You can watch a movie, go for a walk or even talk over a cup of tea.  For younger families, let kids choose a favorite activity to do one-on-one with Mom.  This time spent together will be irreplaceable.

8. Hand or foot prints – This is a great gift from younger children.  You can pick-up a hand print/footprint kit at most dollar stores for a few bucks.  Imprint you children’s hands or feet to make a beautiful family keepsake for Mom.

9. Family portrait – Look through old albums for a favorite family picture.  For a few dollars you can have the picture re-sized and put into a nice, but inexpensive frame.

10. A special outing – What’s your Mom’s favorite activity?  Why not plan a family outing to her favorite park or museum, so she can share something she enjoys with the people she loves.

11. A journal – Buy an inexpensive journal or notebook and write something memorable on the first page.  This is an inexpensive way to remind her how much she means to you.

12. Homemade cards – Hand the kids a craft bin and let them create their own Mother’s Day cards.  As one Mom said, “the best gift I’ve ever received was a handmade card with little drawings and I love you messages.”

13. Let her sleep in – Most Moms’ would love nothing more than a little extra rest on Mother’s Day.  Instead of waiting for Mom to get the day started, close her bedroom door and let her get a few more hours of shut eye.

14. A homemade bouquet – If your spring bulbs have started to bloom, consider making her a homemade bouquet of flowers from your own garden.

15. A simple thank you – The saying, ‘it’s the thought that counts’ is never truer than on Mother’s Day.  Let your mom know how much you appreciate her by saying thank you for all she does.

16. Teach her something new – Do you have a special talent or skill that your Mom admires?  Instead of spending money on a thoughtless gift, spend time teaching her something she has always wanted to learn how to do.

17. Wash her car – Between soccer practices, music lessons, PTA meetings and work, few Moms give a second thought to how the family vehicle looks.  Washing her car, inside and out, is a great way to show your Mom how much you appreciate everything she does.

18. Make a donation in her name – Instead of spending money on something she doesn’t need, why not make a donation in your Mom’s name to a charity that is close to her heart.

19. A single flower – Instead of spending a small fortune on a Mother’s Day bouquet, why not give Mom a single flower.  After all, when it comes to Moms, it’s the thought that counts.

20. Mixed CD or playlist – Why not make a special CD or playlist filled with thoughtful songs that show how much you love her.  Better yet, show her that you really listen by filling it with all her favorite songs.

21. Friend reunion – Does your Mother’s best friend also have children?  If so, get in touch with them.  Together you can plan for your Mom’s to spend the afternoon enjoying each other’s company.

22. Bake her favorite treat – There is a good chance your Mom made sure special occasions were always met with a treat or two.  Now it’s time to return the gesture.  Pull on your apron and get to work baking her favorite treat.

23. Weed the garden – With Spring in full bloom, your Mom may be getting ready to plant her gardens.  Why not give her a head start by rolling up your sleeves and getting rid of any weeds before she plants.

24. Do it yourself spa day – A day at the spa can cost a pretty penny, but pampering Mom with a bubble bath and a DIY manicure at home can help her relax and enjoy her special day.

25. Get Dad out of the house – Plan some time to go out with your Dad. Whether it’s the hardware store, a walk around the neighbourhood or to the grocery store, she will appreciate the quiet time to herself.

26. Family scrap book – Take some time to go through old family photos and keepsakes.  Use your favorite pieces to put together a family scrapbook.

27. Do her grocery shopping – There really is nothing worse than a grocery store on a Sunday morning.  Save Mom the hassle by taking on the grocery shopping and giving her the day off.

28. A good cup of tea – Pick up a tin of her favorite tea, and then make a cup for each of you.  Not only will she appreciate the gesture, she will love the opportunity to spend some quiet time talking with you.

29. Do the laundry – I don’t mean just putting your clothes in the wash!  Laundry is a big household chore.  Spend the day doing all the laundry for your Mom.  This means sorting colours, folding the clean clothes and putting everything away.

30. Something creative – Start with a large clean table cloth and some fabric markers.  Have each family member outline their hand and write a special message to Mom inside the handprint.  Add new prints and messages each year.

Do you have a frugal and creative way to make your Mom smile on Mother’s Day?  We would love to hear your ideas.