When I was a teacher, I loved getting to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with the kids I taught. It was such a special time as a teacher to be able to help the little kids I taught honor and celebrate their parents. Watching the kids prepare their crafts and take their time was priceless. They had so much joy working on something they would gift their Mama’s and Daddy’s.
When I became a Mama myself, Mother’s Day took on a whole new level of specialness. Receiving little gifts from my oldest meant so much. The sight of her little handprints or footprints fills me with joy and gratitude each time I see them. These keepsakes have become cherished memories that I hold close to my heart, reminding me of the sweet and fleeting moments of her early years. Receiving these Mother’s Day gifts has inspired me to create a list of the top 5 easy, at-home crafts you can do with your little one! These crafts are not only fun but also help to create lasting memories for you and your child. Let’s dive in!
Top 5 Easy Mother’s Day Crafts
1. “MOM” Canvas
I love this Mother’s Day craft! It is simple and I can bring it out every year to display before Mother’s Day. We used yellow for my M’s because it’s my favorite color and used my daughter’s favorite color purple for her handprint. Last minute I decided to do my youngest’s handprint. TIP: Get help with a 6 month old! It was definitely a learning lesson!
Materials:
- 8×10 canvas (We got ours from Dollar Tree)
- Paint (any colors)
- Paintbrush
Directions:
Use the paintbrush and paint an M on each end of the canvas. For older kids, you can write the M in pencil and have them paint over the pencil marks. Once it has dried, paint your child’s hand and place it in the middle of the M’s to represent an O. When it has dried, you have a special gift to bring out every year on Mother’s Day!
2. Salt Dough Handprints
This is such a simple way using items in your home to create a one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day craft! As I stated before, I love anything that has my children’s hand or footprints on them! I know they grow so fast, and I want to hold onto their little hands and feet as long as possible. This activity was especially fun to do with my oldest. She loved getting to measure and mix the dough. There was even enough leftover for her to play with for a little bit.
Materials:
- Flour
- Salt
- Warm Water
- Bowl
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie Cutters(optional)
Directions:
Put 1 cup of flour and ½ cup of salt in a large bowl. Mix together. Use warm water and add it SLOWLY to the bowl, mixing as you go. Knead with your hands until thoroughly mixed. Take it out and roll out on parchment paper. Once it is rolled out about ¼ in. in thickness. At this point you can use cookie cutters or handprints to make it into your special Mother’s Day design. Once you have your desired design, place it in the oven for an hour at 200 degrees F. Turn your salt dough over and bake for another hour. Make sure you check it as you go because all ovens are different.
3. Mother’s Day Handprint Poem
When I read this handprint poem, it brought everything into full view. How quickly the years will go by even though the days seem long now. I loved doing this with my little one and it’s a precious keepsake as the years go by. Her favorite part was painting her hands! Side Note: The poem is free on the website listed above but it will ask you to place it into your cart to “order” it. Once you enter your email and name you’ll be able to download it for FREE.
TIP: Use a laminator to preserve it longer
4. Mother’s Day Handprint Card:
This is such a cute, easy way to make a card for Mother’s Day! We have grandparents that live further away, and I think this is the perfect little card to send them as well!
Materials:
- Construction Paper
- Marker
- Scissors
Directions:
Fold the construction paper and trace your child’s hand. Cut it out. Have the child write their name or you can help them draw something on the inside of the card. That’s it! Super simple!
5. Shrinky Dink Keychain
This is so cute and how special to be able to carry around your child’s little handprint as a keychain.
Materials:
- Shrinky Dink Shrinkable Plastic
- Paint
- Paint brushes
- Hole Punch
- Parchment Paper
Directions:
Paint your child’s hand any color and place it on the shrinky dink plastic. Cut around it and leave a little space. Punch a hole at the top (if you want it as a keychain). Place it in the oven on parchment paper and follow directions from the instructions on cooking times and temps. Once the Shrinky Dink has straightened out in the oven, take it out and place it to cool. It helps to place another parchment paper on top with something heavy to make sure it stays flat. Once it is cooled, put it on your keychain!
EXTRA TIP: Don’t forget to write your child’s name, year and age on the crafts!
Whether you’re creating a canvas masterpiece, making salt dough keepsakes, or crafting heartfelt cards, these easy Mother’s Day crafts are perfect for celebrating the special Mama’s in your life. As you enjoy quality time with your little ones, cherish the memories you’re making and the beautiful moments you share.
Have a wonderful Mother’s Day filled with love and joy!
