Mother’s Day is this weekend! If you’ve found yourself on the homestretch without a gift in hand, then you’ll want to keep reading. From homemade cards and artistic activities to buildable bouquets, these last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas will save the day.
If you want to make Mother’s Day extra memorable, you can’t go wrong with a homemade card! Since we know moms go gaga for all things heartfelt and handmade, we’ve rounded up the easiest, cutest DIY cards that kids can whip up themselves. Click here for 22 ideas that are sure to make Mom smile.
Build a Bouquet That Lasts a Lifetime
LEGOLAND Resort
Brought to you by a Master Model Builder, Tim Sams shows kids the how-to on building a flower for Mother’s Day! Kids will use LEGO bricks and can can be combined with other LEGO flowers. No need to add water, this bouquet will last for years to come. Head over the the LEGOLAND website to get the tutorial on this Mother's Day activity, and be sure to check out the rest of the Building Challenge website, too!
As part of its ongoing initiative to help families create Magic Moments at home, Disney is also sharing new activities––and a special Mother’s Day one you won’t want to miss. shopDisney’s Magic Moments Activities page is offeringf a new Disney Coupons download! The freebie includes 10 unique coupons featuring your favorite Disney characters, like Olaf, Belle and Mickey Mouse. You can find all the details here.
Send a Mother's Day Secret Message
CMOM
Create your Mother’s Day card by printing out and filling in our template, or use the step by step instructions to design your own! Check out how to set up your own card here.
It’s the perfect time to help your kiddos make a craft to show Mom how much they love her. We’ve rounded up a list of easy paper crafts that kids can make themselves, from tissue paper flowers to patterned notebooks.
Mother’s Day will be here before you know it, so it’s the perfect time to help your kiddos make a craft to show Mom how much they love her. We’ve rounded up a list of easy paper crafts that kids can make themselves, from tissue paper flowers to patterned notebooks. Read on for some serious crafting inspiration.
Grab some dried flowers and put together this sweet card from Make and Takes. Finish it off with white glue and a little drawing. To get all the details on this DIY, click here.
How cool is this personalized notebook from Sisoo?! Grab a simple notebook and origami paper, and you’ll have the perfect gift ready in no time. Best of all, it’s something Mom will happily use. To get the details on how it’s done, click here.
If you don’t have time to make an elaborate craft, this cute questionnaire from Lil’ Luna will fit the bill. Your little one can fill out facts about Mom, and then they can draw and color a one-of-a-kind picture of her. To get the printable, click here.
This kid-made book from Hello, Wonderful is guaranteed to melt Mom’s heart. The printable template includes prompts for them to write their favorite things about their mom. Get all the details by clicking here.
Professional silhouettes can be expensive, but you can actually DIY one that looks just as good, thanks to Homemade Ginger. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is—click here to get the step-by-step instructions.
We’re obsessed with this colorful and creative idea from Hello, Wonderful. Just head outside and collect spring flowers and foliage, then use them to decorate a special portrait of Mom. To get the details, click here.
We love this craft idea from B-Inspired Mama—it’s a gift that can be put to good use as a candy bowl or a trinket holder. Find out how it’s made and print out the colorful flowers by clicking here.
If you’re not the crafty type, that doesn’t mean you can’t still surprise Mom. Just print out The Bird Feed NYC’s cute card template, then let the tots fill it in with all the things they love about their mom. Grab the printable by clicking here.
Break out the paper plates to make these cute suncatchers from Kids Craft Room. With a bit of paint and some sparkles, your little artists will make a keepsake that will melt Mom’s heart. Click here to get the instructions.
Take inspiration from The Best Ideas for Kids to transform your kiddo’s handprint into a pretty butterfly card. They’re super easy to make with construction paper and a little glue. To get the instructions (plus a cute poem to include with the card!), click here.
Remind Mom she’s the best with these adorable medals from Chica Circle. You’ll have these done in no time thanks to the handy printable. Click here to get the instructions and the templates (there’s a template for the Best Grandma Ever too).
If Mom is a tea drinker, she’ll love getting a fun card inspired by In the Playroom. Made with egg cartons, pipe cleaners and her favorite tea bag, this card is sure to be a hit. Click here to get all the details.
Break out the crepe papers to make a bouquet of colorful flowers like this one from The Art of Simple. You can use pipe cleaners instead of floral wire to make it easy for the kids to take over. Click here to see the step-by-step instructions.
Try out Fun Littles’ cool and colorful take on painting for Mom. Three-pronged forks become painting utensils, so you’ll have a pretty tulip garden in no time. Get the details by clicking here.
Little ones will love making woven paper hearts like this one from Maya*Made. You can experiment with different types of material, from vintage maps to newspapers to burlap. To get all the details, click here.
For a last-minute gift, we love this easy idea from Buggy and Buddy. Kids can decorate a card with tissue paper flowers, then fill in the inside with drawings or notes for Mom. Click here to get the instructions and free printable.
“What on earth should I do with my kids?” If you’re like most parents, you’ve probably uttered that question on more than one occasion recently. As work and school from home is mandatory for most of the country, Nature’s Bakery wants to help families make the most of their time together. That’s why they’ve launched Snack Sized Adventures to keep your kiddos busy for hours at a time.
Nature’s Bakery, best known for its whole wheat fig bars, is a family-owned bakery that’s been baking wholesome snacks since 2011. They use real ingredients like sun-ripened fruit and hearty whole grains to make delicious plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and Non-GMO Project Verified treats.
“What on Earth Should I Do With My Kids” is an online tool where parents can discover Snack Sized Adventures: bite-sized activities for parents to help keep their kids busy and stimulated as they navigate this “new normal.” On the website, parents will find more than 100 simple and accessible activities that are meant to get the whole family together for a feel-good dose of tech-free fun.
How Does It Work?
Each idea in the Snack Sized Adventures generator includes an indication of whether it’s an indoor or an outdoor activity, how much time it will take, activity difficulty level and the messiness factor (both measured on a scale of one to five). Every activity includes step-by-step instructions to help families know exactly what they need to do. Plus, you can filter the ideas based on how long, how active and how messy to make it easy to find adventures that suit every family situation and ages of kiddos.
Here’s just a sampling of the Snack Sized Adventures:
Build a recycled newspaper fort—Use old newspaper and tape to create a fort made of newspaper.
Activate imaginations and find sky stories—Set up a comfy blanket outside and look up at the clouds. Decide if you see animals people in the sky and make up fun stories about them.
Make a bouquet of paper flowers—Kids can add some color and creativity to the house and their rooms with these easy paper flower crafts.
Become museum curators—Kids can round up meaningful objects around the home, set up a display and then take family members around for a tour.
Share Your Family’s Activities!
The Snack Sized Adventures site lets you save activities you want to try later, and browse the top trending ideas. And what’s cool is Nature’s Bakery wants to hear from you! Families are encouraged to submit their own Snack Sized Adventures for a chance to win a month’s worth of free snacks. Share your family’s favorite activities on the submissions page or on Instagram using the hashtags #NaturesBakery and #SnackSizedAdventures for the chance to win fun prizes and snacks!
Looking for a little creative inspiration for your kids this summer? Add some hands-on art to your must-do list with these classes that encourage little Picassos to let their creative juices flow. Many are free or are included as part of admission to a museum; for most of them you don’t even have to make reservations in advance (because let’s be frank, that’s a little ambitious for the summer). Best of all, you’ll avoid having to be on clean-up duty!
Third Haus, San Francisco
Anita Chu
This amazing and unique creative studio just moved to a new, larger space in the Mission. Third Haus is a paradise for dreamers and creators alike, with a full array of the latest tools and technology from digital drawing tablets, 3D and laser printers, to traditional building materials and art media. The trained, enthusiastic staff all have art backgrounds and assist kids with almost any creative project they can dream up, from writing and illustrating their own comic book, to painting a watercolor mural, to 3D printing and assembling a building model. You can drop into themed classes during the week, or open studio on the weekend if you have your own project in mind. They’re also offering two week-long summer camps around a variety of themes.
Location: 455 Valencia St. San Francisco, CA Hours: Open studio 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun Online: third.haus
This creative spot in Marin offers a variety of art classes for all ages, from from painting to sewing to sculpture. This summer they have drop-in classes for ages 2-5 on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings (parent supervision required), and for drop-in open studio time for ages 2-13 on Friday afternoons. In addition, they offer also after school classes, summer camps and drop-off movie nights.
14 Ross Ave. San Anselmo, CA 415-295-7037 Online: littletreestudios.net
The de Young has always been a hot spot for families who love to enjoy and make art together. On Saturdays, Family Art Making, a drop-in art project led by a local artist, is included with your admission. Projects change every 3-4 weeks and are typically inspired by a current exhibition. The de Young also offers after school and summer art camps; check the website for details.
Golden Gate Park 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. San Francisco, CA 415-750-3600 Online: deyoung.famsf.org
I Heart Art is a studio that encourages kids and adults to explore their creativity through a wide array of arts and crafts projects. It's is an oasis for children and their parents seeking a safe, energizing and beautiful place to enjoy an art experience in a nurturing environment. There are many ways to experience I Heart Art, including drop-in open studio time Tuesdays through Saturdays, where a variety of different projects will be set up around the space for you and your kids to choose from. Check the website for typical projects being offered and specific times.
15 Vivian Dr. Pleasant Hill, CA 925-602-0140 Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Sat. Online: iheartartstudio.co
MakeArt Family Day at Museum of Craft and Design, San Francisco
courtesy of Museum of Craft and Design
MakeArt Family Day occurs on the first Saturday of every month; events feature tactile materials introductions for toddlers, guided activities for kids, gallery tours and in-gallery hands-on projects for families. Check for upcoming workshops here.
2569 Third St. San Francisco, CA 415-773-0303 Hours: Saturdays, times vary, please check website for details Cost: Included with admission cost of $8/adults, $6/students and seniors, 12 and under are free Online: sfmcd.org
Art Studio at Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
You can make art every day of the week at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. The Art Project is available all day for anyone to stop by and get inspired with a project that changes every two weeks. Artists ages 3 and up will love Art Lab where they get to explore various techniques and mediums. In the Local Artist Spotlight, kids ages 5 and up will explore a specific artistic technique through a project inspired by a professional artist. Inspirational, indeed!
557 McReynolds Rd. Sausalito, CA 415-339-3900 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Cost: $14.95/general; $13.95/babies 6-12 months. Free admission the first Wednesday of every month Online: bayareadiscoverymuseum.org
Art Pushcart and Drop-in Art Studio at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco
Andria Lo
Sunday is the day to make a stop at the CJM for some hands-on art making for all ages. On the first and second Sundays of the month, the drop-in art studio features a teaching artist to help you and your kids experiment with different art techniques and materials. If you are there one of the other Sundays of the month, look for the roving Art Pushcart that’s full of games, materials and questions meant to inspire visitors.
736 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 415-655-7800 Hours: First and second Sundays of the month, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Cost: Included with admission cost of $14/adults; kids 18 and under are free Online: thecjm.org
Family Fun Day at the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
courtesy of Asian Art Museum
Leave the country without ever having to go to the airport! On Family Fun Days, the Asian Art Museum offers kid-friendly tours, storytelling hours, and creative art projects. Immerse yourself in Asian art and culture with a constantly changing selection of art activities. Check the website for the next Family Fun Day.
200 Larkin St. San Francisco, CA 415-581-3500 Hours: Every 1st and 3rd Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: Included with admission cost $15/adults,$10 seniors and teens; kids 12 and under are free Online: asianart.org
Second Sunday at Stanford’s Cantor Arts Center, Palo Alto
Angela Drury
When you have one of the world’s most prestigious universities in your backyard, you play in your backyard! Every second Sunday is family-focused at the Center. Your family will enjoy tours, hands-on art projects, independent sketching and special programs such as storytelling, book readings, and movie screenings. Bonus perk: You can also sign out an art pack from the main lobby front desk. Stocked with themed activities, colored pencils, and sketching paper, you can encourage your Baby Buonarroti to create amongst the greats.
328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way Stanford, CA 650-723-4177 Hours: Second Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: free Online: museum.stanford.edu
Exploring Art for Children at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, San Francisco
MIssion Cultural Center for Latino Arts
Explore traditional Latino art and techniques every Saturday using textiles such as clay, flour, paints and paper cuts. Think paper mache and those big, bright, beautiful paper flowers we see all over the place during Dia de los Muertos, and so much more! The class is geared towards children between ages 5-12.
2868 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 415-821-1155 Hours: Saturdays 11 a.m. -12 p.m. Cost: $10 Online: missionculturalcenter.org
Art Studio at Habitot Children's Museum, Berkeley
courtesy of Habitot
Drop in anytime during museum hours to visit the art studio at Habitot. The focus here is on the process, not the end product, and nowhere is that more evident than on your child's paint-speckled clothes and smiling faces. Choose between Clay Play (think GAK and scissors) and Mixed Media (think coffee filters and glitter). Don't fret over the inevitable mess, as apron—and clean-up—are provided and all materials are non-toxic!
2065 Kittredge St. Berkeley, CA Spring/Summer Hours: Mon.-Thu., 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Sun. parties only.) Cost: $12/person, under 1 are free Online: habitot.org
Afternoon Art at The Randall Museum, San Francisco
courtesy of The Randall Museum
Design, craft then play with your very own yo-yo or top, turn a simple game of connect-the-dots into a layered oil pastel painting, make wallets and medicine bags—even mix and make your own paint! Yes, we are talking about the Randall Museum. Catch all of these excitingly artful opportunities at Afternoon Art Saturdays. Register at the front desk when you arrive. Activities are geared towards kids age 3 and up.
199 Museum Way San Francisco, CA 415-554-9600 Hours: Saturdays, 1-3:30 p.m. Cost: $10 adult/child combo, $5/each additional person Online: randallmuseum.org
Stop in anytime during museum hours to take advantage of the wonderful array of materials from which to create your own unique piece of art. Although you'll walk away with something fun, the end product isn't the goal here—it's all the mess, creativity and learning that happens along the way! Art projects offered include, but aren't limited to, sculpture, printmaking, painting, drawing and collage.
180 Woz Way San Jose, CA 408-298-5437 Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. Cost: $15/person, under 1 are free Online: cdm.org
Young Art Lessons, Various Locations
courtesy of Young Art USA
With four Bay Area locations, you will want to run, not walk, to these fantastic drop-in art classes! They offer art lessons to your kids while you shop, eat or take a coffee break. The concept is easy. Your child tells the instructor what they want to draw, the instructor walks them through drawing step by step and teaches them how to paint. Voila! Your little artist has created a masterpiece! Read our full review here.
Hours: Vary by location Cost: $14.95/15 minutes, $21.95/30 minutes and up. Bundle Options: $110/4 hours Online: youngartusa.co
What if we told you there’s a product out there that can totally change the way you think about party planning for your kiddos future fiestas? No more shopping from the bargain bin or throwing stuff in your cart hoping it all comes together in the end. Meet P.S. XO the latest contender to the party in a box club that mixes just the right amount of creative with do it yourself options. Brainchild of child star turned super mom Soleil Moon Frye (Punky Brewster!), P.S. XO is anything but cookie cutter, and you can feel that the moment you open the box.
What’s Inside Each Party Box contains classic, high quality decorations, favors, crafts and other essentials for birthday parties for up to ten children. Complete boxes include decorations (garlands, tassels, pom-poms, balloons), essentials (straws, cupcake toppers, confetti, tables runners and more) and craft supplies (metallic markers, memory books, photo corners, note cards). But if you need help planning in a specific area, you can buy things like party favor and craft kits separately.
Choose Your Theme You can pick from a variety of curated party boxes with four themes.
Inside the fairy box you’ll find a fairy crown craft complete with ribbons and paper flowers, and enough pink and sparkles to make any little princess feel royal.
The pirate kit is perfect for little swashbucklers who want it all. Make personalized treasure chests complete with sand, gems, coins and stickers plus red, black and silver decorations to set up the perfect pirate’s cove.
And our favorite, the jungle themed box, will make little monkeys go bananas for all things wild including bright green balloons, burlap table runners, metallic streamers and gold foil confetti.
Finally, the celebrate boxes for adults has just the right amount of sparkle and class for a festive home party, no matter what the occasion.
Why We Love It
This is so much better than tossing pre-made favors into your shopping cart. P.S. XO creates something more organic: a chance to create together for a party you’ll remember for a long time to come. Plus, if you have older kids, you can park them at the craft table and let them go nuts. Definitely a plus.
Log on to the website, pick your box and it will be delivered right to your doorstep. Complete boxes – essentials, crafts, and decorations – are priced at $99.95 We, know that might sound steep, but when you figure in the time and actual cost of throwing a party, it’s just a drop in the bucket.
Buying some of the options a la carte is a perfect option for those looking to spice up what they already have. You really can’t go wrong.
