Mother's Day has taken on a special meaning. Mom's are carrying most of the workload during the Covid-19 pandemic, many are working from home and homeschooling, and taking on extra cleaning duties now that everyone is home 24/7. As a mom, the best gifts come from the heart not just Bloomingdales. I treasure homemade cards from my son and husband, and the meals made from scratch. The stores may be closed, but here are some easy gift ideas that are free or under $5 to make.
Gift #1 DIY Flowers- 3 Minutes to Make (Excluding Drying Time) Cost FREE!
Fun & easy craft for kids you should have these materials already in your home, if not they can be purchased at the Dollar Store.
You will need:
Paint and brushes, scissors, dryer sheets (used or unused), pipe cleaner (@ Dollar Tree), old earrings or buttons (optional), vase (optional, you probably have one in your home), and a hair dryer.
1. Take a couple of dryer sheets ( I used 6 to make 6 flowers).
2. Paint dryer sheets (you may use as many colors as you like).
3. Let them dry.
4. Once dry, fold dryer sheets into squares at least 3 times.
5. Cut the edges of each square.
6. Assemble "petals" to create a flower.
7. Pierce a hole in the middle of the flower with an earring or pencil tip.
8. Attach pipe cleaner to back of earring and clasp it shut.
9. If only using pipe cleaner, push pipe cleaner through hole, and make a knot to secure it in place.
10. Blow dry flower for 5 seconds to give petals a natural look.
We had fun dressing up an old teddy bear with pearls, and it made a great table setting perfect for brunch which takes us to gift #2!
Gift #2 Homemade Crepes and Mimosas Cost Under $5 For Crepes!
Last Sunday I made crepes for the first time with my son, and found them surprisingly easy to make, and the ingredients are cheap! They look decadent, and cafes in gentrified neighborhoods will charge you $20 for a plate of crepes and your only eating flour and eggs! To boot, you can make your own sauce (even more impressive, healthy and cheap). I followed this online recipe here it is: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16383/basic-crepes/
I also made this blueberry sauce below, but only used 1/4 the amount of sugar and it was still sweet!
For the Blueberry Sauce
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Combine blueberries, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a nonstick frying pan.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until juices are bubbly and fruit is tender.
Remove from heat and drizzle blueberry sauce on top of crepes, powdered sugar and whip cream are optional.
For mimosas, you don't have to buy expensive champagne to mix with orange juice. Go with a bottle of $8 champagne, just make sure to pour the orange juice into the glass first, champagne second so your drink is bubbly!
Gift #3 Husband Cleans The House Cost FREE!
I didn't marry a renaissance man, I married a man from the renaissance so if my husband cleans the house it's a gift. Gentleman, this is the best present you can give your wife and it's free.
Gift #4 Free Time Cost FREE!
Everything is pretty much closed, except a few parks and beaches, but taking the kids outside and out of the house so mom can take a shower, and nap is another gift that's sweeter than Godiva Chocolates!
Gift #5 Frame Children's Artwork Cost $5 or Less!
The Dollar Store sells a variety of picture frames, take some of your children's best artwork and place it in an 8x10 frame, or 5x7. Use finger paint and make hand prints of your toddlers and babies and date it. When shopping on the cheap, go for plain frames and avoid anything too glitzy.
Gift #6 Make a Scrapbook Digital Prints Cost .39 (Per Print)!
Print a couple of pictures of mom and the kids. Kids can glue pictures to colorful construction paper, and write at the bottom of each page. Staple pages together to create a scrapbook. You will be surprised with what kids come up with. Their words will also be even more sacred as they grow older and you look back on these fond memories.
Gift #7 Make A Barbecue Dinner
Most men enjoy grilling, meat may be scarce, but vegetables and fruit also taste great on the grill. Here are some bbq ideas from The Food Network: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/grilled-vegetables-recipe-1942208
Happy Mother's Day!
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