Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 14. If you are looking for ideas for clutter free gifts to give mom this year, you will find five easy to make but very thoughtful gifts below!
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Last year my sisters and I were able to celebrate Mother’s Day with my mom at the Grand Canyon! It was a surprise trip planned for her 70th birthday and Mother’s Day combined. That was on her “bucket list” to go to the Grand Canyon. It was such a special treat to be with her during the trip. This year, I’ll have to be more creative since my “presence” won’t be the present.
5 Clutter Free Gifts to Give Mom
The saying, “it’s the thought that counts” when referring to gifts is particularly true for gifts given by children to their moms. I know that as a mom, the heartfelt card or drawing is always more appreciated than the last minute token gift. A big hug with sincere words of appreciation and love make my heart happy! Here are five ways to make the mom in your life happy:
1. Write an acrostic poem especially for her
This would be a great gift from an older child who can work on it independently or for a younger child with an adult’s help. If you have time, frame it. It will be cherished! Here’s an example from Howard Johnson:
M-O-T-H-E-R
by Howard Johnson
‘M’ is for the million things she gave me,
‘O’ means only that she’s growing old,
‘T’ is for the tears she shed to save me,
‘H’ is for her heart of purest gold;
‘E’ is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
‘R’ means right, and right she’ll always be,
Put them all together, they spell ‘MOTHER,’
A word that means the world to me.
Copyright © Howard Johnson
2. Give her some personalized coupons for acts of service
I love the idea of these coupons – especially if the children are coached to fulfill them without any hesitation or grumbling! My children are older so they’re able to do a lot of things independently now. Think of ideas outside of the responsibilities that they already own for themselves.
In my house, my older two already do their own laundry (although folding and putting away – not so much!), and all three boys are responsible for clearing/setting the table every night, and emptying the dishwasher – so I wouldn’t include those on these coupons.
Here are some ideas to write in:
- laundry for a day (washing, folding, AND putting away!)
- doing the dishes
- 10 minute back or foot rub
- 1 hour of quiet time
- breakfast in bed
- washing a car
- gardening work
- a night off cooking
- vacuuming
- a big hug and kiss!
I’ve made a FREE printable that you can download instantly when you subscribe. Or make some handmade ones – she’ll love it!
How about some homemade coupons for Mother's Day this year? #freeprintable #mothersday #clutterfreegifts Click To Tweet3. A gift basket full of consumables that she loves
I know as a mom if I have chocolate or any other goodies, my children will ask me for some, and I will give some to them because moms are givers! Fill a small (or large) basket full of things that she loves and doesn’t need to share!
Here are some ideas:
- dark chocolate!
- dried fruit (like mangoes or something that isn’t normally on your grocery list)
- special trail mix
- special coffee or tea
- special drinks that she doesn’t buy regularly
- special mints
4. Record a video for mom
Make a video with each child sharing three things that they love and appreciate about their mom. Or each child can “perform” something special based on their talents – songs, instrumentals, or reading the poems that they create themselves for mom.
5 Thoughtful and Clutter Free Gifts Every Mom Will Love! #clutterfreegifts #mothersday #giftguide Click To Tweet5. A special journal and pen
Does the special mom in your life love to journal, or write daily to do lists? Get her a special notebook and a special pen. I bought a 2017 planner from InkWELL Press this year and I’m in love with it. They have beautiful blank journals that are hardbound or sewn that are versatile for bullet journaling, fitness tracking, or any way she wants to use them.
I’m also in love with TUL pens. These are a new discovery and I love how they write in my InkWELL Press planner (or any other piece of paper). I call it my “special pen!” I bet the mom in your life would love these too – especially if she loves to journal by hand.
If you don’t have time to do any of these 5 things – remember that a simple phone call saying “I love you and appreciate you” will go a long way. And if you’re close enough to actually see the mom in your life in person – don’t forget to give them a big hug as well (no coupon required).
Looking for other great gifts to give Mom?
Tanya at Mom’s Small Victories, Gifts to Give Mom Who Works From Home
Rachel at Smart Mom Smart Ideas, Memorable Gifts to Give Mom
Morgan at Morgan Manages Mommyhood, Coffee Gifts to Give Mom
Crystal at Sharing Life’s Moments, An Assorted Variety of Gifts to Give Mom Regardless Her Personality
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What clutter free gift ideas have you received or given in the past?
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Angela, these are great gift ideas! I really can’t decide on a favorite – the poem or a box of chocolates. All of these gifts would make any mom smile.
I agree Rachel! I may have to make sure my hubby reads this post so he can “help” my boys decide on one (or more of these things) 😉
I love the poem idea best. i would have never thought of it.
Hi April! I’m going to try my hand at this for my mom this year – maybe I’ll be able to use it next year as an example. Thanks for stopping by!
I’d love to receive any of these! I think homemade gifts are great any time of year, but especially on Mother’s Day. A coupon book or a poem would be so special.
Hi Abby! I agree – coupons are so special any time of the year, but especially if it’s done without grumbling or asking twice!
What a great list of ideas, Angela! My mom lives far away and a basket (with a video!) would be a great idea!
I’m visiting today from Wine’d Down Wednesday.
~ Megin of VMG206
Thanks Megin! My mom lives far away too and I’m thinking of what I can do for her from this list that will be meaningful to her
I can remember making my mom a coupon book for Mother’s Day when I was little. I love the idea! The basket of food goodies is nice too. I would be so excited to get all my favorite treats!
Yes! Make sure that your hubby sees the post and your comment! 🙂
Thanks for sharing these ideas far enough in advance for us to do some of them. My mom is no longer here, but these gifts can be given to lots of different people!
Hi Lisa – you’re absolutely right. These ideas can work for lots of different people that we love in our life. Thank you for stopping by!
So great to go clutter-free!
Agreed Michele!
Great ideas! I’ve linked to a post I did about buying gifts for my 94 year old mother! I hope you can stop by and see.
Hi Angela, finding a gift for my own mom is so challenging. I actually might have to pop over to your practical gift guide! #homemattersparty
Oh – do Paula. I’m sure you can find something that will work for your “hard to buy for” mom. Good luck!
Good ideas… I hate the commercialized view that good gifts must be expensive… there is so much that is better. 🙂
I agree! Our family is moving to experience based gifts, which is of course difficult if you live a distance away from your loved ones. I don’t know any mom who wouldn’t love a heartfelt hug and words of appreciation, which doesn’t cost a penny!
Love the idea of getting a video from my kids for Mother’s Day. That’s definitely something we could easily store, save up, and refer back to over the years. Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
Absolutely Leslie! Thanks for your positive feedback – and hosting such a great link up every week! 🙂
Lots of great ideas! One year my son washed my car and another year he built a border around my roses. An act of service is something I know I appreciate!
That’s great Roseann – what a sweet son!
I love your ideas! These are all great, non-cluttered ideas focused more on the experience rather than the “thing.” Thanks for sharing these! So often we get caught up in trying to think of another item we can give, rather than thinking about how to make something personal and meaningful.
It’s true Joan! I’m moving toward experience gifts or more thoughtful gifts. Shopping in stores actually stresses me out A LOT! 🙂
I love these ideas! Gifts of service would be a perfect gift for me!
Hi Tracy, I’m glad these resonated with you! I hope you get many gifts of service this year!
Thank you for the thoughtful ideas. I’m so tired of shuffling clutter!
You’re welcome Kelly! Thanks for reading and commenting. I know I’d appreciate any of these gifts!
I love the coupon idea, I need one that will make me coffee in the morning! And maybe walk the dog! Fabulous ideas! #SharingtheBlogLove
These are all lovely ideas – I know I’d love to receive any of them, but the coupon idea is really lovely. My son is only 3, so Mother’s Day gifts so far have come from my husband, but I’m really looking forward to when my son picks things out himself with a little bit of thought. Thanks for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
The grand canyon is an amazing gift! I love the idea of a basket of gifts that can be eaten or drunk, my mum would love this. My eldest daughter always buys me white chocolate, which I am not complaining about. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove