DIY Mother’s Day Gift Basket

As April draws to a close, that means Mother’s Day is right around the corner. In case you haven’t realized it yet Mother’s Day is May 8, 2016. I know some families go all out and shower mom with expensive gifts, brunch and other extravagances. In our family Mother’s Day usually begins with church, where someone not related to me is usually the first person of the day to wish me a “Happy Mother’s Day”. After church we often head to my mom’s house for a family cookout and pool party where the guys do the cooking and the cleaning and my sister’s family lavishes her with expensive gifts. In other words, it isn’t usually a favorite day of mine, actually, in years past it has been the worst day of the year.

Last year, we redeemed Mother’s Day, a bit. On Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend my sister and I took our mom out to lunch while my hubby took his mom out to lunch. On Mother’s Day, hubby and I went to church and then we headed to the Magic Kingdom for the day. Aaron spent the day with his wife’s mom and Jordan was on the road. This year, hubby and I will be on a weekend getaway at the beach…that I planned! I hope my adult children and hubby do something to celebrate me but I no longer count on it and it doesn’t hurt as much that way.

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive. Just let mom know that you love and appreciate her. I put together an inexpensive Mother’s Day gift basket that I would love to receive for Mother’s Day to give those of you challenged gift givers ie. single guys or husbands, an idea that even you can pull off.

DIY Mother’s Day Gift Basket

1. Think about what mom likes to do. Does she like to relax with a good book? Watch a movie? Play board games? Paint her nails? All of those things and many others can be the start of a great gift.
2. Think about what mom likes to drink. Is she a coffee addict? A tea lover? A hot cocoa aficionado? Whatever her favorite beverage is, add it to the basket.
3. Add Epsom Salts. Whether soaking in a bathtub or soaking her feet, mom  with love all of the health and beauty benefits that Epsom Salts bring. Adding 2 cups of Epsom Salts to a hot bath or 1 cup to a foot bath will help mom relax and unwind. I love to add a few drops of essential oils like peppermint and tea tree oil to my Epsom Salt foot bath for an added boost.
4. Add chocolate. What mom doesn’t like to indulge in some chocolate now and then?
5. Package it up nice. Find a pretty basket, box or pail that will hold everything you gathered. Add some tissue paper and Voila! You have a thoughtful gift for mom on Mother’s Day or any day you want to say “I love you!”.

I made this basket for me 🙂 It includes a book by my favorite author, chocolate, peppermint essential oil, hot chocolate and Epsom Salts. Other ideas could include a candle, a DVD, nail polish, popcorn, a gift card to her favorite store. You are only limited by your creativity. I’m going to go soak my feet and read my book now. Happy Mother’s Day!