Mother’s Day DIY gift ideas for the perpetual procrastinator

As children, we could get away with necklaces made from macaroni dunked in glitter or a greeting card decorated with a red blob of paint (the result of an earnest effort to paint a heart) that read “Happi Mothar’s Day!”.

To be entirely honest, as adults, we could do the exact same thing and still get a massive squeeze in return. But is that really what you want to do for someone who puts up with your hangry outbursts, and promptly delivers when you holler “Mummy, bhookh lagi hai!” ?

Don’t let the ticking clock hold you back. It’s okay if you weren’t able to order a gift for Mother’s Day. We have a solution for you! Banish the procrastinator monster in your head, get your creative juices flowing, and try your hand at our list of DIY gift ideas for this Mother’s Day.

DIY gift ideas for Mother’s Day

It’s time for lights, camera, appreciation – organise a mommy movie night to remember!

Make the popcorn buttery, the ambience cosy, and as for which movie to watch, we’ve got you covered. All you have to do is scroll, select and stream.

Julie and Julia

Well, let’s just say that watching Julie and Julia on Mother’s Day is like hitting two birds with one stone or in this case, two soufflés with one whisk – you get to watch a great film, while stocking up on ideas for the next time you are ambushed with “What do you want for lunch?”

Watch the movie on Netflix

Mamma Mia

This musical is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face and maybe even inspire an impromptu karaoke night.

Watch the movie on MUBI

Barfi

If you’re in the mood for a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the feels, Barfi is definitely worth a watch on Mother’s Day (just don’t forget the tissues).

Watch the movie on Netflix

Piku

This movie perfectly portrays the hilarious and heartwarming complexities of the parent-child relationship and is sure to make you and your mom exclaim “This is exactly what you do!” more than once.

Watch the movie on MUBI

Darlings

A mother and her daughter’s thrilling journey as they navigate crime, and chaos. The film is a not-so-gentle reminder of how you can do anything you want if you have your mother by your side.

Watch the movie on Netflix

Keep calm, and pamper on by bringing the spa home

Give your mom some much-needed TLC, and wind down with these homemade masks.

Easy two-ingredient hydrating face mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp raw honey
• 3 inches of aloe vera leaf

Directions:

• Slice the aloe leaf open lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape all the gel from the inside.
• Blend the aloe vera with the honey in a small bowl.
• Using the back of a spoon, gently apply the mixture in a thin coat over the entire face, neck and if you like, chest area. Keep it out of your eyebrows, eyes, and nostrils.
• Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water.

Source: Rockymountainsoap.com

Nourishing banana and coconut hair mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. coconut oil, at room temperature
• 1 to 2 ripe bananas

Directions:

• Start by peeling and mashing the banana between your hands before putting it into a bowl or blender, along with the coconut oil.
• Mix until the mixture is an even texture and consistency.
• Apply the hair mask evenly on your scalp and hair.
• Leave it in for 10 to 15 minutes
• Rinse your hair well with lukewarm water.

Source: Healthline.com

Kill two birds with one DIY gift

Revisit your fondest memories with your mother while making these crafty coasters that are a fool-proof solution to your mum’s pet peeve – the water rings you leave everywhere you go.

Material required:

• Printer and paper (laserjet preferred)
• Selection of photo you want to print
• Cork coasters – set of 4 to 6
• Homemade Mod Podge (Two parts of white glue and one part of water mixed well in a container)
• Craft knife and mat
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Paintbrush

Directions:

• Print out the photographs.
• Trace out the outline of the coaster on the flip side of the photograph.
• Use your craft knife to cut and trim the paper that you measured and marked.
• Paint a layer of Mod Podge on the top of the coaster and on the back of the paper.
• Place your paper down in the centre of the coaster and smoothen it out.
• Paint a layer of Mod Podge on top of your coasters. Let them dry and paint on another coat.
• Leave to dry.

Source: Modpodgerocksblog.com

Make your DIY gift and eat it too

Surprise (read shock) your mom by actually managing to cook for a dinner party without having to call the fire brigade. Here are some fool-proof recipes that’ll ensure you have a lip-smacking Mother’s Day!

Puff Pizza Tart

Ingredients:

• 375g sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry
• 5 tbsp red pesto
• 70g pack of sliced salami
• 125g ball mozzarella, torn into pieces
• Extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
• A handful of rocket, to serve (optional)

Directions:

• Heat the oven to 220-degree celsius.
• Unroll the pastry onto a large baking sheet and prick it all over with a fork.
• Spread over the pesto, leaving a border of roughly 1 inch around the edge.
• Layer on the salami, top with the torn mozzarella and some seasoning, then bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the pastry is golden, risen and crisp.
• Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, if you like, and scatter over some rocket.

Source: BBC Good Food

No Bake Chocolate Biscuit Cake

Ingredients:

• 100g cacao butter
• 300g dark chocolate
• 140g smooth almond butter
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar
• 4 tbsp cocoa/cacao powder
• 200g digestive biscuits – use gluten-free digestives for a gluten-free recipe

Directions:

• Add all the ingredients apart from the biscuits to a large heat-proof bowl.
• Place over a saucepan of simmering water ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Mix until everything is melted and you’re left with a smooth glossy mixture.
• Break up the biscuits into another bowl, then pour the chocolate mixture on top.
• Transfer into a cake tin.
• Allow to cool slightly, then transfer into the fridge and leave to set for around 4 hours.
• Slice and enjoy!

Source: Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen

Activate the green thumb, but make it ‘grammable

Garden and grow together – building a garden in a jar is the perfect opportunity to say to your mom all the things you’ve been bottling up. Use this DIY gift idea not just as a fun way to spend with your mom, but also as an opportunity to rekindle your friendship with her.

Material required:

• A transparent glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
• Pebbles or gravel
• Horticultural charcoal
• Potting soil
• Selection of plants (tropical ferns, mosses, selaginella, peperomia, cryptanthus, or other air plants)
• Figurines or decorative items (optional)

Directions:

• Deposit a base of pebbles or gravel about 1 inch thick (this is a must for drainage).
• Add a thin layer of horticultural charcoal.
• Add a layer of potting soil.
• Nestle your selection of plants neatly into the soil so the roots are covered and any leaves, petals, and stems do not touch the glass.
• Add other touches if you’d like, like figurines and uniquely shaped rocks.

Source: Marthastewart.com