DIY Mother’s Day Card ideas by age and chaos
Kids don't have to be Picasso to impress their mamas. All it takes is a little cardstock, some macaroni, a few chaotic scribbles, and boom—our hearts swell, our eyes moisten, and we treat that piece of art like it belongs in the Louvre.
Toss in a free hug and four (very sloppy) kisses—though honestly, four probably is too little—and our kind wouldn’t trade them for a million dollars, or flat abs, and you know, how we dream about those!
But just because a mother’s love is unconditional doesn’t mean kids should phone it in! It’s Mother’s Day—the day we go all out. And everyone knows it all begins with a homemade Mother’s Day card.
Mother’s Day card ideas
It doesn’t matter if it’s a cliché (like a butterfly handprint card whipped up at preschool), a cute doodle they did while they were at daycare, or a homemade Mother’s Day card crafted at the kitchen table with you five minutes before breakfast; all that matters is that it comes from the heart.
And of course, it’s fun to create a Mother’s Day card with them. So, to help you (and your little ones) on this journey and help find some inspiration (and glitter addictions), we’ve rounded up some fun Mother’s Day card ideas!
Get ready to make a little mess and a whole bunch of new favourite memories this Mother’s Day!
Sign up
Get tailored content based on your week of pregnancy
By signing up, you agree to receiving our Newsletters. Cancel anytime.
Homemade Mother's Day card ideas for toddlers and preschoolers
Even though toddlers and preschoolers might not be able to write their own card doesn’t mean they can’t show their love! Here are some simple and creative ideas for the best Mother’s Day cards.
Butterfly handprint card—or go full unicorn
Little hands, big magic!
Trace your kiddo’s hand to make a whimsical unicorn (the fingers become the mane) or press a painted palm down to create a butterfly shape. Add googly eyes, wings, glitter—go wild.
Pro tip: the mess is part of the charm!
Check out the tutorial
Sticker explosion cards
Stickers + sparkles = instant masterpiece. Let your child go full sticker-happy with hearts, stars, and maybe a few dinosaurs.
No handwritten message here. Just a visual representation of, “Thanks for loving me even when I’m sticky.” Aww.
Happy Mother’s Day colouring card
Some artists might need a little nudge, so just print out this Mother’s Day colouring card and let them make it their own. Simply stick your favourite picture of Mum in the centre and colour around it! Crayons, markers, maybe some mystery stains—it’s all part of the gift.
We’ve put together this downloadable template to make life extra easy for you. Download it here.
Mother’s Day card ideas for early elementary schoolers
Pom pom flower card
Why give flowers when you can craft them? Glue colourful pom poms onto stems (aka green pipe cleaners or drawn-on squiggles) for a fuzzy bouquet.
Check out the tutorial here.
The thumbprint caterpillar card
A sweet family craft! Each child uses their tiny thumbs and fingers to make a colourful caterpillar chain on a folded card.
Steps:
- Dip thumbs or fingers in paint and press them in a row.
- Let dry, then draw eyes, legs, and antennae.
- Add hearts, doodles, and a message for their favourite person, mum!
Check out the tutorial here.
Cards for the pros: Think older kids
Here are some Mother’s Day card ideas that require a little more effort and planning, but are worth it because they celebrate mum and highlight how she’s doing an amazing job!
Diagram of appreciation card
This clever chart-style card is perfect for the logic-loving kid. Create a pie chart showing mum’s superpowers—multitasking, hugs, bedtime stories—and add a note inside: “Behind every great kid is an exhausted mum (Hi!).”
Get the inspo here.
Mother’s Day teapot card—a coupon for a coffee/tea date
Does Mum love coffee? Does she crave an iced tea that she can sip in silence? Well, this is your way of saying thank you! This card, which has a tea bag/coffee pod glued to it, isn’t just a card but also a coupon for one delicious cup of hot or cold beverage of her choice! Terms and Conditions apply.
Get the tutorial here.
Friendship bracelet card
It’s a card! It’s a bracelet! It’s a heartfelt gift that says, “I love you—and I learned to tie knots!”
Steps:
- Make a simple bracelet using yarn, string, or beads (bonus points if you don’t tangle it).
- Tape or tie it to the front of a folded card.
- Add a note: “One for you, one for me!”—because besties do match.
Check out the tutorial here.
“Open When” envelope card
Create a card with mini envelopes labelled “Open when you need a laugh,” “Open when you miss me,” or “Open when you need to feel loved.” Fill them with doodles, sweet notes, or silly jokes. It’s the emotional equivalent of a warm hug on demand.
Check out the tutorial here.
Handwritten letter card
Sometimes the simplest gifts leave the deepest impact.
Help your child write a short letter to Mum—what they love about her, their favourite memory, or a thank-you for the little things she does every day. No glitter, no stickers—just pure love in their own words. The kind of card that gets tucked away and reread for years.
For grandma: “Letters through the years” card
Mum, do you need a card for your mum?
How about a folded accordion-style card, where each section has a short note: one from childhood, one from teenage years, and one from now? Write the message, “No matter how old I get, I’ll always be your girl.” And if you want to make it even cuter, include a small photo in each section.
Just add flowers
Make your homemade card bloom with love—add a beautiful bouquet to brighten her day and show how much she means to you. Whether it’s a bunch of store-bought roses or a handpicked sprig from the garden, nothing says “I love you” like a thoughtful flower arrangement paired with a heartfelt note.
Bonus ideas for extra fun
If you’re looking to really push the creative envelope this Mother’s Day, why not add a few more fun twists to your homemade card ideas? Crafting a personalised masterpiece doesn’t have to stop with paper, markers, and glitter. The possibilities are endless, and the messier, the better!
Fingerprint heart cards
For a truly personal touch, have your child dip their fingers in paint and press them onto the card in the shape of a heart. Add a note like, “My heart is in your hands!” This is a lovely keepsake for years to come.
Check out the tutorial here.
Pop-up cards
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a simple pop-up design inside the card. It could be a flower, a heart, or even a miniature “I love you” banner. These add an extra element of surprise and excitement when Mum opens her card!
Check out the tutorial here.
Nature-inspired cards
Take a walk outside and gather leaves, small flowers, or even twigs to attach to your card. This adds a touch of nature and freshness, perfect for springtime celebrations. Kids can create a beautiful, textured design while reconnecting with the outdoors.
Check out the tutorial here.
Final thoughts
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to pause and show appreciation for the incredible women who support, guide, and love us unconditionally. And what better way to do that than with a handmade card and heartfelt message—something personal, thoughtful, and crafted with love (plus maybe a suspicious amount of glue and a joke or two about needing more coffee)?
So this Mother’s Day, get creative with your little ones, embrace the chaos, and celebrate the love that makes all the mess worthwhile.
Related Articles
Loved this article?
Share with a friend
