Mother's Day on a Budget - The Ultimate Guide

We all know that mum deserves to be spoilt on Mother’s Day, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Check out our favourite gift ideas to guarantee that mum feels special this year and every day after.  

Homemade Gifts

Appreciation Jar

Mums deserve appreciation, and this is a great way to ensure they feel loved and appreciated every day. All you need is an old candle jar, some card, and a pen. Decorate the pieces of card however you like - I added a splash of colour using watercolour paints - and then write them out by hand for that added personal touch. 

I wrote a mixture of things I love about mum and some of our favourite memories that I knew would put a smile on her face. When she pulls out a card first thing, she’ll be reminded of a heart-warming memory, and feel loved from head to toe - and it costs next to nothing to do! 

Homemade Mother’s Day Card

Any mum will tell you that there is something truly special about receiving a homemade card. Younger children can enjoy getting creative with whatever art supplies you have to hand, and if you don’t have any, find out where you can buy art materials on a budget. 

There are thousands of ideas to inspire on Pinterest. Older children could experiment with some poetry, either finding a poem that resonates or flexing their writing skills and writing their own special poem.  

Daily Affirmations

Help mum set her intentions for the day with some personal motivation. Daily affirmations are a great way to start the day, help guide you, and shift your focus and perspective if you’re stuck in a rut. Instead of purchasing some, save yourself some money and make them yourself with some card and pens. You can find a variety of affirmations online to help give you some inspiration. 

Wildflower Picking

If you know that mum would love some flowers but the cost is an issue, consider wildflower picking. Spring is a great time to forage wildflowers in the UK. Turn your findings into a lovely bouquet with some tissue paper or even newspaper and ribbon. 

If you want to make the memory last, opt to press them and display them in a frame to make a beautiful and thoughtful piece of home decor too. Check out our article on cutting costs on flowers to find out what flowers are in season during March. 

Mother’s Day Hamper

Whatever the occasion, hampers are a great gift that is sure to make mum's day, but the cost can quickly add up. This year, have a go at making your own hamper with all of mum’s favourite things. From fluffy socks, chocolate, and tea, to bath bombs, crackers, and wine, don’t miss our article on ways to make a budget Mother’s Day hamper for more ideas. 

Gifts Under £10

Lindt Pick & Mix Pink Heart Box, £8.50 from Lindt

Treat mum to a selection of her favourite chocolates in the Lindor Truffles Selection Box that are simply to die for. From classic chocolate, and salted caramel, to strawberries & cream, chocolate orange, mint, hazelnut, and more, she’ll feel so loved while putting her feet up and indulging in chocolate heaven. 

Grow Your Own Flowers, £2 from Wilko

If your mum is the green-fingered type seeds are a lovely gift. Wilko has packs of seeds like marigolds and busy lizzies for just £2. Why not get some quality time together and help her in the garden too? Mum can enjoy her blooms throughout the year and it will remind her of you, and the time you spent together. 

Waterstones Gift Card, £10+ from Waterstones

If mum’s idea of heaven is sitting down with a good book then a gift card from Waterstones is the perfect gift. This is an especially good idea if you know mum loves books but you aren’t sure what she’s already read. And if she loves a browse around the bookshop - even better. Waterstones Gift cards start from £10 so you can stay well within your budget. 

If you’ve got an idea of a book or two that mum will love, then don’t miss our article on how to buy books on a budget so you can save some money too.  

Satin Beauty Pillowcase, £10 from Argos

For those mums who love all things beauty, a Satin Beauty Pillowcase from Argos, is ideal. Not only are satin pillowcases great for preventing hair breakage and reducing frizz, but they’re also good for the skin, so mum can feel and look her best, without you having to splash the cash. 

Strawberry Thief Journal, £8.99 from Waterstones

Whether mum loves to journal as a self care activity, or she’s in need of a diary to help keep her life in order, you can’t go wrong with the Strawberry Thief Journal from Waterstones. The beautiful design means she can plan to her heart’s content and do it in style. 

All Butter Shortbread Biscuits, £7 from Whittard of Chelsea

If your mum loves nothing more than a good cup of tea, these shortbread biscuits will be a match made in heaven. They’re available in a range of flavours, whether it’s ginger and lemon, salted caramel, triple chocolate, or strawberries & cream, they’re the perfect addition to any afternoon tea at home. 

Sanctuary Spa Signature Bath Float, £8.67 from Boots

Give mum an at-home pamper night with some luxury bubble bath. At Boots, they have an impressive collection of some of the best bath and body brands including the Sanctuary Spa Signature Bubble Bath. She’s sure to adore the aromatic scents of jasmine, vanilla and grapefruit while she finds her inner zen. 

Plant a Tree, £5+ from The National Trust

Mums who thrive in nature will love the gift of planting a tree from the National Trust. For a minimum donation of £5, the National Trust will plant a tree and provide a certificate to commemorate your donation. This eco-friendly gift will stand the test of time and reward all mothers for years to come. 

Gifts Under £20

Sterling Silver Chunky Pearl Drop Hoops, £14 from Accessorize

Providing you know how to cut costs on jewellery, you can’t go wrong with a pair of earrings. At Accessorize, they have some stunning and budget-friendly options, including their Sterling Silver Pearl Hoops which are sure to make mum’s day shine brighter.  

Little Moments Photo Book, £16.99 from PhotoBox

Make your favourite memories last a lifetime with a Photo Book from PhotoBox. You and Mum can have a flick-through together on Mother’s Day to reminisce on your happiest moments together, and if she’s ever feeling down, it’ll surely put a smile on her face. 

Cord Faux Fur Lined Mule Slippers, £12.50 from M&S

Keep mum feeling cosy this Mother’s Day with some new slippers. Marks & Spencer has a super range of slippers in lots of different styles, including the Cord Faux Fur Slippers which she’s sure to love. 

Personalised Pink Hearts Mug, £19 from Emma Bridgewater

If mum is a fan of Emma Bridgewater (let’s be honest, what mum isn’t?) then you can’t go wrong with the Personalised Pink Hearts Mug to show her some love. Alternatively, if you know she’d love something but you’re not 100% sure what, opt for an Emma Bridgewater Gift Card instead, so you can give the gift of choice this Mother’s Day. 

Letterbox Flowers, £19 from Bloom & Wild

Not going to see mum on Mother’s Day? No problem! Bloom & Wild Letterbox flowers are the perfect way to surprise mum on her special day. You don’t even need to worry if she will be home on the day of delivery as these cleverly packaged flowers fit through the letterbox. 

Starting at £19, they’ve got some beautiful options including the Pastel Blooms and Bright Blooms which are a budget-friendly way of making mum feel blooming lovely.  

Aromatic Foaming Bath, £17.50 from Neal’s Yard Remedies

Save yourself some serious cash and bring the spa home to mum with something from Neal’s Yard Remedies like their best-selling Aromatic Foaming Bubble Bath. Give mum an hour or two unbothered so she can sink down into a dreamy, bubble bath for the ultimate treat this Mother’s Day.  

Best of British Tea Gift Set, £15 from Whittard of Chelsea

Let mum put her feet up and enjoy a soothing cup of tea. The Best of British gift set from Whittard of Chelsea offers 30 individually wrapped tea bags in classic flavours including, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Chelsea Garden. What better gift is there than a good old cuppa? 

Personalised Milk Chocolate Lace Heart, £15 from Thorntons

Make mum feel extra special with personalised chocolates from Thorntons. If mum has a sweet tooth these gorgeous treats will make an excellent gift. From their Personalised Milk Chocolate Lace Heart to their Personalised Alphabet Truffles that spell out a special message, they make perfect gifts for any chocolate-loving mum. 

Lilac Striped Long Sleeve Shirt Pyjamas, £18 from ASDA George

Everyone loves a new pair of pyjamas, so give mum that fresh pyjama feeling with one of the gorgeous and affordable pairs of pyjamas you can find at ASDA George. The Lilac Striped Pyjamas are ideal for those cosy nights in front of the telly with a cuppa. 

Affordable Activities

Mother’s Day is all about reminding mum how much you love her and thanking her for all that she does for you. Any mum will love spending time with you and any extra effort you make will be appreciated. But here are some ideas for when there is only love in the bank. 

Breakfast in Bed

Set your alarm and surprise mum with her favourite breakfast in bed. Whether it’s heart-shaped pancakes with strawberries, a trendy avocado smash on toast, or you’re going all out with a classic full English, you can’t go wrong. Mum’s eyes will pop out of her head when she sees the delicious feast you’ve made for her using the ingredients in your fridge. 

Homemade Afternoon Tea

Save yourself a fortune and treat mum to a homemade afternoon tea. Have a go at making some crustless, bitesize sandwiches, and if you’re up for a bit of baking, then some scones too. There are some great recipes online including the 20 Best Afternoon Tea Sandwich Ideas from BBC Good Food, as well as Jane’s Patisserie scone recipes such as her Classic Buttery Scones and Cheese Scones. 

Pamper Night

Why not pamper mum this Mother’s Day? Whether you know how to save money on spa days or you’re treating her to an at-home pamper nights on a budget, make her feel like she is the most important woman in the world.

Run a bath with her favourite bubbles, play soothing music, light some scented candles, and let her relax. In addition to this, you could help her apply a hair mask or paint her nails. Mums are queens so make her feel like one! 

Go on a Walk

If mum finds it hard to get some quality time with you, then today is the day. Whatever the weather, pop out for a nice walk and have a heart-to-heart. Not only will you both enjoy each other’s company and get out in the fresh air, but it’s completely free too. 

Bake a Cake

Ok, so this one isn’t entirely free and you will need the ingredients. But you don’t have to go all out to make it special. Even some simple cornflake cakes, made with a bar of chocolate and cereal will do the trick! 

There are some delicious cheap baking recipes available at BBC Good Food and Janes Patisserie, and you may have some of the ingredients in the cupboard already. Taking the time to bake will show mum how much you love her.  

Plan a Games Night

A games night is a fantastic way to spend time together and have some fun. Whether it’s just you and mum or you plan a night with the whole family. You can set up her favourite board games, challenge her on the Xbox or have a game of charades! Making memories together is what it’s all about. She won’t forget the day she beat you on Fortnite (even if you did let her win)! 

Help Her out by Tidying the House

Give mum the gift of a neat and tidy home while she puts her feet up. There’s no better feeling than a fresh space, and if you’ve got siblings, work together to do it in half the time. 

Don’t miss our articles on our best tips to have a clean and tidy home as well as affordable ways to stay organised so you can do it with ease this Mother’s Day.  

Three Course Meal

If you’ve got siblings, then this is a great idea that mum is sure to appreciate. Take it in turns or work together to cook a starter, main, and dessert that mum will love. Have fun with it and write a menu while you’re at it too to give mum a giggle. 

Check out our handy articles on how to save money on groceries if you plan to make your dishes from scratch, or the best supermarket dine-in deals for a more stress-free option. 

Let Her Sleep in

Sometimes all mums dream of is a lie-in, so if you think mum could do with a few extra winks, then so be it. Do your own thing while she enjoys having some time to herself. You could even surprise her with a new pair of pyjamas the night before so she can enjoy her morning in bed feeling snug as a bug.