Two Mother’s Day Gift Ideas with a Family Literacy Twist

Who better to ask for Mother’s Day gift ideas than other moms?

If your wife is like me, then what she really wants is a gift from the heart. My favorite Mother’s Day gifts are handmade. These are treasures I keep close by all year long.

Right now there are Mother’s Day projects underway in many preschool and elementary classrooms across the country. Want a gift from the whole family, then keep reading …

I had the honor of reading award-winning author/illustrator Marianne Richmond’s picture books for the Reading Tub. Marianne has a new book (which we haven’t read or reviewed) but we have loved her other books …

Mama Bear telling Barley the story of his adoption in I Wished for You: an Adoption Tale;
Listening to a child’s questions as he tries to understand how much he is loved in I Love You So ..; or
helping a child understand they are unique in Hoorah for You! A Celebration of You-ness.

Every book celebrates that special bond between a parent and child, and (at least in our house) end with an extra hug!

Before Marianne became a children’s author, she was a greeting card artist. Drawing on her passion for helping people find “the most heartfelt way to connect,” Marianne has created a series of craft projects that are simple, don’t require lots of special tools or gadgets, and are guaranteed to be treasured.

They are also wonderful ways to incorporate a little literacy into your family time. We’re introducing the project and the supplies here. Marianne’s easy-to-follow instructions can be found here.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas: I Love You Pillow

Mother's Day Gifts — credit: Marianne Richmond

Even the most particular Mom won’t mind putting her head down on a pillowcase made with love.

Here’s what you need: a white or lightly colored pillowcase, fabric markers or paints, a brushes, and a piece of cardboard to slip inside. [Note: FINE-point Sharpies will also work well for this project.]

Ages: 3 & Up. Time Required: 20 to 30 minutes

Here are some ways to make this extra special …

Let everyone write one of their favorite things about Mom on the back of the pillowcase.
Fill the pillowcase with notes and/or pictures about what you love about Mom.
Use the pillowcase to wrap any other gifts you may have collected.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas: Mosaic Journal

mother's day gift idea journal — Credit: Marianne Richmond

Create a keepsake that becomes a family tradition. This is a journal where each year you and the kids can add a picture or a note to mom.

Here’s what you need: Loose-leaf notebook (spiral or bound), fabric or felt scraps; paint or fabric markers; glue; embellishments (e.g., buttons, gems, stickers).

Ages: 3 and Up. Time required; 30 to 40 minutes.

Here are some ways to make this extra special.

Include family pictures or drawings to illustrate your note.
Thinking like “Christmas Eve,” ask Mom to get out the notebook a week before Mother’s Day.
Let Mom use the book as a pick-me up. Tell her that when she needs an extra “hug,” she should put the journal someplace where everyone can see it and have a chance to add a note.

Okay moms, it is your turn? What is your favorite Mother’s Day gift idea?