Every child loves to show their love for mom with handmade gifts! And if those gifts are made from recycled materials, Mother Earth is happy as well. We prepared a collection of 60 green Mother’s Day crafts kids can make and give to their moms to shower them with love! Of course, all of these would be perfect for mom’s birthday or just to say “mom, I love you!”.
Raid your recycle bin and prepare to upcycle paper rolls, old newspapers and magazines, cardboard and shoe boxes, tin cans, mason and baby jars, and so much more!
Mother’s Day Homemade Gifts
You will find here ideas for homemade Mother’s Day gifts from recycled materials like:
- photo frames
- Mother’s Day cards
- planters
- vases
- jewlery
- stationary
- and more!
Supplies for Mother’s Day Crafts
Apart from items from recycle bin, you will need some other supplies:
- markers
- paint
- glue
- cardstock (assorted colors)
- yarn
- washi tape
- tissue paper
RECYCLED MOTHER’S DAY CRAFTS FOR KIDS FROM CARDBOARD BOX
In this section, you will find ideas for Mother’s Day gifts from following items:
- cardboard box
- shoe box
- cereal box
- cardboard packaging
Bead Mosaic Frame
Make a lovely Bead Mosaic Frame from Cereal Box and turn it into a perfect gift to give mom on Mother’s day. Of course, you can tweak this craft for any other occasion or holiday! Source: Teach Me Mommy
Yarn wrapped tulips
Make cute Yarn Wrapped Tulips from cardboard and popsicle sticks! Everything can be made from recycled items – use yarn scraps and pieces of used cardboard. Along with those saved popsicle sticks. It doubles as a lovely spring craft you can do with kids to welcome spring! Source: School Time Snippets
Cardboard Collage Frames
Cardboard Collage Frames can be made with bits and bobs you have around the house. This versatile Mother’s day (or Father’s day!) craft can also be used any time of the year, from birthdays to special occasions. Grandma would love one as well! Source: Red Ted Art
Recycled cardboard necklaces
Make a wearable gift for Mom! Modern Geometric Cardboard Necklaces are beautiful and as unique as a child who made them. This will also provide a bit of pre-writing practice for younger kids. Source: Barley & Birch
Framed Flower Art for Mother’s Day – Gathered by Claire
YARN WRAPPED CARDBOARD INITIALS
Make mom adorable keepsake using Yarn Wrapped Cardboard Initials. This lovely 3D collage craft utilizes various craft supplies, from yarn to tape and pom poms and provides lots of work for little fingers. Source: Art Bar Blog
Heart Nature Weaving Craft
Just how wonderful is this Heart Nature Weaving Craft?! It would be perfect to make with small flowers, ones that dry well and still look like they are just picked. And, I can imagine how lovely these flower hearts would look if you use them as an ornament or wall hanging piece! Source: Little Pine Learners
Cardboard DIY Photo Frame
You will love these colorful Cardboard DIY Photo Frame! Make them quickly and you can adjust the color to mom’s favorite to give on Mother’s day! You can change the size of cardboard frame to match the photo you want to use. Source: Let’s Do Something
PAPER ROLL MOTHER’S DAY CRAFTS FOR KIDS
Items you can use for next section of Mother’s day gifts for kids to make:
- toilet paper rolls
- wrapping paper tubes
- paper towel cardboard inserts
Mother’s Day paper roll bracelet
Invite kids to make Mother’s Day craft bracelets! They can decorate them with stickers or gems, they can even doodle on top of the paper rolls to make them. This would be fun craft to make with a group of toddlers or preschoolers. It is always great seeing their faces shine when they are done! Source: Living in a Happy Place
Toilet Paper Roll Mother’s Day Flower Wreath
Gather few toilet paper rolls from recycle bin to craft lovely Mother’s Day Flower Wreath. Younger kids can help with painting, and older kids can help with gluing! If there are leftover petals, you can easily make extra flowers for a vase! Source: Woli Creations
Paper Roll Handprint Flowers
Make cute Paper Roll Handprint Flowers! This quick recycled craft uses traced child’s handprint to make a flower crown. It’s such a lovely keepsake for mom! Source: Easy Peasy and Fun
Paper Roll Flowers
And here is another version of Paper Roll Flowers you can try. These flowers can be presented in a larger scope like a piece of art or in smaller scope in a form of a Mother’s day card. Choice is up to a child! Source: The Best Ideas for Kids
Toilet Paper Roll Crown Craft
To crown a queen of the household, invite kids to make Toilet Paper Roll Crown Craft! This adorable sparkly crown will adorn Mother’s day card where kids can add their message to mom. Source: Crafty Morning
Cardboard Roll Hearts Bouquet
Making Cardboard Roll Hearts Bouquet is simple and quick. You just need to add some pipe cleaners to heart shaped cardboard strips to make them into a flower. Child can choose to paint the hearts or leave them in their natural color. Source: Our Kid Things
Flowers using toilet rolls
Here is another version of Paper Roll Flowers to craft with kids, this time paper rolls are not cut. They are painted and folded. Result comes as full bloom petals. You will love it. And so will mom when she receives her own flower bouquet! Source: Emma Owl
Paper Roll Heart Necklace
We simply adore this Paper Roll Heart Necklace! It is so cute! It is made from paper rolls and beads. For toddlers, this craft is a bit too advanced but older kids could do most of the work. With threading and punching, this craft provides lots of fine motor practice. Source: Filthy Wizardry
Tin Foil Bangles
Not much is needed to make Tin Foil Bangles from Paper Rolls. Little ones can make it as well because it’s a simple craft using only tin foil and tape on top of paper rolls. Kid will proudly gift them to mom for Mother’s day! Source: Best Toys 4 Toddlers
Duck Taped Paper Roll Vase
This Duck Taped Paper Roll Vase makes a cute gift that is handmade from the heart. Mom can use her gifted handprint vase as decoration on a shelf or centerpiece on our table on Mother’s day. Source: Fun Handprint Blog
Homemade Plant Starters
Homemade Plant Starters are fun to make and they are useful! Once the weather is nice, just pop these little guys into the ground! The toilet paper roll is biodegradable so it will just disappear over time. Perfect gift to help mom in the garden! Source: Easy Crafts for Kids
Empty Paper Roll Martenitsas
This craft is one of the classics! Make Empty Paper Roll Martenitsas in a heart or a ring shape and present it to mom! It is an easy craft to make, in addition to paper rolls, all you need is red or white yard. Or you can choose both! Source: Krokotak
REUSE EGG CARTONS FOR MOTHER’S DAY CRAFTS
Next, we have Mother’s day crafts primarily based on egg carton. Although cardboard egg carton is the most usual type of packing eggs, some of the crafts here use styrofoam egg crate and other use plastic egg container. Now, you can repurpose any of them with ideas found here!
Cellophane Paper Poppies
Cellophane and Egg Carton Poppies are such a delicate and lovely flower to gift! Poppies are made using materials from recycle bin like cellophane paper and egg cartons, combining a bit of painting, crafting and fine motor practice as kids put them together. Source: Best Toys 4 Toddlers
Easy Egg Carton Mother’s Day Card
The best part about this card is that it combines both a card and a craft. Easy Egg Carton Mother’s Day Card will be fun for kids to make for their moms. This is why it’s always good to have a few egg cartons on a recycle bin saved for craft. Source: Fun Money Mom
Mom’s Portrait
Make mom’s portrait using cut egg cartons on a paper plate. This Mother’s day idea leaves lots of room to creativity with drawing and painting. It can also make a great gift for mom (or grandma). Source: Non-Toy Gifts
Egg Carton Tea Cup Cards for Mother’s Day
You can make these simple tea cup cards that can hold a tea bag so that you can give to your mom, or to grandma to “have a cup of tea on us”. Any mom who loves to drink tea will be thrilled to receive such a thoughtful gift from their child. Source: In The Playroom
Egg Carton Flowers
Kids will have fun making these colorful Egg Carton Flowers! They might need a bit of assistance from an adult to cut egg cartons because they might be tricky and hard to cut for little hands. But, everything else can be done by a kid. Source: I Heart Crafty Things
Bluebells Egg Carton Flower Craft
Transformed your egg carton into a bright and cheerful Bluebells Egg Carton Flower Craft! When I first saw this craft, I had no idea it’s made from egg carton! So good! You can glue bluebells you made on cardboard and turn it into a Mother’s day card. Source: Buggy and Buddy
Egg Carton Flower Pins
Mom will proudly get to wear Egg Carton Flower Pins made by their child! We love how kids can display their creativity when they make and decorate their flower pins. For sure, each would turn out different and unique! Source: Pink Stripey Socks
Egg Carton Jewellery Box
When gift is handmade and can be used daily, it’s the best! This goes for Egg Carton Jewellery Box! Mom can put inside all her jewellery without any fear of getting it lost or misplaced. Kids can make their pick in choosing color combo for inside and outside of the box, as well as how to decorate the cover. Source: The Craft Train
REUSE OLD NEWSPAPERS OR MAGAZINES FOR MOTHER’S DAY HOMEMADE GIFTS
So many of paper products can be repurposed! You can reuse for crafts items like:
- old newspapers
- old magazines
- junk mail
- promo materials
- envelopes
- child’s artwork
- printed and not needed papers
- old book pages
Newspaper Frames
It is fun making Newspaper Frame! Coiling newspaper strips will remind kids of making a little snail. And snails are fun, right? You can make a pick between using newspaper and make it black and white frame, or you can use some colorful magazine pages. Source: Red Ted Art
Mixed Media Bouquet Cards
We love these colorful and cheerful Mixed Media Bouquet Cards! In addition to making a lovely handmade card, this mix media project is a wonderful way to recycle some scrap paper and encourage kids to experiment with collage. Source: Barley & Birch
DIY Patchwork Frame
If you mom (or grandma) love patchwork, they will surely love Patchwork Frame! Made from numerous pieces cut from different papers, old books, magazines, this frame is one of the kind! If made by kids, this craft will provide plenty cutting and gluing practice. Source: Francine’s Place
DIY Flower Bouquet for Mother’s Day
DIY Flower Bouquet for Mother’s Day is truly special. Kids can make kindness flowers using paper, paint and assorted art supplies and then write down an “act of kindness” on each flower. Each of these acts is a promise to do something special for mom. Source: The Educator’s Spin On It
Easy Newspaper Flowers
These Easy Newspaper Flowers are one of the prettiest we’ve seen! We love how, even when crumpled, they still look beautiful. Colorful flowers like these are perfect to glue on top of the cardstock for Mother’s day card. They can also be used as decorations and still look amazing! Source: Red Ted Art
Painted Newspaper Puffy Heart Craft
You gotta love this fluffy and puffy Painted Newspaper Puffy Heart! You can make it from newspaper, but you can as easily recycle some of the child’s abstract paintings to make this puffy heart. And, with punching and threading, crafting this heart makes great workout for little hands. Source: I Heart Crafty Things
Make Recycled Magazine Bead Jewelry
Classic craft but always a favorite – Magazine Bead Jewelry! If you are looking to make something mom can wear, this is perfect craft for you. Is it a necklace you want to make? Or a bracelet? You can make either, or both. Choice is yours! Source: Free Kids Crafts
Paper roses
Magazine Roses are made from the scraps of various magazines. And, more colorful paper you choose, the better they turn out! These roses are pretty durable and can be used in many different ways. We leave it to your imagination! Source: Patty Schaffer
POPSICLE STICK MOTHER’S DAY CRAFTS KIDS CAN MAKE AND GIVE
Since my kids love eating ice cream, we always have enough of popsicle sticks for crafting! But, in case you fancy one of the popsicle stick Mother’s day crafts here and would like to make it with larger group of kids (for example, in the classroom), you can order popsicle sticks in bulk.
Handprint Flower Bookmarks
For book-loving moms, Handprint Flower Bookmarks will be very appreciated to receive as a gift. And used often! Since these bookmarks are made with their child’s traced hand, they will be a precious keepsake to look at when child grows. Source: Glued to My Crafts
DIY Popsicle Stick Coasters
Popsicle Stick Coasters look like miniature pallets. They are easy to make and customize in any color combination child desires. These would make a useful gift to mom for Mother’s day or dad for Father’s day. Source: Busy Mom’s Helpers
DIY chalkboard with popsicle stick
Leave a lovely message for mom on a Chalkboard made with Popsicle Sticks! If you add a magnet on the back of this lovely chalkboard, you can stick it on the fridge and use it over and over. Easy, cute and useful. What more you can ask for? Source: Caseperlatesta
Decorate a Flower Pot with Craft Sticks
Popsicle Stick Flower Pot will make any flower it holds bright and beautiful! In original, this craft is made for a teacher for Teacher appreciation day, but it can surely be made for mom or grandma for Mother’s day. If they love planting flowers, they will love receiving one as well. Source: Mad in Crafts
Popsicle Stick Flowers – Mom Unleashed
Mother’s Day Frame Craft
Hearts are floating around with Mother’s Day Frame Craft Made With Popsicle Sticks! This easy to customise craft will be fun for kids to make and makes lovely gift for mom to receive. Source: Fun Learning Life
Heart Puzzle Frame
Popsicle Stick Heart Puzzle Frame comes with a message “I love you to pieces!”. You can reuse all those puzzle sets missing one or two pieces and give them new life with this adorable craft. Source: The Active Toddler
“Home is Where Mom Is” Popsicle Stick Mother’s Day Craft
For this craft, you will need popsicle sticks and few buttons (although it can be made without buttons as well). With the message “Home is Where Mom Is”, this lovely popsicle stick Mother’s day card will make mom all warm and fuzzy. Source: Crafty Morning
USE OLD MASON JARS OR BABY JARS FOR MOTHER’S DAY CRAFTS
We collected Mother’s day craft ideas with mason and baby jars. We always reuse all of the glass containers and never have enough for them. So handy to hold all little tidbits for crafting and small toys!
Colorful Candle Holders
Colorful Candle Holders are made with little jars and tissue paper giving them stained glass effect. They are lovely gift that will be treasured by mom when it’s made and gifted by their child. Source: Teaching 2 & 3 Year Olds
Make a “Jar of Love” for Mom
Make a “Jar of Love” for Mom! and list all 365 reasons why you love your mom! Our prediction: there will be tears of joy when mom reads each and every little thing you love about her. How precious is this gift! Source: Crafting a Green World
Handprint Mason Jar Craft
For toddlers, you can choose an easy craft like this Handprint Mason Jar Craft. Toddlers don’t handle scissors and glue that well so this type of paint and make a hand print craft is perfect for them. It will still be loved and treasured by mom who receives something made by their child. Source: Midwestern Moms
Mother’s Day Mason Jar Votives
The more you mix the colors, the better Mother’s Day Mason Jar Votives turn out! We love heart shaped window where a candle peaks out. You can challenge a child to apply paint with their fingers. They will love it! Source: I Heart Arts’n’Crafts
Mason Jar Picture Frame Vase
Mason Jar Picture Frame Vase will be loved by mom because, not only it is made by their child, but it also hold child’s picture. Child can paint the jar in their own or mother’s favorite color and fill it with flowers (or candies). Source: Home Stories
Yarn Covered Vase
Yarn Covered Vase makes great use of your old glass jars and yarn scraps. It also helps children learn about caring for the environment. You can pick a colors to match the taste of the one who will receive it. Of course, it can be mom. But it also can be dad! Source: Kids Craft Room
Recycled Jars with Texture
Make these three dimensional jars that are great for holding faux or real flowers! Textured Jars make a bright and colorful project for kids. Child can also make some of the suggested flower crafts and place them inside. These vases will surely make any room look better! Source: Crafts by Amanda
DIY Heart Leaf Lanterns
DIY Heart Leaf Lanterns double as a natural and recycled craft. You get to walk around and collect some pretty leaves to use and glue on recycled jar. It’s a win-win situation. It also shows a child how lovely crafts can be when they are made from cheap materials. Source: Rhythms of Play
UPCYCLE TIN CANS FOR HANDMADE MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS
So many amazing ideas for Mother’s day themed items from tin cans! From homemade vases and planters to pen holders and lanterns. Pick something according to your child’s age and enjoy crafting!
Mother’s Day pencil holder
Mother’s Day Pencil Holder is easy to make even for youngest kids. It can be used to hold pencils, craft supplies or anything else mom want to use it for. Leaving decoration part to a child will make this an unique and loved gift for mom. Source: Fun Money Mom
Recycled Tin Can Ladybug Plant Holder
Since Mother’s day falls in spring, making Recycled Tin Can Ladybug Plant Holder will make timely and thoughtful gift for mom. Kids get to make the ladybug’s wings from their handprints. It sounds fun, right? Source: Fun Handprint Blog
Painted Tin Cans
Painted Tin Cans are just lovely! And versatile! Whether you choose to paint, cover it in fabric, mosaic or decoupage, you can use the end finished item to give mom for her pens, plants, flowers, paper flowers, or anything else she wants. Source: Crafty Chica
Personalized Tin Can Pencil Holder Craft
Personalized Tin Can Pencil Holder Craft is made from tin cans and are super easy for kids of all ages to make! Kids get to personalize it with their photograph to make them extra special for mom or dad. Source: Buggy & Buddy
Heart Tin Can Luminaries
Tin Can Lantern Craft is not only great fun to make but also effective and cheap! In some parts, kids will need help from adults but, nevertheless, this is beautiful craft to make. Mom will be delighted to receive it for Mother’s day! Source: Red Ted Art
Tin Can Planters
I simply adore these Tin Can Planters! So cheerful and beautiful! And, the best part, it’s perfect gift for mom like me who is crazy about all those tiny types of succulents! Make one, or many. They will be nurtured and loved by mom! Source: The Best Ideas for Kids
Mother’s Day Tin Can Photo Vase
The most time consuming part of making Mother’s Day Tin Can Photo Vase will be choosing which photos to use! When it’s done and gifted to mom (or grandma), this lovable vase is sure to bring out smiles daily! Source: Arizona Craft Mom
Make flower baskets from Tin Cans!
Make Flower Baskets from Tin Cans is a project made with tin cans, seed packets, and string! When finished, fill with flowers to make a darling little gift flower basket for Mother’s day. Source: Home Talk
Few More Ideas for Mother’s day
- Pick one (or more) Mother’s day board books to read aloud to babies and toddlers daily!
- After you choose the best craft for a child on this page, you might run out of the time to make a homemade Mother’s day card. Solution is easy: Choose among 5 different free printable Mother’s day cards for kids to color and give to their moms.
WHAT ELSE YOU CAN REPURPOSE?
We cooperated with many other bloggers online in junk play serial where we picked a different material from recycle bin every day for 60 days. You can find a full list and ideas for all 60 materials we used in 60 Day Junk Play Challenge. You can also join our Creative Junk Play group on Facebook! See you around!
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