With Mother’s Day less than two weeks away, it is time for you to start thinking about what you are going to do to celebrate that special woman in your life. She has been there to help you up when you fall, to give you words of wisdom when you are lost, and has supported you through harsh times; she deserves a little recognition, and appreciation, for all that she has done. I’m not suggesting that you go out and spend your life savings on something extravagant; there will be plenty of time for that later in life when you graduate college and become a millionaire. For now, there are plenty of small do-it-yourself projects that fit a college budget that will mean just as much, if not more to her.
When we were kids, we spent time on gifts, not money. I am going to give you some options that will take you back to that time and potentially save you some money and bring a smile to your mother’s face that she well deserves.

Personalized Wine Glasses
We are a little older now, and can get away with condoning drinking habits. Nothing is more relaxing than finishing the night with a glass of Pinot Nior, or Chianti (depending on preferences).

What you’ll need:
A wine glass, a stencil of your choice, and etching cream.

Directions:
Place the stencil on the glass and place a generous amount of etching cream over the stencil.
Let dry for 5-10 minutes, remove the stencil, and wash the glass under warm water.

Photo Planters
Every mother that I have met either has a garden or wishes they did. Buying a plant is a great idea, but why not go the extra mile and make it unique. I know not everyone has a green thumb so I’m not suggesting you plant something yourself; any plant from Walmart will do just fine. Just pay close attention to the pot that it comes in.

What you’ll need:
A plant, a pot, several pictures, ribbon, hot glue gun

Directions:
Once you have your plant, paste photos around the pot.
Use the ribbon as decoration or to ensure your photos stay in place.
(The hot glue used to stick the ribbon will also secure your photos)

Hand Soap
You can’t go wrong with beauty products! Remember, she is a woman so giving her something that she can pamper herself with is always a good idea. I found this recipe for hand soup that is super easy and can sit on the kitchen sink for everyday use. Eventually, every time she smells lemons she will think of you!

What you’ll need:
2 1/2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 4 tablespoons of lemon, a jar

Directions:
Mix ingredients very well until a gritty paste forms. Pour mixture into a jar and label.
It’s really that simple!

A Card
It’s not uncommon for someone to give a card to their mother for Mother’s Day, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. A card can say the words that we haven’t and express just how much we love and care for a person. My suggestion: make it don’t buy it. If you have younger siblings this would be a great project to involve them in. It might seem goofy but trust me, she would much rather have something that you made than hear the words someone else wrote.

What you’ll need:
Colored paper, markers, crayons, stickers, scissors, glue

Directions:
There are no directions, use your mind and be creative!