This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

3 Do It Yourself Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Save some money and make your mom a personalized gift.

Instead of splurging on an expensive gift this Mother’s Day, why not simply make one yourself?

It’s a lot easier than you may think and the gift’s handmade quality and love will give it a more sentimental meaning. With that said, here are some fabulous and simple gifts for your mother to enjoy this year:

Homemade Gel Candles:

Find out what's happening in Culver Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Gel candles can be used in the office or at home since they are useful, decorative and smell great. You can easily personalize them as well by using your mom’s favorite scents, colors and flowers.

Here is what you will need: (All materials can be found at your local crafts store)

Find out what's happening in Culver Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Gel wax
  • Glass container
  • Candle wick
  • Salts, stones or sand
  • Scented/candle oils (for fragrance)
  • Decorations like fabric flowers, seashells, jewels

Step 1: Fill the bottom of your glass container with some rock salts or small stones as a base. Then, place your candle wick in the center. (You can also use colored sand.)

Step 2: Arrange your various decorations (seashells, flowers, stones, etc.) around the wick to your liking.

Step 3: Melt the gel wax in a pot on low heat (follow the directions on the package.) Slowly stir in your desired oil or fragrance into the mixture. If you would like, you can also mix in a few drops of food coloring to enhance your candle.

Step 4: Carefully pour the mixture into your glass bowl and wait for it to set. (To avoid bubbles, do not move the container around after pouring.)

Homemade Bath Salts:

To treat your mother to that relaxing bath she deserves after a long day. Here is how you can make bath salts:

Materials:

  • Glass container or bottle
  • Epsom salts (3/4 Cup)
  • Coarse sea salt (1/2 Cup)
  • Baking Soda (1/4 Cup)
  • Essential oils (8 drops)
  • Food coloring

Step 1: Mix your Epsom salt, baking soda and sea salt together in a bowl (make sure there aren’t any lumps and that all the ingredients are incorporated together evenly.)

Step 2: Whisk in a couple drops of your essential oil and food coloring of choice.

Step 3: Dispense the salts into a jar or glass container, and you’re finished!

Homemade Therapeutic Neck Pillows:

If your mom is a busy bee and doesn’t have the luxury of time, make her a therapeutic pillow. These are conveniently reusable and are a quick and simple way to relax.

Materials:

  • Cloth (44” x 6”)
  • Flax seeds (4 cups)
  • Lavender (3-4 tablespoons)

Step 1: After finding a fabric and pattern, cut the dimensions and fold it in half with the pattern side facing inward.

Step 2: Pin the fabric together on three sides (the two long sides and also the one you folded.)

Step 3: Sew the three sides together leaving the non-pinned side open.

Step 4: Mix your flax seeds and lavender together before pouring it into your pillow. (You can also add a small amount of potpourri if you would like).

Step 5: In the opening, fold the top edges inward (like when hemming something) and sew it shut.

*To enjoy, pop the pillow into your microwave for 2-3 minutes, sprinkling a bit of water occasionally so the seeds don’t dry out.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?