Unique 3D Mother’s Day Crafts for Every Age Group

You might be surprised to find that some kids really try to put thought into gathering ideas for unique Mother's Day gifts that they can make. No matter what the age, many kids delight in the idea of giving their Mommas a gift that feels personal; a gift that makes mom smile, or maybe... just maybe.. makes them tear up ever so slightly with joy. Our kids really do care, but also... they're kids, thus they're all about living in the present moment. So the likelihood that they've done the research ahead of time for that perfect Mother's Day gift is... minimal. If you're an adult reading this - let's help them out this year by pointing them in the right direction! And, what could be more fun than a craft that stands out just as boldly as the kid making it!

We've compiled a playful list of 3D Mother’s Day craft ideas that mom's everywhere will be sure to love! From toddlers and preschoolers crafting their first adorable keepsake to teens who want to tackle more challenging DIY projects, these gifts will outshine any commercial, store-bought items. These crafts aren’t just Mother's Day gifts – they’re fun, memorable activities and even great for other occasions (they can double as homemade birthday gifts for mom too!). There are so many cute things to make for your mom at every stage - and we've provided 3 Delightful ideas for each age group! So, let’s dive in!

"Tiny Hands - Big Hearts!" (Toddler & Pre-K Gifts)

Even the littlest crafters can make Mother’s Day gifts with a bit of help. These preschool-friendly projects are simple, sweet, and bursting with love. Expect some painted-stained fingers and proud smiles! Get ready for some perfect mothers day gifts from preschoolers – the kind that moms and grandmas will cherish forever.

1. Handprint Flower Bouquet – Little handprints become a bouquet of “flowers” in this adorable craft. Your child’s painted handprints are cut out and attached to paper straw stems to create a 3D bouquet. Maybe this is your little ones first attempt at creating a Mother’s Day gift from a toddler, but it's sure to be a heartfelt token that Mom will never forget. Not to mention a beautiful snapshot of those tiny hands frozen in time!

Materials: Washable Finger Paint (2-3 Colors), cardstock or construction paper, scissors, green paper straws (or green painted craft sticks), glue, and ribbon or yarn (to tie the bouquet).

This craft idea comes courtesy of the site Best Ideas for Kids! For a step-by-step tutorial on how to make this personalized Mother’s Day gift, CLICK HERE!

2. 3D “Flower Garden” Card – This is an easy Mother’s Day card preschool kids can make, but with a fun 3D twist! Kids paint or color pieces of paper, which an adult, or older sibling, helps cut into circles of different sizes. Layering and gluing them onto a folded card makes a for a floral arrangement that really pops off the page! It’s one of those Mother's Day children's cards that is simple to craft but looks impressively dimensional. This fun card lets little ones give flowers to Mom in a creative way.

Materials: White or colored cardstock (for the card base), watercolor or craft paint and brushes (or markers/crayons) to decorate paper, child-safe scissors, glue stick, assorted buttons or pom-poms (for flower centers, optional).

This craft idea comes courtesy of the site Hands On As We Grow. For further instructions on how to make this gift CLICK HERE.

3. A Stain Glass Vase – This is our favorite of the Mother's Day gifts Kindergarteners can make because it's the gift that keeps on giving! For one, this beautiful vase can serve as one part of of a two-part gift. Older siblings or a spouse can contribute the fresh flowers while our young artist provides the eye-catching vessel that will hold them. Additionally, this craft can be used as a table setting, a mantle-piece, or the family flower jar for floral occasions throughout the year.

Materials: A vase or glass jar (you can also get resin or acrylic jars if you're concerned about your kiddos handling glass), Modge Podge Glue, a sponge brush, assorted color tissue paper (pre-cut pieces or you can tear pieces yourself)

This craft idea is courtesy of the GLUESTICKS blog and they have easy to follow instructions AVAILABLE HERE.

"Elementary, My Dear!" (Crafts for Grades 1–5)

Big kids are ready for more crafting fun! These projects involve a bit more skill (cutting, painting, assembling) but are still easy enough for grade-schoolers. These are lovely Mother’s Day gifts for kids to make with minimal grown-up help. From crafts to make Mom feel loved (like handmade flowers that never wilt) to useful goodies she can use every day, these ideas will be sure to spark creativity.

1. Egg Carton Flower Bouquet – Up-cycle a simple egg carton into a distinctive Mother’s Day gift that lasts! For this bouquet of everlasting flowers, kids cut out sections of a cardboard egg carton, paint them in bright colors, and add pom-poms or buttons as centers. Attach them to pipe cleaners or sticks, and you have a bunch of funky 3D flowers for Mom! Talk about crafts to make Mom smile! Not only does she get a unique set of flowers, but you also saved her a trip to the recycling bin!

Materials: Cardboard egg carton, kid-friendly acrylic or poster paints, paint brush, green pipe cleaner or craft sticks (for stems), pom-poms or buttons (flower centers), scissors, glue, and a small jar or ribbon if you want to present it as a bouquet.

Check out the tutorial on Mombrite for tips on cutting & assembling this egg carton craft.

2. A FANciful Flower Garden – If Mom loves plants or gardening, try giving her a Spring bouquet in a new way! This craft is a hit with kids who love to make fans (we've all been there). For this project, kids will paint a green piece of paper (for that fresh-cut grass effect). They will use their other colored sheets of paper to draw varying sizes and shapes of flowers. The best part about this garden is there's no need for perfection! Kids get to be imaginative in this fanned-out secret garden! It’s a sweet keepsake and definitely a unique personalized gift for mom. This project is easy, a bit messy (in a fun way), and results in a custom Mother’s Day gift mom can make into a display, or save it for a hot summer day!

Materials: 12x18" paper, tempera paint, paint scrapers, a stapler. (You can also use washable markers instead of paint if you're concerned about spills.)

See the classroom blog It's Art Day to see this teacher's take on a popular Picasso paint style

3. Thumbprint Butterfly Mug – Turn a plain mug into a heartwarming gift with just some paint and your kid’s thumbs! Using ceramic paint or oil-based markers, kids make butterfly wings on the mug by pressing their painted thumbprints in pairs. Add antennae and a body with a marker, and suddenly you have butterflies fluttering across a mug. Every time Mom sips her tea, she’ll think of the little hands that made it. This is one of those DIY Mother’s Day crafts that's a quick, practical and oh-so-personal last-minute homemade gift for mom that’s full of love. Pro Tip: Fill your finished mug with chocolates or tea bags for an extra treat!

Materials: Plain ceramic mug (white or light color works best), multi-surface or ceramic paint (in a couple of favorite colors), a black paint pen or Sharpie for details, a small paintbrush or paint pens. (If using paint, you’ll also need an oven to bake the mug and set the paint according to paint instructions.)

Get the tutorial HERE on The Best Ideas for Kids. They show how to easily make the thumbprint butterflies and bake the mug so the design stays put.

"Stuck in the Middle with You" (Crafts for Tweens)

Middle schoolers can get truly creative with Mother’s Day crafts – they have the coordination for more involved projects and relish any chance they get to add their own sense of flair. The following ideas are more intricate and cool Mother’s Day crafts for teens (and preteens) to make, with results so impressive that Mom might ask, “You made this?!” From pretty décor to sweet mementos, these projects let older kids show off their skills and make personalized Mother’s Day gifts that come from the heart.

1. Pressed Flower Framed Sun-catcher – Here’s a beautiful way to give Mom flowers that she can keep forever. In this craft, your Tween will use pressed flowers (store-bought or collected from the yard) to create a bespoke sun-catcher. But what's even cooler is this can become wall-art as well! Older kids will enjoy arranging pressed blossoms on a glass sleeve using a hot glue gun! Younger kids in this age group may feel more comfortable using the laminating sheets (or contact paper) to press the dried flowers and cut it into shapes like a circle or heart. The result is a stained glass effect utilizing real flowers! This craft is not only a lovely Mother’s Day gift, but could also be an engaging scientific adventure in finding and pressing pretty leaves and flowers. Your Tween might say it was actually fun; high praise at this age!

Materials: Dried pressed flowers (if you don’t have any ready, there's a tip using a microwave included in the instructions), empty picture frame of choice or self-adhesive laminating sheets (clear contact paper), a hot glue gun (if going with the older craft) a pencil and scissors (for the younger version), hanging supplies (optional).

Ready to get started?? If you'd like the Frame Version of this craft - follow the instructions provided on the Lily Ardor DIY Blog!

If you'd like to try the self-adhesive sun-catcher for the younger ones - follow the tutorial on The Best Ideas for Kids to see how to lay out the flowers and seal them between laminating sheets. No heat or laminator needed!

2. A Clay Petal Planter – Does Mom by chance have a green thumb? Maybe she's one who loves to spend time in the garden. Why buy a store-bought impersonal BORING planter when you can create one she'll adore for years to come! This unique Mother’s Day gift is great for older kids who want to explore using other art forms like working with clay. The palette knife exercises a new technique that let's kids create layers and texture. They can decide on what color scheme they want to use AND do further research on the best kind of plants to put inside (or just ask a sales associate on their next trip to Trader Joe's). But if the Mama in your life loves to be surrounded by greenery - not only will she enjoy this handmade planter, but she'll be more satisfied in knowing that both the pottery and the flora it holds were lovingly curated just for her.

Materials: polymer clay in an assortment of colors, a concrete or ceramic planter, a palette knife, your oven.

Visit A Beautiful Mess for a detailed how-to on bringing this beautiful piece of art to life!

3. The Key(ring) to Mom's Heart – How can Mom possibly lose her keys now when they're tied to your heart! We all know Middle School and friendship bracelets go hand-in-hand. So why not take those skills and put it into a great gift your Mom will adore. Once you find a fun key ring shape and a set of beads, you're ready to make a truly one-of-a-kind gift that allows a part of you to be wherever she is. While the idea listed here is to create a "shooting star" key ring, your child can get far more creative if they like. Choose mom's favorite colors for the beads. Add a more personal message - maybe an inside joke or nickname! Just know whatever you choose to do, she's going to love it.

Materials: colored beads of choice, alphabet beads, white elastic thread, star-shaped key ring.

You can find a full set of instructions from the amazing UK site Baker Ross where they provide step-by-step written and visual guidance.

"Mama, I Made it!" (Crafts for High School Teens)

High schoolers can take Mother’s Day crafting to the next level. These projects are a bit more like mothers day craft ideas for adults, meaning they require more patience or skill, but the results are truly impressive. The best part? Teens can usually do these on their own, pouring their creativity into a gift that’s heartfelt and mature. Mom will be blown away by these sophisticated yet loving crafts!

1. Pressed Flower Clay Dish – This craft combines nature and art into a gorgeous trinket dish for Mom. Your teen will roll out air-dry or polymer clay into a small dish shape (using a bowl as a mold), then press dried flowers and leaves into the clay. Once it’s set, the flowers are permanently embedded in the dish, and you can seal it with Mod Podge or sealant. The result is a delicate jewelry dish decorated with real flowers – perfect for holding rings or earrings. This project is simpler than it looks, but the end product is an elegant keepsake that looks boutique-worthy!

Materials: Air dry clay or polymer clay (white or a light color works well to show off the flowers), an assortment of pressed flowers or greenery (flat and dry), a rolling pin and craft knife, a bowl or dish to use as a mold for shaping, sandpaper (to smooth edges, optional), Mod Podge or clear craft sealer.

Follow the tutorial on The Best Ideas for Kids for making a pressed flower clay dish from start to finish.

2. Butterfly Garden Jewelry Box – Give Mom a pretty place to store her treasures that's got your name (rather hers) written all over it. In this craft, teens decorate a wooden jewelry box with paint, decorative paper, and optional 3D butterfly accents. Using decoupage (Mod Podge), they can apply scrapbook paper or printed designs onto the box, and add small clay or paper butterflies on top. The design can be customized to Mom’s tastes – butterflies, flowers, geometric patterns, you name it. This DIY gift is thoughtful and practical, and it definitely counts as crafts to make mom feel extra special. The result is a totally custom Mother’s Day gift – a one-of-a-kind jewelry box made just for your Mom. (Hint for teens: slip a handwritten note or a piece of jewelry inside as an extra special surprise!)

Materials: Unfinished wooden jewelry box (available at craft stores or online), acrylic paints (choose Mom’s favorite colors), Mod Podge or decoupage glue, pretty paper or scrapbook scraps to cut out and glue (e.g. floral patterns or butterfly images), scissors, and optional embellishments like small faux butterflies, rhinestones, or clay shapes. Also have a paintbrush or sponge brush for applying Mod Podge.

Instructions: Learn how to decorate and decoupage the box on Mod Podge Rocks where they walk through painting the box, cutting paper accents, and sealing it with Mod Podge.

3. Lush DIY Bath Bombs – For the teen who loves a bit of science and a lot of pampering, homemade bath bombs are a fantastic project. Bath bombs are a fizzing delight, and making them is like a fun chemistry experiment. You mix simple ingredients you can find at home (baking soda, citric acid, etc.), add colors and scents, mold them, and let them dry. The result? A homemade gift for Mom that treats her to a luxurious relaxing soak. You can get creative with colors, fragrances, and add-ins like dried rose petals or lavender. Talk about a unique personalized gift for mom from her teenager! After letting the bath bombs harden, you can wrap them in tissue or place them in a cute box with a ribbon. This DIY gift is perfect for a teen to make because it’s a project they can be proud of – and mom gets some well-deserved relaxation. It’s a win-win!

Materials: Baking soda, citric acid (find in the canning section of stores or online), Epsom salt (recommend using Epson Salts that are unscented and fine.), cornstarch, Olive oil (or coconut oil), essential oils for fragrance (like lavender, lemon, or rose), food coloring (optional, for color), a mixing bowl and whisk, and bath bomb molds (you can use plastic ornaments or even a silicone muffin tray).

Instructions: Find a great recipe with measurements on My Weathered Home. The tutorial will show how to combine dry ingredients, slowly add the wet ingredients to avoid fizzing too soon. She even marks them with a vintage stamp!

When The Day Is Done - Preserve the Memories with Artkive

The only thing more precious than these lovely crafts is the memory of making them. As the years go by, those pressed petals may fade and home made cards might get a little creased if left to sit inside a "memory box" aka the storage bin in your basement. A wonderful way to commemorate these beautiful crafts forever is by turning them into a keepsake book with Artkive. Whether it's Mother’s Day children's cards from preschool or intricately made Mother’s Day crafts for teens – Artkive will help you create a gorgeous book or mosaic that you can treasure for a lifetime. After all, the sweetest thing about these projects is the love and memories behind them. And, the best Mother’s Day gift of all, is the ability to preserve those memories for years to come.

Soak in every moment of creating these unique personalized gifts for the moms in your life, and don’t forget to snap some photos along the way – you’ll be glad you did. To all the Mommas out there - you deserve every ounce of adoration and praise today and EVERY DAY! Tell your spouse to make sure you get some time alone to enjoy a relaxing bath with those luxe bath and whatever else helps you unwind!

Enjoy your special day and all these heartfelt creations your kids made just for you!

Happy Mother’s Day and happy crafting!