Affordable Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Moms show up every day in big and small ways, both at home and beyond. So, when Mother’s Day rolls around each year, you likely want to show the moms in your life how much you appreciate them.

If you’re on a budget, don’t worry-there’s still plenty of thoughtful ways to make your mom feel appreciated without spending a lot. These wallet-friendly Mother’s Day gift ideas will make any mom feel special without breaking the bank.

Take Family Photos

Busy schedules and everyday distractions often make it tough to get a great family photo, but Mother's Day is the perfect excuse to make it happen. Gather your loved ones and snap a few meaningful shots that your mom can treasure. Look for mini photo session deals with local photographers, ask a friend with a good camera to help, or head to a park or a backyard and have a free DIY shoot. A framed family photo is a thoughtful, budget friendly gift she will love for years to come.

Need inspiration for fun family photo locations? Check out this post.

Cook Her Favorite Meal

A home-cooked meal is a simple, yet meaningful way to show your love. Choose one of your mom’s favorite dishes, then handle everything from planning and grocery shopping, to cooking, and cleaning up. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a special brunch, or a full dinner, she’ll appreciate the time and care you put into making her day feel effortless and full of flavor.

Help Out with Her To-Do List

Moms are often so busy taking care of others that their own to-do lists get pushed aside. This Mother's Day, surprise her by tackling a task she's been meaning to get to—whether it's washing her car, organizing the closet, or planting flowers in the yard. Small gestures like these can make a big impact and show her you've been paying attention. If you need ideas for a simple outdoor refresh check out our tips for landscaping on a budget and gift a garden that grows with love.

Plan a Day Trip

No matter where you live, there are great day trips that you can enjoy on a budget. Exploring an area you’ve never been to before doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you’re willing to put in a bit of work beforehand. Pack a cooler with lunch to eat on the go, research free or low-cost attractions at your destination, and get ready for a day of fun. If you’re able to take the trip on Mother’s Day, you may find that some attractions offer discounted tickets for moms, which will help you save even more.

Add a Personal Touch

A personalized gift is one of the most meaningful ways to show you care—and your own talents are the perfect starting point. If you're great with words, write a heartfelt card or poem. If you enjoy drawing or painting, design a custom card or piece of art. Even small DIY projects like a hand-painted sign or a photo magnet can become treasured keepsakes. Whatever your skill, putting it to use adds a personal touch your mom will truly appreciate.

Create Your Own Bouquet

Flowers are always a nice gesture, but it can be expensive to purchase a pre-made bouquet. If you have access to a farm or farmer’s market, stop by and check out what flowers they have in season. Hand-pick flowers your mom would like and present her with a personalized bouquet. Consider choosing blooms in her favorite color or including her favorite flowers—it’s a thoughtful way to show that you’ve been listening and notice the details that make her smile.

Get Classic Perks on Every Purchase

Whatever gift option you choose for the mom in your life, make your purchase with a credit card that comes with great perks. With our Classic Card, you’ll enjoy great perks like low APR* on all purchases and no cash advance fees. And hey, making smart money choices —like choosing the Classic Card—is something any mom would be proud of. Don’t have one yet? Make her proud and apply today!