Frugal Mother’s Day Gifts that Will Score You Major Points
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Finding a Mother’s Day gift that fits the budget isn’t hard. Check out these simple and frugal Mother’s Day gift ideas that will make any mom smile.

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As a child and teen, I would ask my mother every year what she wanted for a Mother’s Day gift, and she inevitably said the same thing: a clean house.
I did not like that answer. That answer took elbow grease. That answer was not as easy — or as fun — as going to the store and plunking down some cash for a little trinket or a bottle of perfume. That answer was not a quick fix.
And we all know that our culture and our economy are hurting from too many years of quick fixes. Yes, yes, it is.
So, today I propose budget-friendly Mother’s Day gifts that won’t cost you much at all — at least not where your pocket book is concerned. They may take some effort and creativity. But, as I look through the list, I know my mother would be ecstatic.
And I know that, as a mom, I would be, too.
Feel free to pass this on to all the sons, daughter, and husbands out there. 🙂
A Nice Meal
Food is the great comforter. And while a dinner out on the town can be wonderful, it can also be stressful if the money is not in the budget.
Cooking at home can be delicious, elegant, and budget-friendly. Try one of these great Mother’s Day recipes.
Make sure that you set the table nice and that you clean up afterwards!
A Sweet Treat
For the mom in your life, this might be a box of chocolates, but for many, it’s not. In fact, homebaked goods are better. They’re cheaper, too!
In a pinch though, don’t be afraid to grab some bakery cupcakes and customize them with fun cupcake toppers.
A Cheery Disposition
Ooh, that hurts, don’t it? But there aren’t too many things that plague me more than fighting or grumpy people. And I’m gonna bet, your mom isn’t too keen on it, either.
Work to have a good attitude. Say please and thank you. Ask her if you can help her with something. At least for a day, do what she asks without complaining.
That is priceless!
Good Conversation
One of my favorite things about Sunday dinner when our live-at-home kids are all together is that we sit and talk. We don’t solve the world’s problems, but we work on making life better for ourselves and each other.
Good conversation helps all relationships. Call your mom up and have a nice chat. Talk is cheap!
Time to Rest
I don’t think I need to explain myself here. But, in case I do…. Most moms I know are moving almost 24-7. If not their bodies, their minds are in constant motion, trying to remember the details of everyone’s life, trying to fill needs, attempting to solve problems.
Let mom have time to rest, whether that is your getting up with the baby in the night, letting her sleep in, or taking on the carpool gig this week.
Rest doesn’t have to be sleep. It can be a break from the mundane, a change from the ordinary, or a massage and hot bubble bath.
A vacation day would not be amiss this month!
A Clean House
You knew it was coming, didn’t ya? Surprise Mom with a clean kitchen, with a made bed, with socks in the hamper. You’d be surprised at what little time it takes — but the rewards are huge.
Follow these tips for How to Get Your Whole House Clean at One Time and surprise her.
If the budget allows, pay for a cleaning service!
A DIY Gift
There are so many fun and easy gifts that you can pull together yourself.
This list of gifts may not be a perfect fit for every mom, but I’m guessing that there are at least two or three on the list that are a great match. You don’t have to spend any money, either.
But, they will cost you something. The result, however, will be good. Trust me.
What works for you?
Leave a comment below and let us know what works for you.
This post was originally published on May 5, 2011. It has been updated for content and clarity.
I’d love someone to clean the house. Breakfast in bed is also nice. I think the best of all would be a day with no sports. Both our local soccer league and baseball league have games scheduled for Mother’s Day. Ugh!
My day-late post is about saving money on eye care – basically what I’ve learned so far.
I got a good laugh from your post. Last year I asked for help cleaning the garage, and this year I am considering asking for help cleaning the office/untouched room full of junk. I don’t even want my husband to do it for me, just keep the kids (2 and 7 mos) occupied while I do the work and help me move heavy things if necessary. Getting to some of these nagging projects makes me happy for months afterwards! But you’re right… these are harder gifts to give than something you buy.
Good conversation means the world to moms any day. : ) I also like the cheerful disposition for both moms (dads too!) and kids no matter what the age. There is so much scoffing and sarcasm in the world we need to keep our homes that cheerful place and haven.
Thoughtfulness rules on Mother’s Day no matter what the gift. : )
I thought and thought about what I wanted and finally told my husband I just wanted time to go shopping for a few new clothing items without any distractions (after two pregnancies and some weight loss, I have NOTHING!).
I also want a picnic in the park with my family that I don’t have to plan and pack everything for. 🙂
I really don’t want more stuff, just the gift of time. It’s amazing how my priorities and “wants” have changed since becoming a mom.
My mom always used to ask for a “bag of cooperation.” I didn’t do it this year, but I think next year I’ll sew a little bag and embroider “cooperation” on it – I know she’ll get a good laugh (and laughter is a great gift, I think!).
One year we gave my Mom an afternoon of yard work — whatever she wanted we did. She loved that!