Affordable Mother’s Day Gifts Idea - Thoughtful & Budget-Friendly Options Under $50
Mother’s Day is coming, and you want to get something special to show her how much she means to you. But with endless options—and a tight budget, especially if you’re a student, it’s easy to feel stuck, right? How do you get something thoughtful and unique without spending a fortune or scrambling at the last minute? Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help!
Affordable Mother's Day Gift Ideas Under $20
Even on a small budget, you can find unique and heartfelt gifts. Thoughtfulness matters more than price, and these under $20 gifts will show your appreciation.
DIY and Homemade Gift Options
Try painting or decorating a small pot with markers, and add a touch of nature with a herb like basil or a plant like lavender. Personalise the pot by including her name or a heartfelt message to make it extra special.
If your mum loves jewellery, consider making a necklace or bracelet using beads or clay to reflect her personality. A handmade gift—no matter how simple—will be cherished for years to come.
Another meaningful idea is to create a family cookbook filled with favourite recipes. Include handwritten notes about why each recipe is special to turn it into a sentimental keepsake. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate family moments through the love of food.
For more inspiration, check out our roundup of the 20 Best DIY Mother's Day Gifts to create something truly unique.
Thoughtful Handmade Crafts for Mum
Handmade crafts can combine sentimentality and creativity, making them ideal cheap Mother's Day gifts. Knit or crochet a scarf or beanie in her favourite colours. If you enjoy painting, create a small canvas art piece or a nature-inspired bookmark.
Another great idea is to make a personalised coupon book filled with thoughtful “gift vouchers” for things like washing the car, preparing her favourite meal, or spending quality time together. These little efforts go a long way in making her feel loved.
Personalised Budget-Friendly Presents
Australia’s love for personalised gifts makes this category even more special. Consider making a mug special with her cherished family photo, her name, or a personal favourite quote. Personalised aprons would appeal to mums who enjoy cooking, while cushions with photos or small canvas prints make cherished moments a reality. These functional and sentimental products make for inexpensive but meaningful Mother's Day gifts.
Affordable Mother's Day Gift Ideas Under $50
If you have a slightly higher budget, you can explore a wider range of thoughtful gifts that combine sentiment and utility. Here are some affordable gifts under $50 that combine thoughtfulness, style, and practicality.
Stylish Accessories She'll Love
Upgrade her accessory collection with versatile items she'll treasure. Consider gifting the UNIQLO Heat Tech Socks—perfect for keeping her cosy during colder days. The Adairs Crossover Fur Slippers are another practical yet indulgent choice for relaxing at home. For a touch of chic, the Collette Hayman Wanda Purse Pouch offers both style and functionality, ideal for everyday use. If jewellery appeals, add timeless charm with Sussan Pearl Hoop Earrings, blending elegance with affordability. Stylish options like these fit perfectly into Mother's Day gifts on a budget.
Affordable Beauty and Skincare Treats
Pampering gifts are always appreciated. The Natio Rose Indulgence Gift Set offers a luxurious selection of skincare products that won't stretch your budget. For a self-care twist, gift the Complete Guide to Self-Care by Kiki Ely, a thoughtful book with actionable wellness tips. You might also explore options like scented candles or relaxing bath soaks at affordable prices. These little luxuries prove that affordable Mother’s Day gifts can still feel incredibly special.
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for the Home
Celebrate Mother’s Day with thoughtful and practical gifts for the home. Whether it’s something comforting or a decorative touch, these affordable ideas are sure to make her day special.
Comforting Home Essentials
Gift her cosy and practical items that make staying at home extra enjoyable. Consider a personalised cushion adorned with her name or a special message, adding both comfort and sentimental value. Custom aprons are also a great choice for mums who enjoy cooking, combining thoughtfulness with utility. For under $50, look for luxurious yet affordable scented candles, like Adairs Sorrento, which bring warmth and relaxation to any space. A stylish knitted throw or blanket is another option that’s perfect for those cooler evenings, ensuring she feels wrapped in love. These comforting essentials are ideal for Mother's Day gifts on a budget.
Budget-Friendly Decor Items
Affordable decor can breathe fresh life into her favourite spaces. A customised canvas print featuring a cherished family photo creates a sentimental keepsake she’ll treasure forever. Budget-friendly trinkets like the Abstract Face Trinket Dish, on clearance at many home stores, blend art and function, making a chic addition to her vanity. If she enjoys adding charm to the table, a floral-patterned table runner or decorative tea towels, like Blue Illusions’ Tomatoes Red Tea Towel, are stylish yet affordable options. These decorative touches can personalise her home without stretching your budget.
Unique Kitchenware Gifts
Beyond decor, another way to enhance her home experience is through thoughtful kitchenware gifts. Transform her kitchen experience with creative yet practical gifts. Start with a customised mug showcasing a lovely quote or her favourite photo—it’s perfect for tea or coffee breaks. Inexpensive home upgrades, like the Hana Dining White Set or a gold-rimmed glass set, deliver practicality with elegance. If she enjoys hosting, consider gifting an affordable Venezia Rectangular Platter for serving snacks in style. Other fun and practical ideas include a cookbook holder to keep her favourite recipes in place or a chic marguerite pedestal mug for morning coffees. These Mother's Day cheap gift ideas let you celebrate her culinary passion affordably.
Affordable Ideas for Sentimental Mums
Finding a meaningful Mother’s Day gift doesn’t need to break the bank. You can convey your love and appreciation with sentimental and personalised gifts that suit any budget, blending practicality with heartfelt gestures.
Heartfelt and Personal Gifts
Create a unique Mother’s Day surprise by giving her something truly personal. For example, take an old photograph of you and your mum from a cherished moment, reprint it, and frame it in a beautiful photo frame. Add a heartfelt touch by writing a loving message or date around the frame with a gold sharpie. This small and inexpensive gesture will remind her of the treasured bond you share.
Alternatively, a memory jar filled with handwritten notes or ‘coupons’ for sweet favours – like a home-cooked dinner or spa night – can make her day even more special. These handmade presents show effort, love, and creativity without stretching your budget, making them perfect for Mother’s Day gifts on a budget.
Customised Keepsakes for Mum
Opt for a personalised touch with affordable keepsakes available in Australia. Custom mugs adorned with quotes, jokes, or family photos make lovely and practical gifts. You can also explore personalised aprons for mums who love cooking or baking, complete with her name or a sweet message.
Custom cushions or meaningful artwork are beautiful ways to transform shared memories into tangible keepsakes. These sentimental pieces, often available at reasonable prices, provide a thoughtful and functional addition to her home decor. By choosing customised items, you’ll create a Mother’s Day cheap gift that feels exclusive and personal.
Gifts That Celebrate Special Memories
Celebrate cherished memories with gifts that immortalise special moments. A photo book filled with snapshots from family holidays, birthdays, or milestones offers a beautiful walk down memory lane. Opt for one of the many online platforms that allow you to design high-quality photo albums within an affordable price range.
For something simpler, consider gifting a decorative piece like a ceramic mug featuring designs that symbolise family. Its blend of cultural artistry and practicality makes it a thoughtful and affordable present. These meaningful items not only celebrate her motherhood journey but also bring a smile each time they’re used or seen, making them ideal Mother’s Day gifts budget-friendly options that tug at the heartstrings.
Creative Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day Without Spending
Celebrating Mother’s Day doesn’t need to strain your wallet. With a little ingenuity, you can create meaningful and memorable experiences that cost nothing but will mean everything to her.
DIY Cards and Letters
Making a heartfelt card or writing a personal letter is one of the most touching ways to express your appreciation. Craft a DIY card using materials you already have at home—like coloured paper, markers, or even magazine scraps. Include a heartfelt poem or write down specific reasons why she’s so special to you. For an extra sentimental touch, describe a cherished memory or include handmade drawings from her children or grandchildren. If your mum loves humour, consider adding jokes or funny anecdotes to make her smile. These personalised tokens can become keepsakes she’ll treasure for years, proving that the most meaningful gifts don’t require a price tag.
Planning a Day Filled with Meaningful Activities
Focusing on activities she loves can make her day unforgettable. Start with breakfast in bed featuring her favourite recipes or a home-brewed coffee. Plan a relaxing day with nature walks, picnics in the backyard, or lounging with her favourite films. If she enjoys crafts, set up a DIY activity, like painting or scrapbooking together. Set some time for a heartfelt family conversation reminiscing about fond memories. Simple activities, such as baking her signature dish as a team or gardening together, can create lasting memories without spending a cent. Tailor the day to her preferences, making sure she feels pampered and appreciated.
Simple Acts of Kindness She’ll Cherish
Small acts of kindness can speak volumes. Take over her usual chores for the day—clean the house, organise her pantry, or tend to her garden. If she loves a peaceful environment, light a candle, play soothing music, and create a home spa experience. Offer a hand massage or foot soak using items you already have. Be creative with how you show love; make her a personalised coupon book featuring offers like “a week of doing dishes” or “one free laundry session”. Gestures like breakfast in bed or creating a cheerful banner with “Happy Mother’s Day” can brighten her day without spending a penny. These thoughtful actions demonstrate your gratitude in ways that words sometimes can’t.
Conclusion
Celebrating Mother’s Day doesn’t have to strain your budget. With a little creativity and thoughtfulness, you can find — or create — a gift that truly reflects your love and appreciation. Whether it’s a personalised keepsake, a handmade craft, or a simple act of kindness, what matters most is the care and meaning behind it.
After all, it’s the thought that counts. A heartfelt surprise or a meaningful experience can leave a lasting impression and make her feel genuinely cherished. This Mother’s Day, focus on the love you share — and create a moment she’ll treasure forever.
Explore our complete Mother’s Day gift, thoughtfully curated to help you honour the incredible mums in your life with meaningful, heartfelt gifts.