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Mother’s Day is quickly approaching and if you’re like me, you’re scrambling around to think of a last-minute, free Mother’s Day gift ideas that’s thoughtful, yet won’t break the bank.

This is when creativity kicks in – especially during these trying times where lots of places are closed or just not as fun right now.

However, there are a few ways to show your love and appreciation to your mother that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, but will still be very valuable to her. Besides, sometimes the best gifts at the ones that come from the heart.

Here are 5 free Mother’s Day gift ideas that do not take just a swipe of a credit card.

Everything in thing this list takes either little or no preparation. Additionally, everything either free or very cheap to do.

1 – Make Her Favorite Meal

Breakfast is usually the go-to for Mother’s Day meals, but feel free to explore other dishes to create while she’s lounging around.

You can make her a hearty meal with food items you already have at home – like pantry ingredients or shelf-stable food items. The easiest meal to whip up will be hands-down a plate of breakfast goodies.

Breakfast Recipe Ideas:

Check out 18 Frugal Plant-Based Breakfast Recipes.

You can also pair this plate with a bowl of fresh fruit in season and thick, hearty slices of avocado toast.

Have mom start her Mother’s Day with a big ol’ plate of breakfast favorites, while she’s still lounging around in her favorite snuggly robe.

If you want to step it up a notch, make it brunch and serve her a drink she would love, like a non-alcoholic mojito, a mimosa, or a freshly squeezed orange juice.

If you want to challenge yourself, you can go for other mealtime recipes including dinner and lunch. My favorite foods to whip up for my loved ones include a creamy, vegan butter “chicken” with tofu or oil-free vegetable “fried” rice.

2 – Get The Chores Done

Whip out that cleaning supply basket and get to work. Mom’s not lifting a finger for this Mother’s Day.

Consider what needs to get done, or the things she has been asking to get done for what feels like forever to her. That’s the least you can do, right?

If you’re not living in the same household as your mom, you can still help out while keeping each other safe during the quarantine.

Consider chores that do not require contact.

No-Contact Chore Ideas:

Mow the lawn
Wash her car
Sweep up the front porch
Water plants and vegetables
Rake up leaves
Clean the outdoor furniture

If she needs groceries or needs items picked up – you can also make those arrangements for her or do them yourself. Make sure she has plenty of food, personal items, and general household items stoked up.

3 – Write A Thoughtful Letter

A store-bought Mother’s Day card can be funny or cute, but a handwritten, thoughtful letter will always make mom’s heart flutter with joy.

All you need is a sheet of paper and a working pen – nothing fancy. Make sure you have ample time and a quiet space to get your words together.

If you’re not sure where to begin, think of some of your favorite memories with your mom, or some of your favorite traits about her. For example, think of a happy story with her from your childhood and start there.

Impeccable grammar or spelling is not the focus here – it’s writing something that she knew came from your heart.

Mother’s Day Letter Ideas:

A happy or funny childhood memory
5 things you love about her
What you appreciate about her
Bonding over a hardship
What you have learned from her

Make her feel appreciated, love, and honored…through your written words.

4 – Watch Her Favorite Movie Together

Is there a rom-com or chick-flick she has been dying to watch but hasn’t gotten the chance? Get the television set ready and play her favorite movie.

Serve up a platter with her favorite snacks and drinks and relax with her (if she prefers the company).

Not sure to put on? Ask her! If you don’t have a streaming service, consider a free trial offer – just remember to cancel if you want to keep it free.

Both Netflix and Hulu have free one-month trials. Give them a go.

5 – Give Her Some Alone Time

Sometimes it’s the simple things in life we all enjoy and one of those things is just time to think and collect ourselves.

If she just wants peace and quiet – give her that.

Alone Time Ideas For Mom:

Read a book
Sunbathe in the backyard
Take a walk/run around the neighborhood
A long bubble bath
Sit by a lake/river/moving nature
Hang out in the porch with music

Whatever she chooses to do, let her relax, and do what makes her happy.

BONUS – Go For A Game Night

Have a few boxes of board games that could be undusted and used? Grab them and head over to the family table for a bit of friendly competition.

Have her choose her favorite game, slide out her favorite snacks, and make her a drink (can be alcohol-free).

If you don’t have any board games around, it’s time to get creative!

Game Night Ideas Without Board Games:

Two Truths And A Lie
Mad Libs
Charades

5 Free Mother’s Day Gift Ideas