There’s nothing like a homemade gift to make Mother’s Day extra special, especially when it’s made by little hands (and me, haha). Last year, I helped all the cousins come together to create a DIY handprint flower pot for their Grammy, and it quickly became one of her favorite gifts of all time. This simple yet meaningful project turned out to be a beautiful keepsake, and a fun memory for all of us.
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A Thoughtful DIY gift idea for Mom, Grammy, or Auntie
Handmade Mother’s Day crafts from grandkids don’t need to be complicated. I gathered all the cousins together and gave each one the chance to choose their favorite paint color and share what they wanted to add to the pot. Some picked flowers, others chose hearts or sunbursts. We used non-toxic, weather-friendly paint to ensure the planter would last, even outdoors.
Each child took turns pressing their hands or feet onto the terracotta surface, creating a rainbow of little prints around the pot. Then they added fingerprints to fill in spaces or make cute designs like ladybugs and bees. Once the paint dried, I added little details to bring it all together by drawing stems, turning prints into flowers, and making sure everything popped. It became a full little garden scene around the pot, with each kid’s personality showing through.
Simple Materials, Big Impact
For this handmade planter, I headed to our local garden center and picked out a large terracotta pot. I wanted something roomy enough to fit multiple handprints and footprints, while still being functional for my mom to use on her deck or front steps. After the painting session, I sealed the artwork with a matte weatherproof sealant, making sure the paint would withstand the elements.
The result? A vibrant, handprint flower pot that brought tears to Grammy’s eyes. She loved seeing each grandchild’s contribution, and the kids were so proud of their work. Whenever we visit, my kids love to look at the planter and pick out their prints.
Why This DIY is So Meaningful
Handmade gifts from kids capture a moment in time. Tiny hands and feet grow fast, so preserving those sweet little shapes on something functional, like a planter, is both sentimental and useful. Plus, it’s a great way to gather the family together and turn crafting into a memory-making moment. Even if that causes a little chaos, haha.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt and easy DIY project this Mother’s Day, this DIY handprint flower pot is a perfect choice. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and guaranteed to be a hit with moms, grandmas, and aunties alike.
Print
Handmade Mother’s Day Planter
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 planter
- Category: DIY
- Method: Painting
Description
A heartfelt gift for grammy, nana, aunties, and mommies.
Ingredients
- Terracotta planter big enough for foot and handprints
- Paint brushes to apply to hands and feet
- Weather-friendly acrylic paint
- Matte sealant (optional if planter will stay inside)
Instructions
- Apply paint to hand/foot.
- Press hand/foot to the planter and lift evenly to reveal a hand/footprint!
- Continue with other prints to fill up the planter.
- Once prints are dry, decorate the prints to transform them into flowers, cacti. insects, or other things you find in the garden. Paint names over the hand/footprints.
- Additionally, you can use finger prints to add smaller print accents like lady bugs and bees (see photos!).
Notes
This project is easy to prep and even easier to clean up—especially if you set up a painting station outside or on a drop cloth.
