Kids Create Their Own Mother's Day Gifts

One Mother's Day not so long ago, my husband decided to take the kids shopping for my gift, allowing them to choose their own Mother's Day gifts to give. I thought that was ok, because after all he'd have to guide them in their purchase right? Instead though, they came home with the gaudiest, HUGE ring and earrings made of amber colored resin that must have been the only things remaining in the store. This was worse than any macarroni necklace... It is something I would never, ever wear. Thankfully my children weren't old enough to remember them, but just in case they are hidden at the bottom of a drawer!

Oddly enough it is the special "hand made" gifts for Mother's Day that I have treasured the most! The year my son was around 15 months, he created potted flowers from coffee filters he colored and pipe cleaners - To this day it is displayed in my kitchen! I'm not going to say he was brilliant in his creative endeavor, or even that he didn't have help assembling the project. It was just simple and sweet and just what I needed.

It is those types of creative home made gifts that I love the most and seek out. This week throughout Ann Arbor, there are several make-it take-it events where your child can make their own Mother's Day gift, and many of the events are FREE!

MONDAY May 3

From 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Michael's crafts (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor 48104) your child can create their own mother's Day corsage. Materials will be on-sight to use in creating it, parents only need to purchase the flower!

Kids can create their mom a special Mother’s Day Canvas Bag at the Whittaker Road branch of the Ypsilanti District Library at 6:30 p.m. in the story room. Registration required by calling 482-4110 ext. 1340.

TUESDAY May 4

Pamper mom by creating her a "Spa Clay Pot" at Michael's - Decorate a pot from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. with materials by DecoArt and Ceramo. Get there early though, this will only happen while supplies last!

THURSDAY May 6

Purchase a t-shirt at Michael's crafts and decorate it special for mom with materials by iLovetoCreate! This event is sponsored from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY May 7

Dad's and kids should sneak over to Tree Town Toys anytime from 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. to create a birdhouse masterpiece for Mom. Bring the kids in to decorate a birdhouse - Tree Town Toys will even make it easy on Dad by supplying an already assembled birdhouse, plus, all the paint and glitter your kids will need to make Mom's birdhouse special. This activity is best for ages 3+ and will cost $6/child. For more information call (877) YAY-TOYS.

Don't forget Mom's card! Create your own free card for Mom at Michael's crafts from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY May 8

Dad's have a second chance to help their children decorate a bird house at Tree Town Toys from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Then after you can stop by Michael's crafts to decorate Mom her special cookie at the Wilton Cookie Event from noon - 1:00 p.m. - Just be sure to get there early, as this free event will only happen while supplies last!