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Shop Local and DIY This Mother's Day

Do the Best of Both with These 11 Ideas

By Amanda Hollifield, Publisher/Editor Tricities.Macaronikid.com April 23, 2020

Mother's Day will be here before we know it, Sunday, May 9 to be exact. Dads and kiddos let's get real, this Mother's Day more than ever the mom or mother-figure in your life has earned a spectacular gift. Notice I didn't say expensive, but spectacular for me is meaningful. 

I usually am a BIG advocate for DIY gifts and I still am. But, this Mother's Day I want to encourage you to also think about our local shops that may have amazing gifts to partner with your beautiful homemade creation or a local shop that may offer you a kit that you can DIY, shop local and give mom a beautiful Mother's Day gift. That's a win-win-win!!

So let's start with Shop Local. I would encourage you to start with your Downtown or Main Street Facebook pages. They have been incredible resources for families this past month, helping us identify who is still open, online, delivery and curbside.  There are amazing, creative business owners right here in our community that can help you create a one-of-a-kind gift this year!  Make sure you follow @MacaroniKidTriCities on Facebook as I will be sharing some great ideas in the next coming weeks for the perfect gift! Also, just because they may not be open now, does not mean you cannot purchase a gift card for future use. Think self-care options like salons, spas, etc.  I know one mama bear (me) that cannot wait to book a much-needed spa visit.  I have birthday gift cards that have been burning holes to be used!

Another avenue is Groupon.com which also features several local options.  Also, when this quarantine era does end (and it will) you may find a sweet getaway to a local area where you can stimulate their local economy as well. Think Asheville, Boone, Knoxville, Abingdon!  

Let's not forget about the DIY and yes, dads YOU CAN DO THIS! A little bit of paint and glitter (well, maybe not glitter) never hurt anyone!

1. Photo Tin Can- You know from my WJHL segments and previous articles I have been saving household things to upcycle into fun crafts. I used alot of my veggie cans at Easter, but I love this idea too. Just remember to make sure there are no sharp edges left on your can! 

2. Love Bug Card- I love this and you could do so much with this idea! 

3. Brew-tiful Card- Love this idea and combine with a gift card from a local coffee shop like Coffee Co. in Elizabethton! 

4. I came across Pins and Things YouTube page and I love creator Rebecca! Not only does she have great DIY ideas, but her bubbly personality makes her real. I love Edible Arrangements, but, my opinion, they can be a little pricey!  Pins and Things have two concepts of fruit arrangements that are super easy. The first is an Edible Strawberry Rose Boquet and the second is an Edible Fruit Bouquet filled with chocolate-covered pineapple, cantaloupe, grapes, and strawberries. 

5.  You know how much I enjoy WhatUpMoms episodes. This quick and easy episode doesn't give you one, but three ideas that range from hilarious to sentimental.  

6.  Fresh, homemade crepes- I remember when I was little and I would spend the night with my grandmother and she would make her German Crepes the next morning. Yum, yum. A great twist on a pancake and what mom wouldn't love breakfast in bed on Sunday morning!

7. Spa Cake- okay, I admit it! I would love this type of gift. Being pampered is one of my indulgences.  I love the idea of using one beautiful towel and filling it would gift cards for a massage, mani, pedi, facial or any salon service. You could also fill it would bath bombs, homemade scrub, lip balm and more! 

8. Canvas Art- This craft is all the craze these days, just look at our Event Calendar. Many dads may shy away from paint and messiness, but I believe this makes the gift that more special!  Looking at this on my wall at work would brighten my day...every day. 

9. Fun photo shoot with your kid(s). What a great idea! Turn the photos into a great gift! 

10. Mom-specific gifts from local boutiques. I love downtowns and we are so blessed here in the Tri-Cities.  Many of your favorite downtown businesses are creating great gift ideas AND offering delivery and/or curbside. 

11. SignGypsiesJohnsonCity- why not show mom BIG love with an amazing sign from our local MK partner SignGypsiesJohnsonCity. 


Don't forget to check out my previous two articles here and here on DIY Mother's Day gift ideas. These have great ideas on buying local bakery goods but using your kids personal decorating to package them or to maybe even decorate them!  Think Peggy Ann Bakery, Cookie Crate, Simple Elegant Catering and more! 


As always, feel free to post your Mother's Day gift ideas below or on our Macaroni Kid Tri-Cities' Facebook page.