5 Inexpensive (or Free) Ways To Treat Mom This Mother's Day

Mother's Day time is an incredible opportunity to show your mom how much you appreciate her. While we should be doing this every day, a designated day of recognition is a wonderful idea too.

Presents are always fun, but it's not always feasible if you are on a budget. Of course, you don't have to spend a fortune to show your mom how much you love her.

“No matter your age, she will appreciate something that you took a little more thought and effort to create--in fact, she'll probably appreciate it more once it's no longer a mandated school activity! The fringe benefit is that you can save a lot by avoiding the premium prices on boring gifts like flowers and chocolate!” says Sara Skirboll, Shopping & Trends Expert.

Sometimes the best way to express your appreciation doesn't cost a thing!

At-home spa day

Forget a pricey yet impersonal spa package; making your own soap together is quite easy and fun! You can personalize it with your mom's favorite scents and add-ins, so it'll become a special, much-appreciated present.

“Get soap-making supplies from Amazon. Throw in a set of essential oils to your basket and you can even make some sugar scrubs for her to really enjoy. Just mix coconut oil, granulated sugar and your fave scent together,” says Skirboll.

Once you've got the hand-made soap and facial scrubs, you can pamper the mom in your life with an at-home spa day.

Mother's Day in a Jar

You can consolidate all the cliched Mother's day gifts and experiences into one affordable package with a "Mother's Day in a Jar."

“Start with a mason jar or large clear container, and fill it with all of Mom’s favorite things. Think nail polish, chapstick, essential oils and candy—all of which can be found at stores like Target or the convenience store,” says Skirboll.

Drop in a handwritten note for that personal touch and voilà!

Brunch in bed

To the same end: skip making reservations or waiting in long lines at a fancy restaurant and find some easy recipes online to make. Make sure the mom in your life takes it easy in bed and bring her a special brunch meal.

“She'll appreciate the effort you're making and helping YOU out in the kitchen,” says Skirboll.

The best part? Most of the items will be available and in your home already -- no money or food will go to waste!

Personalized towel

This one is perfect for the grandmother in your life! A personalized towel decorated by grandkids -- or grandpups, if there are no kids in the picture -- will bring a tear to her eye.

“Take a plain towel and start dipping your little one's fingers into some brown paint and stamp all around the perimeter. Take a small paint brush and add little black dots to the stamps to make them look like cookies,” says Skirboll.

"With a sweet message in the middle, you'll be sure to put a smile on her face, and she’ll love showing off her grandkids’ little fingerprints in the kitchen."

Dinner at home

Like with brunch in bed, dinner at home is a great way of avoiding stress in crowded Mother's Day restaurants.

If the mom in your life has made you dinner every night for years, this is the perfect time to surprise her with a home-cooked dinner, complete with all her favorite foods -- including dessert -- and maybe even her favorite wine!