Mother’s Day can be more than just flowers and cards – showing appreciation with a meaningful gesture will surely delight any mom! This year, why not take the day a step further and create something special at home? From cozy garden upgrades to clever indoor improvements, DIY projects add value to mom’s space and show mom you put in the time, effort, and thought just for her! Whether you’re a beginner with a YouTube tutorial open or already handy with tools, here are five practical and heartfelt home projects that anyone can accomplish with a little effort!

1. Build the Perfect Patio Area

If your mom enjoys the outdoors, giving her a dedicated patio can be a very personal gift that she will love. Start by cleaning up the yard, then carve out a sitting area with pavers or gravel. Add a couple of chairs or a weather-resistant bench and table, and surround it with potted flowers or herbs. Maybe even string up solar-powered lights or lanterns to give it a sweet, homely charm!

For more guidance on creating a backyard area that mom will love, check out This Old House’s tutorial on DIY patios.

Supplies you will need to update your patio or enclosed garden:

• Pavers or gravel

• Outdoor furniture

• Flower pots or raised beds

• Solar lights

Time needed: 4 – 6 hours
Skill level: Moderate

2. Upgrade Window & Patio Door Screens

your mom enjoy open windows? New window screens and upgraded door screens can be an impactful and unexpected gift. Over time, screens get worn, torn, or bent. Replacing them doesn’t just improve the home’s appearance – it improves comfort and air quality too.

At RiteScreen, we offer high-quality, custom-built window and patio door screens that are easy to install and made to last. Choose from various mesh options, including SunScreen®, a window screen that reduces 70% of solar heat, and AllergyGuard®, which blocks most allergens, including 99% of pollen! RiteScreen also offers step-by-step instructions on how to measure and install new screens for Mom.

Things you will need to upgrade window or door screens:

• New screens from RiteScreen

• A couple hands and a couple more minutes

Time required: 5 – 15 minutes per window or patio door
Skill level: Easy

3. Plant an Herb Garden for Mom

What better way to help mom keep her favorite herbs fresh and close at hand than with a simple herb garden right in her garden! Whether you build a small planter, install a windowsill garden tray, or make a wall-mount rack, the concept is simple and something she will love: fresh flavor, just a snip away.

Plus, you can customize this DIY setup to your space and your mom’s unique tastes. Include herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and mint. Label each jar or pot with handwritten tags to make it personal.

For more in-depth ideas, check out this Spruce guide on herb gardens for tips and planter styles.

Supplies you will need to plant an herb garden:

• Small planting pots or mason jars

• Potting soil

• Various herbs

• Labels and mounting materials (if needed)

Time required: 2 – 3 hours
Skill level: Easy

4. Refresh Your Front Porch

First impressions can make a huge difference, especially with a home or outdoor space. Just a few thoughtful touches here and there can massively impact how a front porch looks. Repaint or stain the front steps, add a new welcome mat, swap in seasonal potted plants, or consider installing a small porch swing or lighting fixture. Mom might not even recognize the place!

Things you will need to refresh your front porch:

• Outdoor paint and stain

• Planters and greenery

• Lighting or seating

• Welcome mat and accessories

Time required: 4 – 6 hours
Skill level: Moderate

5. Handcraft a Personalized Photo Wall

A gallery wall with family photos and handwritten notes might be the ultimate thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day. Print out a selection of her favorite family photos, add a few handwritten captions and dates, and hang them together somewhere that mom will see them frequently.

You can elevate the look by adding small decorative items like family mementos, pressed flowers, or countless other things to give the display a little more flair. This Martha Stewart guide to DIY photo walls offers layout templates and styling tips. Mom will love it!

Supplies you will need for a personalized photo wall:

• Photo prints and frames – be sure to get high-quality, professional prints

• Nails, wall hooks, or mounting strips

• Tape measure and level

• Other family items to go on the wall!

Time required: 1 – 2 hours
Skill level: Easy

The True Meaning of Mother’s Day

At the heart of every Mother’s Day project is something more meaningful to mom than a new patio or herb garden – it is the love, effort, and time she appreciates the most. These projects are not just about upgrading a home – they are about creating little moments of joy and comfort that remind Mom how much she means to you. Choose a project that best suits your skills and your mom’s personality, and you will give her something no store-bought gift can match. Happy Mother’s Day from RiteScreen!