Mother’s Day doesn’t have to mean last minute flowers or basic store bought cards. This year, skip the spending and make something thoughtful with what you’ve already got, because the best Mother’s Day gifts come from the heart (and a little cardboard).

Whether you're making something for Mom, grandma, or another special person, these cardboard projects are easy to pull off and so fun to make. We picked our top 5 favorites, but you can find even more on our Mother’s Day Pinterest board.

1. A Plantable Cardboard Planter

We originally shared this pattern for Earth Day, but it also makes the cutest Mother's Day gift, especially if you want to grow mom some flowers instead of grabbing a store-bought bouquet. This cardboard planter goes straight into the soil, breaks down over time, and even gives the dirt a little nutrient boost. Paint it, plant it, and maybe throw in a handwritten note or seed packet to make it extra special. Bonus points if you build it with mom.

2. A Cardboard & Paper Bouquet

No watering needed for this one. Just layer up colorful paper or painted cardboard to make flowers, leaves, and stems. Then stick ’em onto paper straws or roll up some cardboard for DIY stems. Pop the whole thing into a cardboard “vase” (chomped and decorated, of course) or wrap in paper and boom: a forever bouquet that won’t wilt.

3. A DIY Cardboard Picture Frame

Cut and decorate a simple frame, then add a photo, drawing, or message inside. These work great as magnets (just add a magnetic strip to the back) or as a piece to hang in mom’s favorite spot. Either way, it’s a keepsake she’ll want to show off.

4. A Breakfast-in-Bed Cardboard Set

For the mini chefs and kids with big imaginations! Cut out some cardboard toast, eggs, fruit, a little coffee, and add a cute handmade card, then serve up a no-mess breakfast in bed. And if there’s a real one waiting in the kitchen too? That’s just the cherry on top.

5. Put on a Puppet Show (for mom or with her)

Turn a cardboard box into a mini theater, cut out some fun characters, and put on a show she won’t forget. Whether you’re surprising her with a story about her or teaming up to create something together, this DIY shadow puppet stage is a total win.

And if you want to skip the drawing part, we just dropped a brand-new puppet pattern in collaboration with Samuel J Wilde—grab it here and get straight to the storytelling.

Happy Mother’s Day!