Top 5 Mothers Day Gifts – Affordable, Unique and All Photography Related

 Mothers Day, like every other special day of the year, has become so commercialized. It’s disgusting really. The pressure to buy expensive gifts and cards for every female in our lives on Mothers Day is greater than ever. Grandmothers, aunts, sisters, nieces, friends, second cousins twice removed...you name it, I’m sure there’s a Mothers Day card made just for them. Caving to the commercial “bullying” almost requires you to take out a line of credit with your bank and come next year you’ll still be making the payments! Okay, so maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but whether you feel obliged to give your mom that special gift or every estrogen-carrying person in your life, here are some unique and affordable Mothers Day gifts that are photography related, super personalized and break free from the annoying commercialism.

Photo by lepiaf.geo

Photo by Divine in the Daily

(Click on any image to enlarge)

What do you do when you receive a store bought card? Smile, say thanks, put it on display and then throw it out after a week or two?

Try making a unique photo card! You probably already have all the materials you need to make one, and the thoughtfulness and personalization of a photo card will guarantee that your mom will cherish the card forever.

Once you’ve decided on that special photo you want to use on the front of your card, simply get together some cardstock, glue and embellishments and go to work. 

Also, remember that Google is your friend; try doing a search for quotes to use in your card. Just remember to add your own personal message too! You can search for design ideas if you’re lacking in the creativity department. There are also a vast array of printable card making sites out there, which will allow you to upload your photo to the site, customize the card and print if off.

Photo by mrhayata

Give your mom (or sister or aunt) flowers that will last forever, are totally original and super cheap and easy to make. This is especially a great gift idea for kids to make.

There are two versions of this craft; one being more suitable for younger children. You can find out how to make photo flowers with easy-to-follow steps by visiting the following links:

Photo Flowers (kid-friendly version)

Photo Bouquet

Photo by Ctd 2005

If the lady in your life is into photography, why not make her a camera bag? Customizable, affordable and unique, this makes a great Mothers Day gift for anyone who owns a camera.

Making a scrapbook, in my opinion, is the best gift a mother can receive on her special day. Scrapbooks are so personal and anyone who is into scrapbooking can appreciate the time that goes into creating one. If you aren’t into traditional scrapbooking, not to worry! The “sport” has come a long way and with digital scrapbooking taking over from the traditional method, it’s easier than ever to create a beautiful book of memories. A word from the wise: I find that digital scrapbooking somewhat takes away the “personal” feeling – if you create a digital scrapbook, once it’s printed, be sure to include your own handwritten journaling. Doing so gives the scrapbook pages an extra dose of love.

If you don’t have the time to spend on putting together and personalizing a scrapbook - and to think of all the hours of blood, sweat and tears your mother spent on you! - a simple photo album with well thought of photos will do.

Some photo ideas to include in the album are photos of:

• Yourself and siblings (preferably with your mom) – be sure to add old photos too!
• Recent family get-togethers
• Your mom with her mother
• Your mother with her grandchildren
• Any maternity photos taken of herself or children

Photos by (in order as they appear) Aunt Owwee, Valocity Studios and Wayne - Amethyst Photography

If you are going to take photos now to include in a photo album, the following articles can help you learn how to take the best pictures for Mothers Day:

Tips on How to Take the Best Baby Photos

Child Photography Tips & Tricks

How to take Group Photos

Tips on Taking Family Photos

Portrait Photography Ideas

Shooting Portraits of Friends & Family

Composition Techniques