Self

8 Cheap Gifts That Say 'I Love You, Mom'

mom and baby

This post originally appeared on Credit Sesame.

The days are once again counting down to Mother's Day — celebrated this year on May 11 — and you are once again scrambling to come up with a great gift for Mom that won't break the bank.

Here are eight last-minute Mother's Day gift ideas that are thoughtful and distinct, in addition to being simple and inexpensive.

1. The stay-at-home spa basket
While an expert massage is relaxing, it's also possible to unwind at home with a few little luxuries that make the experience special. Put together a little basket of treats for your mother that include a few of her favorite candies, a bag of microwaveable popcorn and a DVD of her favorite movie or one she’s talked about seeing.

2. Frame a memory
If you have a family photo, or one of yourself, that always brings a smile, chances are good that Mom will enjoy it, too. Find a simple frame at your local dollar store and you will be ready to go. For digital photos, just print a copy on quality photo paper.

3. Get a subscription
Magazine subscriptions are easy to buy and usually cost less than $20 for an entire year of issues. You can place your order online and then pick up a copy of the latest issue so Mom has the first in her series of monthly gifts right away.

4. Share a subscription
You are already paying to watch Netflix, HBO GO, Amazon Prime and others, so why not share your account password with Mom? These services will usually allow you to add someone else to the account, and she’ll be free to watch the movies and television programs she wants, when she wants to watch them.

5. Homemade gift coupons
This is a classic gift, but you can customize the idea however you see fit. The most important aspect of this present is to show your mother you appreciate all of the contributions she makes and that you recognize those things she may need help with or just prefer a break from doing. Make some simple gift coupons for making breakfast, doing the dishes, taking out the garbage, folding laundry, walking the dog or other chores and errands you know mom doesn’t particularly like. Nothing elaborate is required, because your thoughts and actions are what count.

6. Give the gift of story
If your mother is a reader and you know your mother's favorite book, visit the bookstore to find her a copy in hardcover and present it with an affectionate message written on the inside cover.

7. Bake a cake
She's likely made many birthday cakes for you, so return the favor by making mom her favorite cake on her special day.

8. DIY Cards
A quick Internet search will reveal dozens of websites that feature free printable cards and messages for Mother's Day. Pair one of these with the dollar-store frames mentioned earlier and you have a great gift.

Mother's Day is always celebrated on the second Sunday in May in the United States. You may not always remember that, but if you remember these gift ideas, your mom will never know.