This simple Mother’s Day gift would be a wonderful tradition to start. It’s inexpensive, yet meaningful, so any mom is sure to love it!

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A few years ago a friend of mine posted an idea on Facebook for a Mother’s Day tradition that I loved. It was simple, inexpensive, but meaningful. Right up my alley.

I subsequently emailed the idea to my husband and told him that I wanted to start this tradition in our family. He’s a wonderful man who knows a not-so-subtle hint when he sees it, and I was gifted a couple weeks later with my favorite Mother’s Day gift to date.

I can’t find the idea ANYWHERE online now, so I thought I’d share it with you today. It’s a great, simple Mother’s Day gift idea, perfect for any mom, but especially for moms who are early in their mothering journey:

A Mother’s Day Memory Binder

What it is:

Essentially, it’s just an almost-empty binder to begin with. My favorite man picked out this cute one all on his own (isn’t he snazzy?), but you can use a plain one, too. In fact, I’ve designed some FREE printable binder cover pages your favorite man can print out, should he feel so inclined. See the link at the bottom of this post.

It’s more than just a binder, though. It’s the beginning of a tradition of preserving my kids memories of their mother, and a measuring stick of how our family grows and changes each year. Inside the binder, my husband included a letter from himself to me with some of his favorite parenthood memories of the year, and he had each of the kids draw a picture for Mommy. He even traced their hands on the back of the picture so we can see their growth over time.

Now, he technically still gives me another gift, too, but this replaces the card. I have a hard time throwing away all those cute, sentimental cards, but–really–what am I supposed to DO with them all? By putting all that sentimentality into a binder, it gives me a place to preserve these memories in a simple and meaningful way. I LOVE it!

Supplies you’ll need (or rather, your husband will need):

• a binder (I’m diggin’ this floral one on Amazon, or a plain white one would work)
• sheet protector pages
• FREE printable binder cover page (see below for download link)
• your choice of memories…pictures, photos, letters, etc.

What to do–for Mom:

1. Send Dad the link to this post and tell him that this is his not-so-subtle hint for what you would like for Mother’s Day instead of a card.
2. Smile, and be glad your part of this project is only one step. 🙂

What to do–for Dad:

1. Gather your supplies.
2. Find a time when Mom is out of the house grocery shopping (or better yet, send her out to get a pedicure…just an idea…). Then, get the kids together.
3. Make memories for Mom. Here are some ideas:
   1. Draw a picture for Mom. It can be a picture of something the child likes to do with mom, something Mom loves, a picture of Mom (these can be hilarious), or whatever else you can get your toddler to do.
   2. Write a note to Mom telling her a favorite memory, why you love Mom, etc. Younger kids can dictate their ideas and Dad can write them down.
   3. Make a photo collage of fave family photos from the year. You can make a really simple one for free at www.photocollage.com.
   4. Dad, don’t forget to write your own letter to Mom, too!
4. Assemble your memories into your binder. Add your FREE printable cover page.
5. Hide until Mother’s Day and have tissues handy for Mom.

That’s it! A simple tradition, but one that will help Mom feel appreciated and loved on her special day. Happy Mother’s Day!

Download your FREE PRINTABLE Mother’s Day binder cover page below. 

There are two designs to choose from. Click on the text above the image or the image itself to open a printable PDF file. Enjoy!

Mother’s Day Memory Binder Cover Pages

DOWNLOAD the Floral Design

DOWNLOAD the Sunshine & Leaves Design

Love it? Pin it!

If you’re feeling REALLY ambitious, mommas, you can get a head start on Father’s Day with this simple idea:

Daddy’s Mailbox: a meaningful Father’s Day Gift