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Having less cash to splash doesn’t mean you have to settle for second-rate presents. And we're here to prove it. All under $100, these affordable Mother’s Day gifts will win Mum’s heart without breaking the bank – no tacky mugs or photo frames, guaranteed.
With rent prices skyrocketing and groceries following suit, making your dollar stretch further has never been more important. So, to help you stay within budget, we’ve crunched the numbers and calculated exactly how much you need to save – per week for four weeks – to afford each gift. Here’s to a financially savvy Mother’s Day in 2026!
Mother’s Day ideas in Sydney
Mosaic Taster Class
Treat Mum to a cosy crafternoon with this express mosaic workshop in Sydney. With the help of artist and teacher, Miriam Ross, she’ll learn to cut, glue and grout colourful tiles to make an eye-catching indoor mosaic. Tea, coffee and biccies are provided to fuel her creativity.
Location: Botany, NSW
Cost: $44
Budgeting tip: Send Mum along to this mosaic workshop by saving up $11 a week for four weeks. Make it a double date by saving $22 a week for four weeks.
Pottery Wheel Throwing Class
Learning how to make ceramics is a special experience. Maybe it’s the sense of empowerment that comes from transforming a lump of clay into an artisan object. Or maybe it’s the anticipation you feel when you first lay hands on your finished creation. Whatever it is, pottery classes have captured the hearts (and hands) of people all around Australia. And when it comes to inexpensive Mother’s Day gifts, wheel throwing classes top the list. For more gifting inspo, check out our list of meaningful things to do with Mum this Mother's Day.
Location: Burwood NSW
Cost: $59
Budgeting tip: To gift Mum this class, you’ll need to save $14.75 a week for four weeks. If you want to go along together, squirrel away $29.50 a week.
Mother’s Day ideas in Melbourne
Tea Blending Workshop
If Mum loves a good cuppa, this Tea Blending Workshop is the ultimate gift for her. She’ll enjoy one-and-a-half hours of tea appreciation and blending, with the opportunity to taste five rare teas from around the world. At the end of the class, she’ll leave with her own custom blend to sip and savour at home. Bliss!
Location: Brunswick East, VIC
Cost: $55
Budgeting tips: To buy this class for Mum, you’ll need to save $13.75 per week for four weeks. If you want to go along together – which we highly recommend – put aside $27.50 per week for four weeks.
Paint and Sip Class in the Dark
Pour Mum a glass of savvy b – it’s paint and sip time! Perfect for the Mum who loves trying new things, this energy-boosting art class is all about getting creative under the glow of neon lights. Expect vibey music, big smiles and top-notch painting tips from your friendly teacher – everything you need to bring your vision to life.
Location: Port Melbourne, VIC
Cost: $59
Budgeting tip: To treat Mum to this glow-in-the-dark experience, you’ll need to save $14.75 a week for four weeks. If you want to go together, set aside $29.50 per week.
Mother’s Day ideas in Brisbane (and the Goldy)
Paint and Sip Class: Painting Records
If Mum’s a muso dreaming of the good old days, spoil her with a night of nostalgia with the crew at Badlands Vinyl. Under the guidance of owner and professional artist, Sylva Locke, she’ll learn how to paint her favourite star on a real record. Wine and snacks are part of the deal, so all she has to do is show up ready to jam.
“Such a fantastic way to do paint ‘n sip!”
Says past student, Liza Callaghan.
“Sitting in a record shop, painting on an old record, listening to music, sipping wine and eating cheese – doesn't get any better! We had such a great time and really surprised ourselves with talent we didn't know we had.”
Location: Coolangatta, QLD
Cost: $69
Budgeting tip: Starting in April, set aside $17.25 a week for four weeks. Make it a double date by saving $34.50 a week for four weeks.
Pottery Paint 'n Dip Class
When it comes to inexpensive Mother's Day gifts, this budget-friendly pottery painting class in Brisbane tops the list. You’ll pay $15 for your ticket plus the price of your chosen ceramic piece, starting at $25. Over three hours, you and Mum will have the opportunity to catch up, sip and snack as you paint your own ceramic piece – the soothing sounds of live music setting the tone for a memorable Mother’s Day in Brisbane.
Location: Carina, QLD
Cost: $15 + the cost of your ceramic piece ($25 - $60)
Budgeting tip: If you’re sending Mum along for a solo experience, you’ll need to set aside $10 a week for four weeks. Make it a double date by saving $20 a week for four weeks. (Calculations based on a $25 ceramic piece.)
Mother’s Day ideas in Perth
Forest glow wreath making class
Inject some whimsy into Mother's Day with a wreath workshop, complete with glowing 'mushrooms', that will add a fairie forest-like feel to any space. Hosted in an enchanting space that will make Mum feel like she's stepped into a nature-filled fantasy novel, this is an affordable Mother's Day experience that's just out of the ordinary enough to get Mum out of the day-to-day of her life. And her charming handmade wreath will look lovely in her home.
Location: Cloverdale, WA
Cost: $39
Budgeting tip: Starting in April, set aside $10 a week for four weeks. Make it a double date by saving $20 a week for four weeks.
Mug making Workshop
Mugs as gifts have been done to death, but a cute mug to sip your morning coffee from can still add pep to your step. So, let Mum make her own mug at a pottery class, where she'll get hands-on with clay and add personal touches to really make it hers. It's likely to become her new favourite mug, and she'll have a blast in the process of making it under the guidance of the folks over at MUK Studio. Probably more expensive than a mug from Kmart, but still an affordable gift with style.
Location: O'Connor, WA
Cost: $100
Budgeting tip: Save up $25 a week for four weeks. If you book for 2+ people, it comes to $90, so you'll only have to save $22.50 for four weeks for both you and Mum.
Meaningful Mother’s Day gift cards
ClassBento experience gift card
Not sure which workshop Mum will appreciate the most? Save yourself the brain drain and opt for an experience gift card instead. From wine tastings and cooking classes to perfume making and pottery, she can choose from over 12,000 activities around Australia. (There are even DIY craft kits and online classes if that’s more her thing.) Perfect for Mums who live interstate, our digital Mother’s Day gift cards make it easy to spoil your leading lady – wherever she calls home. Prefer snail mail? We can post a physical gift card for an extra $5.
Location: Anywhere
Cost: Your call
Budgeting tip: Cliché as it sounds, it really is the thought that counts. Whether you spend $20 or $200, Mum will be chuffed to unwrap this thoughtful gift idea. Don’t forget to pair it with a heartfelt message for maximum impact.
ClassBento experience gift picker
From dumpling-making classes to silversmithing workshops, nowhere does Mother’s Day better than Australia. For more gift inspiration, use our Mother’s Day gift picker to search for experiences based on your budget and location. The perfect present awaits!
Mother’s Day FAQs
What do Mums want most for Mother's Day?
There’s no easy answer – because every Mum is different. What’s more, Mums aren’t just Mums – they’re also foodies, artists, sportswomen, adventurers, travellers, film buffs, music-lovers and… the list goes on!
Before you rush out and buy the first scented candle you see, take some time to think about how your mum enjoys spending her time. If she could do anything in a day, what would she do? Let that knowledge guide your gifting decisions.
One thing we can say with absolute certainty is that most Mums value quality time over material presents. Consider treating her to an experience gift that allows you to enjoy each other’s company and make some new memories together.
How can I make my Mother's Day special on a budget?
To make Mother’s Day special on a budget, you could..
- Write her a heartfelt card – tell her what you appreciate about her, relive some special memories or share your hopes for her in the coming year.
- Give the gift of presence – If possible, set aside the whole day just for Mum. Investing your time in someone is the ultimate way to communicate love and care. And it doesn’t cost a dime!
- Organise a group gift – Got siblings? Your budget just got a whole lot bigger. Reach out to your family well in advance and ask if they’d be keen to contribute to a combined Mother’s Day present.
What should I buy my mum for Mother's Day?
Easy question. Not-so-easy answer. To work out what you should buy your mum for Mother’s Day, consider her interests and hobbies. Does she like painting, travel or baking? Great! That’s your starting point. Now you’re ready to start brainstorming related Mother’s Day gift ideas. Globetrotters might appreciate a cooking class from a far-away destination like Italy or France. Mums who appreciate art might enjoy a watercolour painting class or oils workshop. And for the Mama Bear who loves to bake, the opportunity to upskill at a patisserie class or macaron-making experience is sure to make her smile.
