Mothers day crafts for kids preschool you are my sunshine is a project I felt inspired to share because finding a gift that a toddler can actually help make is surprisingly tough. I noticed most ideas online are either too messy or way too complicated for a preschooler to handle without a grown-up doing all the work.
If you’re looking for a sweet way to celebrate Mom or Grandma this year, these crafts focus on simple handprints and bright colors. These ideas help you create a lasting keepsake that looks adorable on the fridge while letting your little ones feel proud of what they made.
1. Easy Handprint Sunshine Card for Mom 🖐️
I love this version because it uses a child’s actual hand size to create the sun’s rays, making it a true keepsake for the scrapbooks. It’s a mess-free way to let Mom know she is the light of the house.
Things You’ll Need
- Yellow and orange construction paper
- Child-safe glue sticks
- Washable markers
- Safety scissors
How to Make
- Fold a piece of blue or white cardstock in half to create your base.
- Trace your child’s hand four to five times on yellow paper and cut them out.
- Glue a large yellow circle in the center and fan the handprints out behind it as rays.
Style Guide
- Colors: Use bright lemon yellow and soft sky blue for a cheery look.
- Vibe: Warm, homemade, and sentimental.
- Layout: Keep the handprints slightly overlapping for a full, fluffy sun effect.
2. Simple Sunshine Flower Pot Craft Gift 🪴
I put this together for the kids who love getting their hands a bit messy with paint. A flower pot is a practical gift that Mom can keep on her windowsill long after the holiday is over.
Things You’ll Need
- Small terracotta pot
- Yellow acrylic paint and brushes
- Black permanent marker
- Small succulent or marigold
How to Make
- Help your preschooler paint the entire outside of the pot a solid, bright yellow.
- Once dry, let them draw a big smiling face on the front of the pot.
- Pot a small flower inside to represent the “sunshine” growing.
Style Guide
- Colors: Classic terracotta orange paired with vibrant sunny yellow.
- Vibe: Organic, earthy, and happy.
- Layout: Show the pot sitting in a sunny window for the best photo op.
3. DIY Sunshine Keepsake Picture Craft 📸
Most picture crafts end up hidden in a drawer, but this sun-themed frame is designed to be displayed. It’s a great way to combine a current photo of the child with a “You Are My Sunshine” theme.
Things You’ll Need
- Yellow popsicle sticks or yellow cardstock
- A printed 4×6 photo of the child
- Clear tape or glue
- Yellow glitter (optional)
How to Make
- Create a square frame using four popsicle sticks or a heavy paper border.
- Cut a sun shape out of cardstock and glue it to the top corner of the frame.
- Secure the photo behind the frame so the child’s face is the center of the “sun.”
Style Guide
- Colors: Pops of yellow against a neutral photo background.
- Vibe: Retro, fun, and personalized.
- Layout: Use a landscape orientation for the photo to fit the sun’s rays better.
4. Easy Handprint Sunshine Card for Grandma 👵
I noticed that Grandma often gets the same cards as Mom, so this one is specifically tailored for her. Using handprints is a great way to show her how much her grandkid has grown since the last visit.
Things You’ll Need
- Yellow washable tempera paint
- White cardstock
- Orange marker
- Damp cloth for clean-up
How to Make
- Paint your child’s hand yellow and press it in a circle pattern on the cardstock.
- Leave the center empty to write a special note for Grandma.
- Once dry, draw a face in the middle and write “Happy Mother’s Day” around the edge.
Style Guide
- Colors: Bright yellow paint on a crisp white background.
- Vibe: Artistic, messy-fun, and deeply personal.
- Layout: Center the handprint sun so there is plenty of white space for a message.
5. Simple “You Are My Sunshine” Paper Plate Craft 🍽️
This is a go-to because almost everyone has a paper plate in the pantry. It’s a sturdy base that’s easy for little hands to hold and decorate without it tearing.
Things You’ll Need
- Small or large white paper plates
- Yellow paint or yellow tissue paper
- Glue and markers
How to Make
- Have the child color or paint the entire plate yellow.
- Cut triangles out of construction paper and glue them around the rim of the plate.
- Write the song lyrics in the center of the plate with a bold marker.
Style Guide
- Colors: Monochrome yellows and oranges.
- Vibe: Playful, classic classroom style.
- Layout: Hang the finished plate with a piece of ribbon for a wall decoration.
6. Homemade Sunshine Photo Frame Keepsake Gift 🖼️
I’ve found that homemade frames are the most cherished gifts because they capture a moment in time. This design uses a simple cardboard base that is surprisingly durable.
Things You’ll Need
- Recycled cardboard
- Yellow buttons or sequins
- Craft glue
- A favorite family photo
How to Make
- Cut a large circle out of cardboard and a smaller circle out of the middle.
- Let the preschooler glue yellow buttons or paper scraps all over the ring.
- Tape a photo to the back so it peeks through the center.
Style Guide
- Colors: Textured yellows and browns.
- Vibe: Eclectic, textured, and cozy.
- Layout: A square or circular format works best for this textured frame.
7. Easy DIY Sunshine Card with Smiling Face Design 😊
This simple card focuses on the emotion of the holiday. If your child is just learning to draw faces, this is a great way to show off their new skills.
Things You’ll Need
- Yellow cardstock
- Googly eyes
- Pink crayon for cheeks
- Black marker
How to Make
- Fold the yellow cardstock into a square.
- Let the child stick on large googly eyes and draw a huge smile.
- Cut “rays” into the edges of the card by making small snips around the border.
Style Guide
- Colors: Neon yellow and bright pink accents.
- Vibe: Sweet, silly, and endearing.
- Layout: A close-up on the ‘face’ of the card makes for a great visual.
8. Cute Handprint Sunshine Flower Pot Craft ☀️
This is a variation for those who want to combine the flower pot idea with the handprints theme. It’s a double-whammy of cuteness that grandmas absolutely adore.
Things You’ll Need
- Plastic or clay pot
- Yellow paint
- Green pipe cleaners (for “stems”)
- Child’s photo
How to Make
- Paint the pot a solid color.
- Create handprint “flowers” by putting a handprint on paper, cutting it out, and attaching it to a pipe cleaner.
- Put a small photo of the child in the center of the handprint sun-flower.
Style Guide
- Colors: Green, yellow, and a bright pot color like teal or pink.
- Vibe: Garden-inspired and vibrant.
- Layout: A “bouquet” of these handprint suns sitting in the pot.
9. Simple “You Are My Sunshine” Church Sunday School Craft ⛪
If you are looking for a church Sunday school project, this one is low-cost and easy to prep for a large group of kids. It focuses on the message of spreading light and love.
Things You’ll Need
- Yellow paper strips
- Pre-printed “You Are My Sunshine” circles
- Glue sticks
How to Make
- Give each child a pre-printed circle with the “You Are My Sunshine” message.
- Have them glue yellow paper strips to the back so they poke out like rays.
- This is quick, clean, and easy to transport home.
Style Guide
- Colors: Bold yellow and white.
- Vibe: Clean, organized, and message-focused.
- Layout: A flat-lay showing multiple suns together.
10. Easy Sunshine Bouquet Card Craft for Mom 💐
I love this because it’s a cards idea that feels like a gift. Instead of one sun, you’re giving Mom a whole bunch of them to brighten her day.
Things You’ll Need
- Multi-colored cardstock
- Ribbon
- Glue and markers
How to Make
- Cut out 3-4 small yellow circles and add rays to them.
- Draw green stems coming down from the suns to the bottom of the card.
- Tie a real piece of ribbon around the “stems” to look like a bouquet.
Style Guide
- Colors: Yellows, greens, and a pop of red for the ribbon.
- Vibe: Cheerful, layered, and unique.
- Layout: Vertical card orientation to allow the stems to look long.
11. Homemade Sunshine Memory Keepsake Craft Idea 🧠
I created this because I wanted a homemade gift that captures more than just a photo. This craft encourages kids to think about why Mom is their sunshine.
Things You’ll Need
- Large yellow sun cutout
- Marker
- String for hanging
How to Make
- Cut a large sun shape out of heavy paper.
- Ask the child: “Why is Mom your sunshine?” and write their funny or sweet answers on the rays.
- Punch a hole in the top to hang it up.
Style Guide
- Colors: Warm yellows and oranges.
- Vibe: Honest, touching, and personal.
- Layout: Ensure the text on the rays is clear and legible for the photo.
12. Easy “You Are My Sunshine” Pop-Up Card Craft 🍿
Pop-up cards are always a hit with preschoolers because of the “wow” factor. This design is simplified so they can help with the folding and gluing.
Things You’ll Need
- Two pieces of cardstock (one yellow, one blue)
- Scissors
- Glue
How to Make
- Fold the blue card in half and cut two small slits in the center fold to create a “tab.”
- Glue a yellow sun to that tab so it stands up when the card opens.
- Decorate the inside with clouds and a “Happy Mother’s Day” message.
Style Guide
- Colors: Sky blue and bright yellow.
- Vibe: Surprising, 3D, and interactive.
- Layout: An angled shot showing the card halfway open to see the pop-up effect.
13. Simple Handprint Sunshine Art Craft Gift 🎨
If you want a simple piece of art that Mom can actually frame, this minimalist handprint design is the way to go. It’s less about the craft and more about the finished “art” look.
Things You’ll Need
- High-quality watercolor paper
- Yellow watercolor or acrylic paint
- Fine-tip black pen
How to Make
- Place one yellow handprint in the upper corner of the paper.
- Use the pen to draw thin, elegant rays coming out from the handprint.
- Write the date and the child’s name in the opposite corner.
Style Guide
- Colors: Muted yellow on a textured white paper.
- Vibe: Minimalist, modern, and sophisticated.
- Layout: Lots of “white space” to make the art feel professional.
14. DIY Sunshine Hanging Craft with Message for Mom 🏠
This easy diy hanging craft is perfect for doorknobs or car mirrors. It’s a constant reminder for Mom that she’s loved wherever she goes.
Things You’ll Need
- Yellow foam sheets or stiff felt
- Yarn or twine
- Beads (optional)
How to Make
- Cut two identical sun shapes from yellow foam.
- Sandwich a loop of yarn between them and glue them together.
- Write a small message like “Love you, Mom” on both sides.
Style Guide
- Colors: Saturated yellow and rustic twine.
- Vibe: Durable, tactile, and sweet.
- Layout: Show the sun hanging from a door handle or a hook.
15. Easy “You Are My Sunshine” Heart Card Craft ❤️
I combined the sunshine theme with a heart shape because Mother’s Day is all about love. It’s a subtle way to change up the traditional sun design.
Things You’ll Need
- Red and yellow construction paper
- Glue
- Markers
How to Make
- Cut a large heart out of red paper to be the “center” of the sun.
- Glue yellow rays all around the heart.
- Write “You are the heart of our sunshine” inside.
Style Guide
- Colors: Primary red and yellow.
- Vibe: Bold, loving, and classic.
- Layout: Center the heart sun on a white card for maximum contrast.
16. Cute Sunshine Picture Craft Keepsake for Grandma 👵
This is another great keepsake option for Grandma. It uses a “sun” frame but adds a little extra sparkle to make it feel like a special gift.
Things You’ll Need
- Cardboard circle
- Yellow glitter or gold paint
- A photo of the grandchild (husband, wife / BF, GF – note: for kids crafts, use child photo)
How to Make
- Paint the cardboard circle gold or cover it in yellow glitter.
- Glue a circular photo of the child in the middle.
- Attach yellow clothespins around the edge to act as the sun’s rays.
Style Guide
- Colors: Gold, yellow, and the colors in the photo.
- Vibe: Sparkly, festive, and high-energy.
- Layout: A front-facing shot to show the symmetry of the clothespins.
17. Simple Sunshine Paper Flower Craft Gift 🌼
I put this simple idea together for kids who are just learning to use scissors. The “petals” are the sun’s rays, making it look like a sun-flower hybrid.
Things You’ll Need
- Yellow cupcake liners
- Green craft sticks
- Glue
How to Make
- Flatten two yellow cupcake liners and glue them together.
- Fringe the edges of the liners with scissors to make them look like rays.
- Glue a green craft stick to the back for a “stem.”
Style Guide
- Colors: Sunny yellow and grass green.
- Vibe: Delicate, 3D, and charming.
- Layout: Place a few of these in a small jar to show a “garden” of suns.
18. Easy DIY Sunshine Wall Hanging Craft for Kids 🎨
This easy diy project is a bit larger and makes for great bedroom decor after Mother’s Day is over. It’s a “big” craft that feels like a real accomplishment for a preschooler.
Things You’ll Need
- A paper plate or large cardboard circle
- Yellow streamers or ribbons
- Paint
How to Make
- Paint the plate yellow and draw a happy face.
- Staple or glue long yellow ribbons or streamers to the bottom of the plate.
- When it hangs, the streamers look like rays of light falling down.
Style Guide
- Colors: Various shades of yellow and gold.
- Vibe: Flowing, whimsical, and bright.
- Layout: A vertical shot showing the full length of the streamers.
19. Homemade “You Are My Sunshine” Scrapbook Page Craft 📖
If the mom in your life keeps a scrapbook, she will love a page that is already started for her. This is a homemade way to preserve the memory of the day.
Things You’ll Need
- 12×12 scrapbook paper
- Yellow paper scraps
- Stickers and a photo
How to Make
- Create a large sun in the corner of the page using layered yellow scraps.
- Place a photo of the child playing outside in the center.
- Leave space for Mom to write her own notes about the day.
Style Guide
- Colors: Patterns of yellow, white, and a secondary color like mint or teal.
- Vibe: Organized, nostalgic, and creative.
- Layout: A flat-lay shot of the scrapbook page on a clean surface.
20. Easy Sunshine Card Craft with Flower Pot Theme 💖
This final cards idea brings everything full circle with a flower pot theme. It’s a “sun in a pot” that represents the love a child has for their mom.
Things You’ll Need
- Brown paper (for the pot)
- Yellow paper (for the sun)
- Glue and markers
How to Make
- Cut a pot shape out of brown paper and glue it to the bottom of a card.
- Glue a large yellow sun so it looks like it’s “growing” out of the pot.
- Write “Happy Mother’s Day” on the pot itself.
Style Guide
- Colors: Earthy brown and vibrant yellow.
- Vibe: Grounded, sweet, and symbolic.
- Layout: A centered, vertical card layout.
Brightening Up the Big Day
Making something by hand is the best way to show Mom how much she’s appreciated, and these “You Are My Sunshine” crafts are perfect for little hands to lead the way. Whether you choose a messy paint project or a simple paper cutout, the real gift is the time spent creating something together. Most of these ideas use things you already have in your craft bin, making it easy to start right now.
Don’t forget to pin this post to your Mother’s Day board so you have these ideas ready when craft time rolls around! 📌
