3 Sentimental & Easy Mother's Day Keepsake Ideas

🕰 If Only We Could Pause Time (But Here’s the Next Best Thing)

If only we could pause time. I’d freeze mid-hug, capture the time they first said “mama,” or hold on a little longer to moment when they first put my baby on my chest at the hospital. The days are long, but the years? They fly.

That’s why I’m always looking for meaningful, simple ways to preserve the magic of motherhood. Whether it’s a sweet handprint keepsake, an impromptu photo shoot, or jotting down a memory before it slips away—these are the little things that help us remember the big love.

Here are three of my favorite ways to press pause on this season of life, even if just for a moment.

✋ 1. Upscale Handprint Art (Not the Kindergarten Kind)

We’ve all seen the cheesy, smudged handprint art—the kind that ends up buried in a box or smushed at the bottom of a backpack. No, friend. I’m talking about a grown-up version that feels sweet, intentional, and beautiful enough to display.

Think luxury cardstock, a simple design (Etsy has tons), and ink from a stamp pad. It’s quick, affordable, and most importantly—it’s a tiny moment frozen in time. Take a few extra minutes to do it well, and you’ll have a keepsake worth keeping.

📸 2. A DIY Mother’s Day Photo Shoot (iPhone-Style!)

Sound familiar? Your phone has hundreds of pictures of your kids… but only a handful you’d actually frame or put on a Christmas card. Here’s the truth: you do not need a professional photographer or fancy gear to get beautiful photos.

As someone who’s photographed many families, trust me—you can totally do this:

Dress up a little (but keep kids comfy and weather-appropriate).
Head to a pretty park or nature spot.
Go about 1–2 hours before sunset for that dreamy light.
Let your kids play naturally and snap candids—joy > stiff smiles.
Get in the frame! Hand the phone to a friend or your partner for a few sweet shots of you with your babies.

Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to do this—and if it’s part of your “gift,” even the grumpiest participants might play along. Later, print your favorites in a collage or go old-school and scrapbook them with your kids.

📓 3. Write It Down Before It Slips Away

It’s wild how fast memories fade. I wish I could remember the simple moments from just five years ago—like what is was like to be pregnant and feel my baby kick for the very first time.

Journaling is one of the best ways to bottle up motherhood. From your birth story (or in my case, a c-section!) to the first lost tooth, you’ll treasure having it all written down.

Need a place to start? Try this:

A moment that made you tear up (from joy or exhaustion)
One sentence that sums up how motherhood feels today
Something your child did or said that made you laugh

Want more prompts? Here’s a full list you can use anytime.

🫶 Just Start Somewhere

You don’t need a ton of time or money to create beautiful keepsakes—just a little intention. These simple ideas aren’t about being Pinterest-perfect. They’re about honoring the magic in the everyday.

So this Mother’s Day, skip the chaos and carve out a few minutes to capture what matters: a memory, a moment, or a feeling that you’ll want to hold on to forever.

Even if we can’t stop time… we can still make it last.

P.S. If you’re already in the mood to capture memories, don’t forget the card! I’ve got printable photo Mother’s Day cards that are heartfelt, modern, and easy to download and print from home (no shipping stress).

They’re perfect for moms, grandmas, stepmoms—or anyone who deserves a little love this season. Shop below!

Mother’s Day Cards

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