Mother’s day is approaching, and you really want to get your mom a great gift this year, something that will really show her how incredible she is. But what do you do when you’re broke?

Maybe you can send your mom one of these ecards for Mother’s Day, but you can’t take her out to dinner or impress her with expensive flowers.

You’ve got to think of something. Luckily for you, we’ve come up with 10 amazing Mother’s Day gifts that will melt her heart and won’t cost you a thing. This Mother’s Day, make her smile with one of these ideas.

1. Write Her a Song

Don’t just tell your mom “Thanks.” Show her how you really feel by writing an original song like this guy did. Sing it to her when you visit, or send her a recording if you won’t be around for Mother’s Day.

If you’re not a musician, consider reciting an original poem or putting one of your favorite childhood memories into a story format. This type of gift might make her cry tears of joy, and you can be sure she’ll never forget it.

2. Help Around the House

Let’s face it: your mom doesn’t need another necklace or bouquet of flowers. What she really needs is a clean house and a good night’s rest. Help give her that by surprising her with a tidy home. You don’t have to tackle the entire house, but you might consider helping her with some of these tasks:

Do the laundry

Cook her supper

Wash the car

Clean and vacuum the livingroom

Do the dishes

Organize the garage/storage

Mow the lawn

Scrub down the bathroom

If you can’t get to all this in one day, put these tasks into a coupon book so your mom can redeem them later or when she’s in more desperate need of help.

3. Teach Her Something

Is your mom still lagging in the technology department? Help her out by teaching her how to navigate her new smartphone, set up Skype, or use Facebook. Take the time to really teach her instead of doing it for her. Your mom will really appreciate your patience, and she’ll be more confident knowing what she’s now capable of.

4. Surprise Her With Breakfast in Bed

Use the tools you already have by preparing your mom breakfast in bed. If you can’t find anything good in your cupboards, don’t feel too guilty about raiding hers. She’ll likely be too surprised to care.

Not sure what to make? Whip up a batch of pancakes from scratch, scramble some eggs, and fry up whatever meat you can find in the fridge. If you’re short on ingredients, start your mom’s day with a bowl of cereal. The fact that breakfast is waiting for her–no matter what’s on the menu–is enough to make her smile.

5. Put Together a Digital Photo Album

You know when people tell you to make a photo album or collage for Mother’s Day? Yeah, that can get expensive. But it really doesn’t have to cost you anything! With programs like Smilebox, you can create a free digital photo album that you can email to your mom. Add music, photos, and more to make it one-of-a-kind.

If you decide you want the album printed later, you can order professional prints or simply print the album at home. Smilebox offers tons of other free features like eCards, collages, and slideshows. Use these free tools to create impressive digital Mother’s Day gifts.

6. Get Out of The House

If you’re still living at home, your mom probably wants some time alone. Liz O’Donnell of Hello Ladies says, “I asked working mothers what they wanted for Mother’s Day and I can assure you, it wasn’t brunch, flowers or jewelry. The top responses: alone time, a break, time with my children.”

When your mom is searching for a break, give it to her by simply leaving her alone. If you choose to go with this option, make sure everyone is participating by taking your younger brothers and sisters with you so your mom actually gets the break she needs.

You can also flip this option around and give her a day out of the house. Offer to take over babysitting, housework, or whatever else is preventing her from getting out.

7. Get Creative

Remember when you used to make your mom macaroni art and would draw her pictures for Mother’s Day? It doesn’t matter how old you are, moms still love receiving homemade gifts. Look at what you already have at home and see what you can put together or recycle that says, “I love you, Mom.”

You might knit a gift, create a homemade card, draw a picture, create your own jewelry, or try out one of these other awesome handmade Mother’s Day gift ideas on Pinterest.

8. Create a Memory Box

Write down 52 memories involving you and your mom from your childhood so she can read one memory every week over the next year. Stick these memories in a decorated box or jar. If you have the tools, create a handmade box like the one above by recycling a shoe box. Even if you don’t have the craft supplies on hand, this is still a fun gift no matter how fancy you choose to get.

9. Spend the Night With Her

Sure, flowers and jewelry are nice, but your mom would probably rather spend time with you. Clear your schedule and spend the night in. You can enjoy an at-home movie date or spend the night playing board games as you take a walk down memory lane. Don’t like those ideas? Consider these other ideas for a night in with your mom:

Bake something together

Pamper your mom with an at-home spa treatment

Have a craft night

Play the Wii

Raid the wine cabinet and set up a tasting session

10. Tell Her You Love Her

Sending flowers and a box of chocolates is always a great gesture, but it certainly doesn’t beat saying, “I love you.” Call your mom up or stop over for a chat, and tell her how much you love and appreciate her. She’ll be glad to hear it.

What are you doing for your mom this year? Tell us in the comment section.