Mother's Day: 12 fun ways to create a family tree

Whether mom's tastes are contemporary, modern or anything in between, we've got a variety of family tree ideas that are sure to melt her heart.

We love Etsy. It has so many talented artists selling truly original gifts. This beautiful hand stitched pillow case would make a great gift for mom. Available in a variety of colours, the cover can hold up to 16 names. There's even an option for grandma, too.

Where to buy?
Personalized Family Tree Pillow Cover, $67 and up, Etsy

The family tree takes on a modern spin with this subway sign. Trace your genealogy or include special names, places you've been or where you or your children were born. 

This sweet little number is available from LilyGene's Etsy shop. But you could try making one on a piece of plywood or canvas. All you need is some paint, stencils and a bit of creativity. But be warned, putting all the words together in a pretty display isn't quite as easy as it looks. You have to play around a bit, so add a little patience to the list of supplies. 

Where to buy?
Modern Family Tree Bus Scroll, $48 and up, Etsy

Treat mom to this personalized whimsical print. Choose from almost any colour scheme to suit mom's taste or decor. Pick out a pretty frame and warm mom's heart when you present it to her with breakfast in bed. Hint, hint.

Where to buy?
Custom Family Tree Personalized Genealogy print, $17, Etsy

Check out this precious DIY idea. 

Here's what you'll need: A printer, some creativity and patience, cardstock paper, a scalpel, and some precise concentration. If you feel more comfortable drawing your name tree than designing it on the computer, go ahead. This project is all about artistic expression.

Not so artistically inclined? No worries. You can order your own personalized hand cut bespoke family tree.

Where to buy?
Personalized Family Tree, $153, Etsy

Do you have family that's far away? Teach your children the who's who of your clan with this fun (and super cute) peek-a-boo-style, toddler-friendly family tree. 

Get the instructions here: No Time for Flash Cards

Create an environmentally friendly family tree by utilizing scraps of paper or reusing old greeting cards. Once done, stick the finished product in a photo album or scrapbook, or frame it as a cherished piece of art on the wall.

Get the instructions here: Crafting a Green World

Bring the outdoors in with this fun activity. Paint a tree into the corner of a wall, get creative by drawing and swirling the branches onto the walls and ceiling. Now for the fun part, repaint old frames (ones you have lying around, or go to a second hand store) green to signify leaves. Add in your family photos and you have a beautiful work of art.

OK, so this is a little on the expensive side of our roundup, but aren't these old school cross stitched genealogy charts amazing? 

The delicately embroidered cloth holds 11 names and dates and are designed to be cherished heirlooms.

Where to buy?
Custom Family Tree Sampler, $226, Etsy

How beautiful would this look displayed in the front entrance or dining room? The amazing thing about a wall decal is that, unlike paint, there's no commitment. If you have to move, or just decide to switch things up in your home, the wall decal easily peels off without damaging the wall and can be transported to a new spot.

Where to buy?
Family Tree Wall Decal, $170, Etsy

We love this adorable design. Customize this playful platter with up to 15 names. It's food and oven safe, or can be enjoyed as a display piece.

If you're really feeling ambitious, try making one yourself. Use a fine-tip permanent marker to create your design, then bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. No promises that it'll hold up for years to come, but it's a fun project to do as a family.

Where to buy?
Family Tree Platter, $74, Etsy

Keep the family close to your heart with this beautiful family tree necklace. The intricacy of wires and birthstones make this a precious gift that mom will cherish.

Where to buy?
Personalized Family Tree Birthstone necklace, $64, Etsy

This cute package helps you to easily build your own family tree. The kit comes with precut leaves, a flowchart for easy genealogy how-to, quality cardstock and even a gluestick. The finished product leaves you with an 18"x 24" customized work of art.

Where to buy?
DIY Family Tree Kit, $20, Family Tree Kits

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