45+ Printable Mother's Day Keepsakes for New Moms
Becoming a mother for the first time is an overwhelming, beautiful, exhausting, and absolutely magical experience all rolled into one. Did you know that most new moms say their first Mother's Day holds special significance? If you're celebrating the new mom in your life, printable Mother's Day keepsakes for new moms offer the perfect blend of heartfelt sentiment and practical convenience.
As a mom of 5, my first Mother's Day was sleep-deprived but filled with love. The simple, personalized touches that captured those fleeting newborn moments made it special. In this guide, we'll explore over 45 printable keepsake ideas—from baby handprint art to milestone memory books—to make her first Mother's Day unforgettable without breaking the bank.
Whether you're planning ahead with a thoughtful baby shower gift or looking for crafts to do with older siblings, these keepsakes create lasting memories for the whole family.
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Printable Mother's Day Keepsakes for New Moms
Baby Handprint and Footprint Printable Templates
Handprint and footprint keepsakes are probably the most classic new mom keepsake ever, and there's a good reason for that. Those tiny hands and feet don't stay tiny for long. When I look at my kids' handprints from when they were newborns, I can't believe those microscopic fingers belonged to the same humans raiding my pantry now.
Getting a good handprint from a newborn is harder than it looks though. The first time I tried, I ended up with ink everywhere and a print that looked like a blob.
Types of handprint and footprint templates you can find:
Classic frame prints – These usually have a sweet poem or quote along with space for the print
Monthly growth charts – Track how much those little hands and feet grow each month
Seasonal art – Turn handprints into flowers, butterflies, or hearts (perfect for Mother's Day)
Family tree prints – Everyone in the family adds their handprint to create a keepsake
Year-by-year comparison prints – See the growth from year one through year five
The key to getting a good print is timing and preparation. Catch baby when they're relaxed—right after a feeding works great, or while they're sleeping. For safety, never use permanent ink or anything with harsh chemicals. Use washable, non-toxic ink pads specifically made for babies, or go with ink-free options like baby-safe tempera paint.
Ink-free alternatives that actually work:
Air-dry clay – Press baby's hand or foot into it for a 3D impression
Salt dough – Super cheap to make and bakes hard for permanent keepsakes
No-mess ink pads – These have the ink sealed in so baby doesn't get messy
Photo tracings – Take a photo of baby's hand/foot and trace it
One important tip: after you make a physical handprint, scan it and save it to cloud storage. Physical prints can fade or get damaged, but a digital backup lasts forever.
First Mother's Day Milestone Cards and Certificates
Milestone cards are everywhere these days, and for good reason. There's something satisfying about documenting all those "firsts" in a cute, organized way. For a first Mother's Day, these cards celebrate both baby's milestone AND mom's milestone of becoming a mother.
The "My First Mother's Day" certificates are genuinely sweet and totally customizable. Most templates let you add the baby's name, birthdate, weight and length at birth, and sometimes even little details about their personality.
Popular milestone card ideas for first Mother's Day:
Baby's stats on Mother's Day (age, weight, current milestones)
"What I love about Mommy" cards filled out by Dad
Monthly milestone cards showing baby's first year journey
Comparison cards: "Mommy at 1 month old vs. Baby at 1 month old"
Interview cards where older siblings answer questions about Mom
Photo cards featuring professional or smartphone photos with overlay text
The interview cards are genuinely hilarious if you have older kids. I've seen ones where the kid said "Mommy drinks coffee and looks tired" which is honestly the most accurate description of new motherhood. Photo booth props are another fun option—you print out signs like "Best Mom Ever" or "My 1st Mother's Day" and take photos that capture the realness and joy of that day.
If you're the partner or family member putting these together, include specific details that show you've been paying attention. Instead of a generic "you're a great mom," mention something specific like "the way you sing to her during diaper changes." Those personal touches make all the difference.
Memory Book Pages and Journal Printables
Memory books are something I have mixed feelings about. I love the idea of documenting every moment, but I can barely remember if I brushed my teeth today. That's where printable memory book pages are actually helpful because you can do them on your own schedule without pressure.
The monthly milestone pages are probably the most popular. Each month has its own page where you track things like baby's weight, new skills they learned, and funny things that happened. I should be honest though—I definitely skipped months, and that's completely fine.
Essential memory book pages to include:
Monthly milestone tracking (what you can manage, anyway)
"Letters to My Baby" pages for writing future messages
Weekly photo spots to see growth over time
Sleep and feeding logs (if you're into that level of detail)
"Things I Never Want to Forget" free-form pages
Pregnancy and birth story documentation
Gratitude prompts for tough motherhood days
Comparison templates: "Before Baby vs. After Baby" reflection pages
The "Letters to My Baby" pages are my absolute favorite. These are prompts where you write letters to your baby about what's happening now or what you hope for their future. I ugly-cried writing the first one at 2 AM during a feeding.
What makes printable journal pages better than pre-made baby books is the flexibility. You don't have to follow anyone else's format or timeline. With printables, you just include what matters to you and skip the rest.
Helpful journal prompts for new moms:
What surprised you most about becoming a mother?
Describe your baby's personality in three words
What's the hardest part of this month? The best part?
What do you want to remember about this age forever?
Dear baby, here's what I hope for your future...
The gratitude journal prompts have honestly been helpful on hard days. When you're running on two hours of sleep and questioning everything, writing down three things you're grateful for can shift your perspective.
Personalized Mother's Day Cards and Print Art
Store-bought Mother's Day cards always feel kind of generic to me. The printable ones you can personalize feel so much more meaningful. You can make them as sentimental, funny, or unique as you want.
Fill-in-the-blank cards from baby's perspective are adorable. Templates have prompts like "My favorite thing about Mommy is ___" and you fill them in imagining what your baby would say. It's a little cheesy, yes, but also really sweet.
Types of printable cards that work well:
Traditional folded cards with customizable messages
Postcard-style single-sheet designs
Pop-up cards (yes, you can print templates for these)
Comic-style cards with panels telling a story
Coupon books from baby (redeemable for hugs, giggles, etc.)
Photo cards with multiple picture spots
Funny cards with realistic new mom humor
Mother's Day coupons from baby are both hilarious and kind of useful. Templates usually include things like "Good for one uninterrupted shower" or "Valid for one sleep-in morning." Having actual coupons somehow makes it official.
Printable wall art with motherhood quotes is something I explored quite a bit. Some are funny, some are sentimental, and some are just beautiful typography designs. The best part is you can change them out whenever you want since printing new ones costs basically nothing. I'm really into the minimalist Scandinavian-style prints right now—clean lines, neutral colors, simple designs that look expensive but cost under $15 framed.
Here's something useful: you can print custom photo cards where you upload your own pictures and add text overlays. Take your favorite photo of the new mom with baby, upload it to Canva, add a sweet message, and print it as a card or wall art.
Interactive Printable Activities for First Mother's Day
Interactive printables are where things get really interesting because they're activities you actually do together or save for later. These create memories while documenting them at the same time.
The "All About My Mom" questionnaires are pure gold if you've got older kids. You write down their answers exactly as they say them. "My mom is 100 years old" and "She loves to sleep but the baby won't let her" are both actual answers I've gotten.
Interactive printables that create lasting memories:
Interview questions for siblings about the new baby
Time capsules with current prices, news, and predictions
Bucket lists of things to do together in baby's first year
Recipe cards for mom's favorite meals (family tradition keeper)
"Why I love Mom" jar with printable notes to fill out
Prediction cards about baby's future personality and interests
Family tree templates to document heritage
Monthly photo challenge cards with creative prompts
Time capsule printables are such a thoughtful concept. You fill out pages about current events, prices of things, what baby is doing now, predictions for the future, and seal it all up to open years later. Imagining reading those predictions a decade later gives me chills in the best way.
The bucket list templates are helpful for giving yourself goals when you're deep in the newborn trenches. Things like "have a picnic in the park" or "visit grandma's house." Checking these off throughout the year creates intentional memory-making moments instead of just surviving day to day.
Photo challenge ideas to document the first year:
Week 1: Tiny hands and feet close-up
Week 2: Baby with each family member
Week 3: Baby in mom's arms (comparison shot monthly)
Week 4: Baby next to their birth stats card
Month 2: First smile photo
Month 3: Baby with a book
Month 4-12: Continue monthly themes
The monthly photo challenge cards give you a creative prompt each week or month. Prompts like "baby with your wedding photo" or "baby reading your favorite childhood book" create themed photos that tell stories.
Practical Printable Keepsakes New Moms Will Actually Use
As much as I love sentimental keepsakes, the printables that genuinely saved my sanity were the practical ones. Beautiful meal planners, self-care trackers, and schedules disguised as pretty keepsakes made me feel like I had some control over the chaos.
Meal planning templates designed for postpartum moms are genuinely helpful because you're not thinking clearly enough to plan meals on three hours of sleep. These printables usually have simple meal ideas, organized grocery lists, and encouragement like "Remember to eat something today."
Practical printables that actually help new moms:
Meal planning templates with easy postpartum-friendly recipes
Self-care trackers (water intake, vitamins, shower checkboxes)
Baby's first year calendar with milestone and appointment reminders
Daily affirmation cards for hard motherhood moments
Routine cards to establish baby schedules
Feeding and pumping trackers with encouraging notes
Sleep training logs that don't make you feel bad
Postpartum recovery checklists with body-positive messages
Self-care tracker cards are something I initially rolled my eyes at, but then I realized how often I was forgetting basic self-care. Having checkboxes for "took vitamins," "drank 8 glasses of water," and "showered" was oddly satisfying.
The baby's first year calendar is genuinely useful for keeping track of appointments and milestones. Mine hung on my fridge and actually got used, unlike the expensive planner I bought that collected dust.
Daily affirmation cards were helpful during really hard days. I kept a stack on my nightstand with messages like "You are exactly the mother your baby needs" and "This phase will pass." Reading one every morning or whenever I needed it genuinely helped my mental state.
How to Create Custom Printable Keepsakes at Home
Creating your own custom printables is actually way easier than you'd think. You don't need to be a graphic designer. I've made some of my favorite keepsakes myself using free online tools.
Canva is my go-to because it's free, super intuitive, and has thousands of templates. You search "Mother's Day card" or "baby milestone card" and customize the colors, change the text, add your own photos.
Best free design tools for printable creation:
Canva – Most user-friendly, tons of templates, free version is robust
Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark) – Great for quick designs, nice templates
PicMonkey – Photo editing plus design tools, very intuitive
GIMP – Free Photoshop alternative (steeper learning curve though)
Inkscape – Free vector graphics if you want to get fancy
Google Slides – Surprisingly good for simple printables
Microsoft Publisher – If you already have Office, it works well
Typography is actually quite important for making printables look good and be readable. For main text, stick with clean, simple fonts. Save the fancy script fonts for short titles or accents. A good rule is to use maximum two or three different fonts per design.
Typography tips that make printables look professional:
Headlines: Bold, attention-grabbing fonts (but still readable)
Body text: Clean sans-serif or simple serif fonts
Accents: Script or decorative fonts used sparingly
Size hierarchy: Titles biggest, subheadings medium, body text smaller
Color contrast: Dark text on light background or vice versa
Spacing: Don't cram text together; white space is your friend
For colors, soft pastels usually work well for Mother's Day and baby stuff. Sage green, soft yellow, cream, gray, and white work for anyone. I use color palette generators like Coolors or borrow schemes from professional designs I like.
Choosing the right paper makes a significant difference:
Regular printer paper (20-24 lb) – Fine for rough drafts or throwaway prints
Cardstock (65-110 lb) – Best for cards, certificates, anything you'll handle
Photo paper (glossy or matte) – Perfect for photo-heavy designs, handprint art
Linen or textured paper – Adds a fancy touch for special keepsakes
I usually buy cardstock from craft stores when they have sales. It makes such a difference compared to regular paper—the printables feel substantial and special. Lamination is a game-changer for keepsakes you want to last forever. You can get a small laminator for around $25, or use self-seal laminating pouches.
Creative Ways to Present Printable Keepsakes
Creating the printable is only half the fun—presenting it thoughtfully makes it even more special. A little extra effort in presentation shows that you really care.
Gift baskets are perfect for combining multiple printables with other small gifts. I've made Mother's Day baskets that included several printables plus practical items like fancy coffee, chocolate, or bath products. Arranging everything in a basket with tissue paper makes it look thoughtful even if you assembled it last minute.
Creative presentation ideas that elevate printables:
DIY gift baskets with themed items plus printables
Breakfast in bed with printables as décor/cards
Scrapbook compilation of multiple printables together
Shadow boxes with 3D elements (handprints, photos, dried flowers)
Digital frames that rotate through printable designs
Surprise mail delivery for long-distance celebrations
Brunch table decorations using printable banners and place cards
Survival kit presentation with practical printables and supplies
Shadow boxes are wonderful for displaying handprint art or combining several elements into one keepsake. You can layer a printable background, add the actual handprint, include a photo, and maybe some dried flowers. It creates a beautiful 3D effect. The shadow box I made for my first Mother's Day cost maybe $30 total but looks like something you'd pay hundreds for.
For long-distance celebrations, surprise mail delivery of printables is genuinely thoughtful. Print and mail them in a nice envelope with a handwritten note. Getting actual mail is special and feels more personal.
Tips for mailing printables without damage:
Use cardstock or thicker paper so it doesn't crease easily
Include a piece of cardboard backing in the envelope
Mark the envelope "Do Not Bend"
Consider using a rigid mailer instead of a regular envelope
Mail it early enough to arrive by Mother's Day
The "new mom survival kit" is one of my favorite presentation ideas because it's both funny and practical. Fill a basket with items new moms actually need (coffee, dry shampoo, chocolate, comfy socks) and include printable elements like self-care tracker cards or affirmation cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free printable Mother's Day keepsakes for new moms?
Try Pinterest, Etsy (free samples), mom blogs like The Dating Divas, Canva's free templates, and Teachers Pay Teachers. Always check terms of use before downloading.
What type of paper should I use for printing Mother's Day keepsakes?
Use cardstock (65-110 lb) for cards, photo paper for handprints and photos, and premium matte/glossy for wall art. Laminate or use thick cardstock for frequently handled items.
How do I safely make baby handprints for Mother's Day keepsakes?
Use non-toxic, baby-safe ink pads, washable paint, or food coloring. Never use permanent ink. Work quickly with baby calm, keep wipes handy, or try ink-free clay/salt dough impressions.
Can I create printable keepsakes if I'm not crafty or artistic?
Absolutely. Canva offers drag-and-drop templates requiring no design skills. Download free templates and print as-is. Thoughtfulness matters most, not professional design.
What are some last-minute printable Mother's Day ideas for new moms?
Quick options include printable cards from baby, "reasons I love you" jar labels, handprint art, photo frames, "My First Mother's Day" certificates, or Canva photo collages.
How can I preserve printable keepsakes so they last for years?
Use acid-free paper and archival ink. Store in protective sleeves, UV-protected frames, or laminate. Avoid sunlight, humidity, and heat. Scan and backup digitally.
Wrapping It Up
Creating meaningful printable Mother's Day keepsakes for new moms doesn't require a big budget or professional skills—just thoughtfulness and genuine appreciation. From baby handprints to milestone pages, these treasures capture fleeting first-year moments. The most valuable gifts aren't expensive—they're personalized touches saying "I see you and celebrate this chapter with you."
Whether you're a partner, grandparent, or new mom self-documenting, these printables become priceless heirlooms. Grab your printer and start creating memories. And if handprints look like blobs? Perfect. The imperfections make them real—details you'll cherish years from now. Like motherhood itself, it doesn't need perfection to be beautiful.
