DIY Succulent Pots Perfect Gifts for Mothers Day or Teacher Appreciation!

It’s that time of year when we need A LOT OF GIFTS! Showing those who love and care for us and/or our children how much we appreciate them. Succulents are all the buzz these last few years and they are only gaining momentum. The reason is simple- they are beautiful, hard to kill and make perfect indoor or outdoor plants. So why not create this lovely succulent as a Mother’s Day, teacher appreciation, end of year, extra curricular teacher appreciation, Father’s Day… gift! Or line them up along your own windowsill and enjoy!! The possibilities are endless.

For most of us there are three important aspects when we are gifting.
1. It has to be thoughtful!
2. It won’t break the bank!
3. It’s convenient!
This little beauty (in my opinion) hits the ball out of the park for all three. Let me walk you through it.

First stop at your local craft store. I used Michael’s.
Pick up:
1 small bag of river pebbles ($2.99)
4 jelly ball jars ($1.99) I used a beveled ball jar. It looks a bit more “fancy” than the average Ball jar.
1 spool of natural jute twin ($3.99)
Total: about $15.00 without tax and without using a Michael’s coupon. Duh, use one!!

Second stop at your local hardware store. I used Lowe’s because it is right next to Michael’s. See I told you I wanted convenient!!
Pick up:
4 4oz succulents ($2.98)
Total: about $12.00 without tax.
*NOTE: If you do not have dirt at home you will also need to pick up dirt. It is recommended when planting succulents to use cactus soil. I didn’t. I just used a normal potting mix because that’s what I had in the garage. To keep your plants even healthier it is best to use the cactus soil or to mix potting soil with sand. I wanted fast, easy and cheap so like I said I used what I had- potting mix. My plants are thriving just fine but I had to make sure I gave my ‘green thumbish’ advise for the optimal succulent care.

Third step assemble. My toddler and I sat outside and I gave her the wheel. I told her the steps and she with minimal help did everything. She loves planting and loved knowing she was making 4 special gifts for the special people in her life.

1. Evenly divide the river pebbles at the bottom of each jar. About 1/8 full, just enough to be able to see the naturally beautiful river pebbles and to provide drainage for your succulent. If you’d like leave a few pebbles aside for decorating the top after planting. It adds a polished look and it also keeps the soil moist longer.
2. Add soil almost filling the glass
3. Taking each succulent shake and lightly pull off any soil from the root system. Be gentle not to break roots and plant into dirt.
4. Option: Add any leftover pebbles to any visible dirt.
5. Using the jute twin tie around the jelly jar in a bow or knot.

Voila! Believe me if my toddler could handle this you can too! And for under $7.00 each you can’t beat it!! It’s so lovely, thoughtfully homemade, trendy ;), and who doesn’t love a plant that takes work to kill.

NOTE: Let the gift recipient know minimal water is the key. I didn’t water the plants for a week allowing them time to absorb the water within the moisture rich potting soil and to get settled in its new home. I tend to water every other week or so. They are looking gorgeous and are ready to be given away!