On the Mother's Day when my son was 3 and my daughter was 1, my husband decided to take the kids shopping for my gift, allowing them to choose what they wanted to give.

I thought that was OK, because he'd have to guide them in their purchases, right?

They came home with the most gaudy ring and earrings made of amber-colored plastic — something I would never wear, yet out of obligation I stored them in the bottom of a box, just "in case" anyone asks. Thankfully my children weren't old enough to remember, and have never done so!

Oddly enough it is the special "created" gifts for Mother's Day that I have treasured the most. The year my son was 1, he created potted flowers from coffee filters he colored and pipe cleaners. To this day they are displayed in my kitchen. I'm not going to say he was a Picasso or even that he didn't have help assembling the project. It was simple and sweet and just what I needed. Even this year in school he colored a picture (that I have already gotten) that says "I love my mom because she is beyttufl."

It is those types of creative projects I love the most and seek out. This week throughout Ann Arbor, there are several make-it/take-it events where your child can make their own Mother's Day masterpiece, and many of the events are free.

MONDAY May 3 From 6 - 8 p.m. at Michael's (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor 48104) kids can create their own Mother's Day corsage. Materials will be on-site to use in creating it; parents need to purchase only the flower.

Kids can create a special Mother’s Day Canvas Bag at the Whittaker Road branch of the Ypsilanti District Library at 6:30 p.m. in the story room. Registration is required by calling 482-4110 ext. 1340.

TUESDAY May 4 Pamper mom by creating her a "Spa Clay Pot" at Michael's - Decorate a pot from 6 - 8 p.m. with materials by DecoArt and Ceramo. Get there early because supplies are limited.

THURSDAY May 6 Purchase a T-shirt at Michael's and decorate it especially for Mom with materials by iLovetoCreate! This event is sponsored from 6 - 8 p.m.

FRIDAY May 7 Dads and kids should head over to Tree Town Toys anytime from 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. to create a birdhouse masterpiece for Mom. Bring the kids in to decorate a birdhouse. Tree Town Toys will even make it easy on Dad by supplying an already assembled birdhouse, plus all the paint and glitter your kids will need to make Mom's birdhouse special. This activity is best for ages 3 and and will cost $6/child. For more information call (877) YAY-TOYS.

Don't forget Mom's card! Create your own free card for Mom at Michael's from 6 - 8 p.m.

SATURDAY May 8 Dads have a second chance to help their children decorate a birdhouse at Tree Town Toys from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Then after you can stop by Michael's to decorate Mom her special cookie at the Wilton Cookie Event from noon - 1 p.m. Just be sure to get there early, as this free event will only happen while supplies last!

Tammy Mayrend is a search marketing professional and mother of two who blogs on local activities for families at annarbormom.com.