Unique Mother's Day Cards for One-of-a-Kind Moms

This year, show mom you (finally!) speak her language with a unique Mother’s Day card she might cherish even more than her Mother's Day gift. We searched far and wide to compile this list of wholly original options, all made with care by independent sellers. While selecting one of these extra-expressive cards doesn’t excuse you from also penning a heartfelt message inside, it does relieve a little of the pressure to be too poetic about it. Even last-minute types are in luck: Some of these Mother's Day greeting cards are printable. 

Which one makes the best match for your mom? Tell us in the comments. 

Simple "Happy Mother's Day" cards

Sometimes a short, sweet, and sincere message is the only one Mom needs to read—and even a meaningful image on its own can often do the trick. These simple yet sentimental cards are a sure bet for Mother's Day.

Mail a sweet and simple Mother's Day card to your bestie since birth. (SHOP: “I’d choose you as my friend” card from The Anastasia Co, $5)

Send a show of appreciation for your most steadfast supporter. (SHOP: “Without you” card from Wild Hart Paper, $5)

Sign this one for both your beloved moms. (SHOP: "Two moms" card from Heart Swell Co, $5)

A happy Mother's Day card for your ribbon-worthy step-mom. (SHOP: "Best step-mom" card from Pen and Paint, $5)

For your all-caps, no-nonsense mom. (SHOP: "Madre" card from The 8309, $6)

For your favorite fashion icon. (SHOP: "Give Mommy a Kiss" card from Lovely Earthlings, $20 for a box of five)

A simple visual tribute to the one you treasure. (SHOP: "Mama" card from Pit Pat & Dot, $6.50)

For your mom’s mom, whatever you’ve chosen to call her. See also: Nonna, Memaw, Mimi, MawMaw, Grammy, Gigi, Grandma, Granny, and Oma. (SHOP: "Best Nana" card from Designs LM, $4.50)

Funny Mother's Day cards

Whatever her specific sense of humor—be it slapstick or sarcastic—there's a funny Mother's Day card designed to make your mom chuckle, guffaw, or snort in that particular way that only she does.

A funny Mother's Day card for the mom who appreciates (baaad) dad jokes. (SHOP: Mother goat card from Amy Heitman, $5.85)

A card for your home-cooking hero who gets the rice right every time. (SHOP: “Mom, how do I make rice?” card from pyarful, $5)

For the gardening guru with a plethora of plants. (SHOP: You keep things alive card from Worthwhile Paper, $5)

A knowing note for the frazzled mom with a bottomless purse. (SHOP: “I’ll help you find your keys” card from Seriously Shannon, $5.50)

A little something for the lady who’s always reaching for the brie. (SHOP: Cheesy Mother’s Day card from Becka Griffin, $4.85)

For the sassy single mom who’s crushing dad duty. (SHOP: “Motherfather” card from Wild Hart Paper, $5)

For the texter-in-training. (SHOP: “I love your awesome texts” card from Row House 14, $6.50)

Cute Mother's Day cards

Say it with us now: Awww. These cute happy Mother's Day greeting cards will give her the warm fuzzies this May.

An outdoorsy design for your favorite trailblazer. (SHOP: Footsteps card by Little Truths Studio, $5)

For the proud pug mom. (SHOP: Pug card from La Familia Green, $6)

A Mother's Day card for your own personal paragon of patience. (SHOP: “Thank you for being so patient” card from Happy Dappy Bits, $6)

For the mom who never made you feel anything but A-OK. (SHOP: “A little bit weird” card from Joanne Hawker, $3.85)

For the mom with all the answers (even on Sunday). (SHOP: Crossword card from Forage Paper Co, $6)

For your guiding light. (SHOP: “Lost without you” card from Noteworthy Paper Press, $6)

For the cool cat who taught you all her tricks. (SHOP: “Always learning from the best” card from Yeppie Paper, $5)

For the mom who goes the extra mile. (SHOP: “Mom biking” card from Small Adventure, $5.50)

For the one who gives the very best hugs. (SHOP: "Feliz dia de la madre" card from Handcut Heather, $5)

For the grammy as wonderful as her baked goods. (SHOP: Sweet grandmother card from Hoopla Love, $4.50)

Unique Mother's Day greeting cards

Thanks to the endless creativity of card creators on Etsy, you can find a unique Mother's Day card that encapsulates what makes your mom—or the relationship you share—totally one of a kind.

Sign and seal a unique Mother's Day card for the apple-of-your-eye who gave you roots. (SHOP: Adoptive mom card from Lucky Horse Press, $5.50)

A card for the long-distance mom (with unlimited data). (SHOP: Long-distance thank-you card from Made in Brockton Village, $6.40)

For your lede-ing lady. (SHOP: Newspaper card from Paper Built Shop, $6)

For the mom with many talents. (SHOP: “Faucet and button” card from Little Trees Studio, $5.25)

Mother's Day card templates

We've all been there: Sometimes you just don't get the card ordered in time. But that doesn't mean you need to settle for something uninspired from your local big-box store. These printable Mother's Day cards will make a bigger impression in no time flat.

You get to put the finishing touches on this charming printable Mother's Day card for the one who always nurtured your artistic instincts. (SHOP: DIY printable Mother's Day card from Studio Merriment, $3)

For the mom who always knows the right thing to say (in any language). (SHOP: Printable I Love You card from Yukie Matsushita, $3.40)

For the generous feeder (keep that kibble coming!). (SHOP: Cat mom printable card from Miumi Cat Printables, $4)

For the (not-so) empty nester. (SHOP: Printable “Replaced me with dogs” card from The Printable Card Shop, $3.25)

Now that you've got the card picked out, it's time to find the perfect Mother's Day gift to accompany it! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• 25 Creative Mother's Day Gift Ideas
• The Best Gifts for Women: Unique Picks to Make Her Smile
• Meaningful Mother's Day Gifts to Grandma
• Personalized Gifts for Mom