I want to MAKE something that she'll really treasure, nothing too cheesy, but really thoughful.
Does anyone have any ideas?

When I was younger I decorated a jewellery box for my Mum with like little mirror mosaic type tiles and pretty beads!
Not sure if thats the kinda idea your thinking of, but my mum has kept hers for yeeears and years and years!

Something to for your mum to treasure, and to put her treasures in:)

Anything you make your self, preferably something practice and useable eg a box or holloewed out book for storage rather than a sculpture

you can make a photo box with ur family pics. here is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCRg6OicyS4. check out this link.