BRIDAL SHOWER GIFT IDEA

This past weekend I went to a bridal shower. Almost all showers I've been to include registry information with the invite and I usually pick my gift from that. However, this shower put a theme to the gift ideas–a date night theme. The invite asked each guest to bring an idea the couple could use as a date night. Cute, right? The example given on the invitation was a gift basket with dry ingredients for homemade pasta and a DVD of the movie, Italian Job.

I came across this adorable picnic basket and instantly thought it would be perfect! The basket came complete with plates, glasses and utensils. In addition to the basket, we have a great little cheese shop here, called The Welsh Rabbit, so I added that in–something they can use to fill their basket.

Other ideas that were gifted included a crate filled with board games for a game night; a basket with canvases and paints; a basket filled with robes with a certificate for a couples massage and a cooler for a pool date that included sunblock, towels and koozies. People got really creative! I just thought this was such a cute idea that I wanted to pop in here to share.

What other shower gift theme ideas have you seen that you thought were pretty unique?

FLORAL TRAY USING MELTED CRAYONS

You've probably melted crayons for kid projects, but how about doing it for this pretty adult acrylic tray project from Crafts Unleashed?! I love the way the melted crayons take on a watercolor look. She used her Silhouette Cameo to cut out the crayon floral shapes but I'm wondering if you could use cookie cutters? That would probably be easy enough if you don't own a Cameo, or as she suggests you can just use scissors.  Find the full tutorial here.

APPLE WREATH USING FREE PRINTABLES

This adorable wreath brings new meaning to giving an apple to the teacher! Designed by Kiki & Company for Tatertots and Jello, it is so easy to make using provided free downloadable printables. Find them and the tutorial here.

TEACHER APPRECIATION GIFT: CORK COASTERS

So, last week was Teacher Appreciation Week. Our school actually has a teacher appreciation committee that hosts a themed luncheon for the staff then on Friday each of the classrooms presents the teacher with a special (usually handmade) gift. I took on one teacher's gift this year--and with the help of the kids, made a set of coasters for the teacher. I was really happy with the way they came out. The kids did a great job decorating them. And it's nice to give something that's functional and also serves as a keepsake.

HOW TO MAKE THEM:

I gave each child a flower template that I downloaded from Parents here. Parents' idea was to use the templates to write thank you notes, but I took it one step further to turn them into coasters. Each child decorated a coaster (colored pencils work best). They should each add their name somewhere so the teacher knows which kid designed which coaster.

I bought cork coasters from Hobby Lobby--always using their 40% coupon!

Mod Podge each design onto a coaster and let it completely dry.

Then brush a layer of Mod Podge over each design. This is when I discovered colored pencils are the way to go.  I had the kids use markers and a few of them started smearing when I applied the Mod Podge. This didn't happen with colored pencils.  Let the top layer of Mod Podge completely dry.

To make sure they were water resistant, I sprayed the coasters with Krylon Clear Glaze. This also gave the coasters a shiny coating.

I found a brown paper mache canister at Hobby Lobby to put the set in and added "Thanks for helping us coast through third grade" around the canister.  I found the orange flower at Walmart (in their fabric/sewing section). Underneath the canister I wrote the grade year.

It was perfect!  The kids loved seeing their artwork all put together and the teacher loved a gift she can use and remember the kids by.

What did you make for Teacher Appreciation Week?!

DIY GARDENER'S CLOCK

I don't have a green thumb, but I still love this DIY gardener's clock from Worthing Court. This would make such a great Mother's Day or spring birthday gift.  You can find the full tutorial here.

DIY CANDY WREATH

Some of you may know that I'm an Independent Marketing Consultant by day. So, of course, at this time of year I'm always looking for ideas on what I can send clients. One of the companies I work for sends a platter of homemade cookies every year. It's something easy and everyone in the office can enjoy it. But what about this cute DIY wreath that's made with candy tins?  The candy tins have magnets that would let individuals take and enjoy some candy. I love this idea and will certainly be pinning it for next year! Find the full tutorial over at Kara's Party Ideas.

DIY COOKIE CUTTER CANDLES

Still looking for a holiday neighbor gift or something for the teacher or co-worker? Here's a great DIY that will impress recipients–colorful candles made with holiday cookie cutters. Create a set with at least 3 different designs to make a gift that will impress. You can find the full tutorial over at evermine blog.  I'm pinning this idea for next year! If you pin it too, remember to be a good pinner and pin it from the original source.

DIY GEL AIR FRESHNER

I usually start thinking about my holiday neighbor/teacher gifts at the beginning of November. I try to find something low-cost that would be easy to make a few at a time.  I came across this great idea from Bitz & Giggles. This gel air freshner totally fits the criteria and you can tailor it to the season. You can make it a bit more Christmas themed with red gel and snowflake trinkets.  Find the full tutorial here.

SOFTBALL / BASEBALL COACH GIFT IDEA WITH FREE PRINTABLE

Saturday was Renee's last day of softball–and it was a looong day, with 3 games in 90+ degree heat!  But, I have to say the coaches made it fun for them, with a water balloon fight and pizza party in between the games.  They were great coaches and we wanted to make sure we showed our appreciation for the time and effort they made throughout the season. We went to Party City and found a bunch of softball/baseball themed candy and bucket to put something cute together. I put the candy in a craft ornament I happen to have. We also included a baseball ornament we found at Hobby Lobby.  (Yes, can you believe the Christmas ornaments are already out at Hobby Lobby?!?!)

A cute ball tag was the finishing touch: "It was a BALL having you as a coach!  Thanks for everything!"

They loved the baskets! If any of your kids play softball or baseball, feel free to use the tag I made.

You can download the FREE PRINTABLE HERE

Sharing with
Bloom Designs Link Party
Party Time Linky

DIY SUMMER FRUIT TRAYS

Add some fruity deliciousness to your entertaining decor with this fun idea from Mark Montano, author of The Big-Ass Craft Book series. The spoons serve as handles for the trays.  So cute! It would also make a great hostess gift.  Find the complete tutorial here.

TAKE NOTE OF THIS TEACHER GIFT

I can't really believe it, but today is my kids' last full day of school! Tomorrow is just a half day and then the year is over–I will have two third graders. The last couple of months especially went by really fast. Not sure if I'm entirely ready for the summer, but here we go!

Although the class gave the teachers a nice gift over appreciation week just a few weeks ago, I always like to give one last end of year gift, too. When Renee's teacher gave her a thank you note written on loose-leaf paper I knew what I was going to get her!  I found this cute pack of 50 notecards at Target. Colorful and blank, so the teachers can use them for a thank you or just a note to a parent.  This is certainly not an original idea.  In fact, I found the perfect free gift tag printable at The Teacher Mama.  I always try to give something useful.  Are you planning any teacher gifts?

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY: PHOTO COLLAGE FOR MOTHER'S DAY

Over the weekend I was googling ideas for Mother's Day, and came across this sweet photo heart collage at My Sister's Cottage.  This was done using a program called shapecollage.com. You upload your photos and you can choose a shape to turn them into.  You can also probably attempt to do it yourself with real or scanned photos.  Either way, I thought it was a really nice affordable gift to give to any mom.  If you use the actual photos, make sure to mount them in a glass frame so photos don't get ruined.  If you use a printout of scanned photos, I'd bet it would look really nice mounted on a canvas.

EASTER LINK PARTY FAVORITES

It's been so much fun looking at all the projects being shared on the Easter Link Party! If you haven't linked up your projects, there is still plenty of time.  The link party closes Saturday, April 5.  Each of the participating bloggers is picking their favorites.  It was hard to choose, but here are my top three.  Thanks to all of you who participated!

Super adorable "Chillin' With My Peeps" T-shirt from Sugar Bee Crafts

Festive Bunny Wreath from Daisy Mae Belle

Free Bunny Cups Printable from Kiki & Company

YOU STILL HAVE TIME FOR THESE VALENTINE'S DAY IDEAS

If the week has slipped by you, but you still want to do a little something for your someone special, here are a few ideas you can still get done today in time for Valentine's Day.

HEART LOVE NOTES FROM DESIGN DAZZLE: Adorn a bedroom door, bathroom mirror or the inside of the car of a special someone with all the little things you love about that person.

DONUT FORGET THAT I LOVE YOU FREE PRINTABLE FROM THE SPARKLE COLLECTIVE: Sneak a doughnut in the hubby's bag or a small doughnut hole in your child's lunch with this sweet free printable. It's guaranteed to put a smile on their face!

DIY BANANA VALENTINE FROM THE SWEETEST OCCASION: If you're looking for something less in calories, this is a really cute way to give a Valentine's Day message. Another fun message they suggest: "I'm bananas for you!"

OPEN WHEN LETTERS FROM LIFE LOVE LAUREN: A series of letters that can be opened at the recipient's whim.  "Open when you need a pep talk"... "Open when you are bored."  It's a very thoughtful gift that can be done for an adult or child.

Enjoy!

PINNED AND DONE: PUZZLE VALENTINE

My in-laws and my own parents love to do puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku–basically any type of mind challenging exercise. So, when I saw this idea on Pinterest I immediately was inspired to create something similar as a fun Valentine's Day card for them from my girls.

If you have a puzzle your kids have outgrown, like we did, then you don't have to buy anything and makes this a great recycling project. Otherwise you can find blank puzzles at the craft store.

Start by painting all the puzzle pieces.  We used an old 24-piece puzzle. We didn't paint the puzzle as a whole (put together) because I was afraid of the pieces sticking together.

Once they're all done, check to see if you need a second coat.  If everything looks okay wait a while until they are nice and dry. Then put the puzzle together. Make sure it all fits together okay.

Then let your child have fun drawing his/her message.  We used colored Sharpies and regular markers to draw our message "LOVE YOU TO PIECES."  I tried to encourage Renee and Siena to use up the whole puzzle for their message, but I think they found it tricky writing over several pieces.  But they did have fun with it.  They can't wait to see if their grandparents can put it together!

Use this idea for birthdays or as a congratulations wish, too!

DIY HOLIDAY NEIGHBOR GIFTS

If you're planning to play Santa this weekend delivering gifts to neighbors, but still don't know what to get them, here are a few of my favorite ideas.

Top Left: Stovetop Potpourri at I (Heart) Naptime
Top Right: My favorite of the neighbor gifts I've done over the years is this hand beaded pie server I gave out with a pie. It's fun to see that people still use it!  You can find the tutorial here.
Bottom Left: Flavored syrup from The Shabby Creek Cottage
Bottom Right: Hot Cocoa Snowman kit, made with baby jars.  Found this on Pinterest with no source. I bet you could make these with half pint mason jars too.

What are you planning on giving out this year?!

FLEECE THROW GIFT IDEA + FREE PRINTABLE GIFT TAGS

Last year, after the holidays, I found these fleece throws on clearance at Walmart.  I literally paid just over $1 for each one.  I snatched about 10 of them, knowing they would make a good teacher, staff or neighbor gift this year. Walmart is carrying them again this year for about $5 each if you're interested in getting them.  They have really cute patterns, and who couldn't use another blanket?!

Well, I pulled them out of storage and designed a couple of gift tags to go along with them that I am offering to you as a FREE DOWNLOAD! I'm not sure which one I'm using--it will all depend who we give them to.  But, I do love this gift idea, because it is totally useful and will probably be more welcomed than another tray of cookies! Click the link below after the photo for your free download.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD

Sharing with:
Wow Us Wednesdays #145
Creations by Kara Linky Party #172
Sugar & Spice #190
Whatever Goes Wednesday #197

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY: HANDWRITTEN LOVE PLAQUE

In the midst of toasters and china, it's always special to give a new couple a handmade, personal gift.  I love this handwritten LOVE plaque that was featured as part of a wedding on Ruffled. The words can be quick tidbits about the couple or words from their wedding song.  If you don't have a steady hand, you can recreate this using a handwriting font and frame it.  Find the full feature here.

DIY CORK LEAF TRIVETS

There is something about the color and texture of cork that is indicative of fall.  Here's a great project from Live Laugh Rowe to use for any fall entertaining. These cork leaf trivets would even make a great hostess or neighbor gift for the holidays.  Find the full tutorial here.

Real Flower Cake Gift Idea

My friend Robin made me one of these a few years ago and I loved it!  Besides being a thoughtful gift, it's a cheerful centerpiece for any table - and probably lasts longer than a real cake will. (Or at least in my house!) Made with real flowers and floral foam, find a video tutorial at Jen Kim Made.

Have a great weekend everyone!