Hello, hello, how are you doing? How've you been? For those who are familiar thanks for sticking around! Newcomers, Welcome!
My kid is growing right before my eyes. Which is all the more reason I do my best to stay on my toes and ahead of the game with everything I do. For some reason, the older I get the more I enjoy finding any reason to celebrate. For the sake of loving yourself first and extending that same love to others, I wanted to share some inexpensive D.I.Y. crafts that anyone can do to add a unique touch to their gift giving.
Valentines 2017
Mani Thanks & Gift Packs
Creativity Level - Not too bad, you've got this!
Cost $ (less than 20 bucks)
Materials
- Mason Jar or any decorative container
- Travel size manicure set
- Hand sanitizer, lotion, polish remover or any variation of the three
- Nail polish
- Cotton balls
- Card Stock
- Free Pinterest Printable Template
- Washi Tap or Decorative Twine
- Lip balm
- Value pack of dinosaurs or figures of your choice
Friendship Day 2018
I started with the same theme as last year with the manicure set for the classroom teachers. I snagged these cute little mailboxes from what I like to call the 'grab bag' section of Target (I'm giving up all my secrets, but it's ok I would love to see how you create your own version of these suggested D.I.Y ideas). Literally, $1 a piece! Everything else for these little gift boxes were from the travel size section with all the other quick grab items. Same concept different look for each of these. Just a little teacher appreciation for guiding our kids 8 hours of the day, I tried it a time or two in the past. Let's just say better them than me. Sincerest thanks, though!
Everything from last year was pretty much from scratch. You can search 'valentine printables' on Pinterest and have your pick at a template. Print it on cardstock and avoid the typical same characters that everyone else will have. Or just save some money with around the house materials. My mind always defaults to anything besides candy and sweets knowing there will be enough to go around during the epic classroom parties. That's how I came up with lip balm and dinosaurs idea right from the dollar store. Cost savvy and kid-friendly. Target hit me with a game changer this year 'grab bag' had the whole kit already arranged for a whopping $3! Yup, for the win.
There's this routine I try to practice called a 'learning corner' that hour or so when I need to unwind after work and keep the young one occupied before dinner, bath and bed. So I let him "write his name" and tie the figures to his friends' card as a way to help and tire him out, worked like a charm. These expressive little trinkets serve as a creative craft and simple gesture to remind us that the little things matter.
Gift Packs 2018
On another note, I came back from LA not too long ago, feeling all rejuvenated and motivated you can check out that experience here. I had been gearing up to act on this idea called D.I.Y Crafts & Cocktails 'Gal'entine's Edition. Something nice, simple and creative for my lady friends, mommies and anyone interested in switching up the pace on a Friday night. The outcome, a much needed night of excitement, some totally original throw pillows, and requests to make sure I throw another event. So with that, I'm pretty jazzed to keep up the momentum.
Here's the featured footage of a night attributed to creativity, individuality, and authenticity. As we aim to be our best selves to whatever degree. Love is in the care we give to ourselves and selflessly share with others.
Dealing & Healing,
Me
