Last Minute DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

If you’re like me, you’re still not done with Christmas gifts this year and Christmas is less than 2 days away. Don’t panic and take a deep breath. You’re not too late {well, a little}…just make your way to target or walmart, craft store or your closest “carry almost everything store” and make one of these lovely, thoughtful and DIY gifts. Channel your ‘inner-Martha.’

Nail Polish ‘MistleTOES’, Supreme Courtney

Holiday Cinnamon Stick Candle, Paula Deen 

Personalized Hot Cocoa Mug, Mountainside Bride

Grinch Pills, Craft Fabulous

DIY Recipe Book, The 36th Ave

Reindeer Beer {fun party favors for your friends}, friend via Facebook

Money Tree, Then She Made

{images via Paula DeenCraft Fabulous, Mountainside Bride, Supreme Courtney, Then She Made, The 36th Ave}

DIY Gratitude Journal

The list of things and people I am grateful for is quite lengthy. I have lived a very blessed life with ample opportunities and good, wonderful people by my side. Most days I remain very optimistic and grateful for all that I have been given, but I have bad days too, and forget to take the time to think about all that is good in my life. One way to really focus on the positive instead of the negative is to start a gratitude journal. It’s simple – find something you are appreciative or grateful for everyday – just one thing, and soon you will begin to feel a shift in your thinking. You will develop a new perspective on life, and begin to find more joy and the beauty in all things and people around you.

So, on this holiday of Thanksgiving, where we take the time {hopefully} to sit and reflect on what and who we are grateful for, spread the gift of gratitude to your friends and family.

A gratitude journal would make for a lovely hostess gift, and if you’re hosting, it is a great place card or favor. You can buy beautiful journals, or if you want to keep things simple and on budget, buy a small hardbound book or journal. Wrap it old-school style {the way you use to cover your school books} with Kraft paper, add a library card due date ‘gratitude’ label with the date of this year’s Thanksgiving and sign your name at the bottom. It really is the gift that keeps on giving. Even if you don’t have the means to buy a gratitude journal for others this year, make it a point to start one for yourself.

If you forgot how to cover a book, here’s a few tips that may ‘spark’ a memory from your school days…

Cut Kraft paper as large as the book, plus an additional 2 inches on the top, bottom and 3-4 inches on the side. Place book on the paper, and fold the top and bottom of the Kraft paper, so it is equally aligned with the top and bottom of the book.

Place the book on top of the folds, open the book and push the cover the book through the Kraft paper sleeve openings on the side. 
Repeat with the back of the book.

Using Word or Illustrator, create a gratitude journal label, print and tape to the cover of the book…or you can even use a sharpie to write ‘gratitude journal’ on the cover.
Tie a bow with twine and voila.

{images via Tutto Bella}

Tiny Pies for Everyone

 

Tiny Pies tiny, homemade pies are as good as grandma’s family recipe and so adorable. It’s an original pie, just shrunk in size. Seriously, I can’t get over their cuteness.

Tiny Pies originated from a mom and daughter team in Austin, TX. Tiny’s Tiny Pies are made from old family recipes with the highest quality all-natural ingredients, and when possible, sourced from local farmers markets.

I think they would make for a lovely housewarming gift, corporate gift and party or wedding favor. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, they offer delicious savory tiny pies too!

Visit Tiny Pies to learn where/how you can order.

Tiny Pie Pops

Mason Jar Pie

Teeny Tiny Pie Bites

Not So Tiny Cherry Pie

Cinnamon Poppers {made with their homemade pie crust…sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?}

 Original Tiny Pie

 Photography and Credits
Banner and flag in pies created by Sarah Donovan of Stationery Bakery
Photography by Jody Horton of Jody Horton Photography
Images of Tiny Pie Pops via Tiny Pies

DIY Teacher Gift Ideas

When you shop for your school supplies this year, think outside the backpack, and be inspired by them for future favors and gifts. Some very talented people came up with some very adorable DIY ideas…

Gumball Pencil, Paisley Petal Events

Hi-Liter Teacher Gift, One Charming Party

Crayon Favors, One Charming Party

Milk and Cookies Recipe Card {Report Card}, The Sweetest Occasion
{free printable here}

Crayon Art, Apartment Therapy


Pencil Vase
{a lovely teacher gift filled with fresh flowers}, Love of Family and Home

{images via Paisley Petal Events, One Charming Party, The Sweetest Occasion, Apartment TherapyLove of Family and Home}