Advent Calendar Inspiration

Growing up, I always had an advent calendar.  Not the kind with gifts OR with chocolate - it was a beautifully elaborate pop-up 3D calendar, with windows that opened to reveal scenes inside.

I loved that thing.

Sadly, somewhere in my late teenage years I decided it was no longer necessary and we got rid of it (now I know why my mother keeps EVERYTHING, because without fail, years later I come back looking for things that I've thrown out :)

Recently, I've gotten back into all things advent.  There are so many BEAUTIFUL ideas out there and I wanted to share some with you for inspiration.  Here are a fews of my faves.

1. I love, love, love the simplicity of this advent calendar.  I think it's so beautiful. Wool felt with rings sewn next to each number, and plain bags or packages pinned on with clothespins.  Found on re-nest. 

2.  This is the advent calendar that I REALLY wanted to make.  I love it. In the end, I didn't because once made, it's kind of a large, permanent fixture and we just don't have the storage space.  If you have the room, I think this is one of the most fabulous advent calendars I have ever seen! Found on The Painter Family.

3. Simple pouches stamped with the date.  Easy to store and could even be hidden in different places around the house for some added fun! Found on Cool Mom Picks.

4. This calendar uses paper pouches and a card tucked into each pouch.  Would be great for any scrapbooker or paper crafter out there!  Found on Kimberly Peterson.

5.  An advent calendar after my own heart.  A Christmas BOOK advent calendar!  Wrap each book and read that particular story each night.  The age appropriateness of the books would change, so I have also heard of people doing this with Christmas books from the library.  What do you think? Found on Babyccino Kids.

6. Again, I love the simplicity of this!  Can I just fill my house with advent calendars? Would be so simple to make with a painted piece of board, some number stamps and some decorated clothespins. Found on Sunday in bed. 

7. If you like paper crafting, this is a beautiful DIY paper triangle advent calendar.  There's a free downloadable temple, and folding instructions to make your crafting a little easier! Found on Julie Ree. 

Last but not least. THIS.  This is our current advent calendar!  I purchased it from Pottery Barn on sale last year.  It's HUGE and I can't wait to be able to use it!

I love the idea of using advent calendars for grown-up gifts as well.  Who says you can't make Christmas last the entire month of December?

Also, what do you think about the idea of gifting an advent calendar to "kids who have everything"?  Bring the advent calendar over at the beginning of December and let them have a month of little surprises - I think it's a great idea. You could do it every year!

BUT WAIT, there's MORE......

Tomorrow I am revealing even more great advent calendar inspiration, INCLUDING lot's of creative, inexpensive, and not-so-material ideas for FILLING your advent calendar.

See you tomorrow!

Find the full series of Advent Calendar Posts HERE.

Christmas Card Inspiration: Part 2

I'm continuing to find fantastic and simple card inspiration on the internet, and also want to begin sharing some of the cards that I have been making.

We are all busy, and I think simple cards are often just as beautiful as elaborate cards.
For example, I don't think you could get any simpler than this card found on Curbly.  It caught my eye right away though.  Love it. You could make this card even if you're not crafty.

and while I was on the Curbly site, I also found this card, which I think is super-cute.

Choose a pretty paper and cut varying angled lengths to create a tree.  I also think both of these cards are kid-friendly, if they wanted to help with the card-making process.

So do you want to see some of the cards that I'm working on?  Of course you do!

I was inspired by this image, and decided to create something similar of my own, using a stamp set and some buttons that I had on hand.  Here's a little sneak peak!

I also repurposed little tags from last year to make a very simple set of cards (below) that I'm quite happy with!

I'm working on another set of cards using an embossing stencil (very easy to use and beautiful results!) I'll share those with you in the next week or so!

Enjoy your weekend!

Gift Lists (Printable!)

Seems like people are starting to get ready for the holidays, making their gift lists, so today I thought I would share some beautiful Gift List Printables from Benign Objects.  Seems like it will make holiday shopping just a little more organized and fun, doesn't it?

Image Source: Benign Objects

Happy shopping!

Confessions of a Gift-Giver

Just in case you thought I'm the type of person who spends hours wrapping each and every gift that I give, think again :)

Confession #1: I use gift bags.  Sometimes.

However, there is a reason why I use gift bags. I recycle as many gift-wrap related items as possible, including gift bags, tissue paper, ribbon and anything else that I think is cute!  I never, ever buy gift bags new and I prefer to use gift bags over wrapping paper, as they can be reused, hence, better for the environment!

Due to the fact that storage space in our home is at a premium, I've had to get creative with my gift wrap storage.  I use an old free-standing wardrobe closet to store all of my craft and gifting items, and use the hanging bar to store all of my gift bags.  The green bag on the right-hand side stores folded tissue paper.

My gift-wrap "closet".

Side Note: Just saw this post from Real Simple using assorted pant hangers to organize gift wrap.

Image Source: Real Simple


They really come up with some brilliant things over there at Real Simple!  Fantastic. 

Confession #2: Try as I might, I'm not always the perfect gift-giver.  Just a few examples....

• One year I noticed that my brother-in-law really needed winter gloves - only to discover on Christmas morning that he had received SEVERAL pairs of winter gloves as gifts (I guess I wasn't the only one who noticed!)

• I knew that my mom really wanted to get photos printed of her one-and-only granddaughter, so for her recent birthday, I purchased her a gift card for a photo printing lab, only to have her tell me the day BEFORE her birthday that she had gone out and printed all of her photos! *sigh* (luckily there will be continued photos of granddaughter....in the hundreds!)

• I also recently bought a cute single cupcake carrier for a dear friend who loves to bake, only to discover after the fact that she had previously BLOGGED about owning one - gah! (I'll use the fact that I was busy having a child as my excuse).  Hopefully I made up for it with a housewarming gift and a thank you gift that included really fun baking gift tags.

It's hard to be a great gift-giver.  You have to stay on top of individual interests and know what they have, or don't have already.  I can understand that it's hard to put effort into that.

Do you have a gift-giving confession or story?  Please share!!

Free Printables

As a follow-up to yesterday's post, I'm sharing the free printable tags that I used for my sister-in-law's Nutella gift.

These food-related gift tags are from the lovely Creature Comforts blog.

Super cute, and great for all kinds of homemade goodies.  Enjoy!

A cute baking gift

A few weeks ago was my one and only sister-in-law's birthday!  She likes to bake, so I came up with this cute little addition to her gift.

I purchased a big jar of Nutella. mmm mmm.

Then, I wrapped it up, like this! (I love the cute cupcake ribbon).

The tag says "turn over" and on the back I wrote:
One surprise recipe every day for a week!  Here's your key ingredient.


Then for 7 days I sent her a baking recipe featuring Nutella.  Want to know what they were?  Of course you do!

Day 1: Nutella Microwave Mug Cake// Day 2: Self-frosting Nutella Cupcakes // Day 3: Nutella Cookies// Day 4: Nutella Stuffed French Toast// Day 5: Nutella and Golden Butter "Cake in a Jar"// Day 6: Nutella Mousse// Day 7: Nutella Oreo Truffles

What do you think?  Will you try any of these recipes?

You could do this with almost any ingredient - hmmmm any other fun ideas?

If you're liking the  "Yum Yum Yum" tag, it's a free printable (of course!) I'll post the link tomorrow!

Wrapping Inspiration

I have so much gift wrap inspiration, I just don't know where to begin!

I love the idea of wrapping gifts in plain tissue paper (or brown paper packages!) and then writing the TIME that they can be opened on the outside of the package!  You can make the gifting last all day!

Image Source: thirtyhandmadedays

These particular gifts were for an anniversary, but I think it would work equally well for birthdays for both children and adults!

Would you like this, or do you want to open your gifts all at once?

Gift Enclosure Cards

Lot's of new homeowners in my circle this year!

I like to give a little something as a housewarming.  Here's another simple and unique idea.  I hand-stamped these monogrammed gift enclosure cards using rounded edge blank business cards.

Gift enclosure cards allow you to add a little personalized note inside a gift before it is wrapped.

I created a little explanation tag and tied it up with some navy blue satin ribbon.  Then sealed in a little repurposed vellum envelope, ready for mailing!

Happy Gifting!

Gifts for Bakers

Know someone who loves to bake?  Here are some creative gifting ideas.

From The Blessed Nest blog, free printable artwork for the kitchen (and available in a variety of colours! I happened to like the turquoise).  This would look really cute done up in a nice frame (would also make a great housewarming gift, don't you think?)

Image Source: The Blessed Nest

Speaking of free printables, I think these "From my kitchen to your belly" tags from the blog Everybody Likes Sandwiches make an absolutely perfect gift for anyone who likes to bake and GIFT baking.

Image Source: Everybody Likes Sandwiches

I made some of these for a friend and attached ribbon so that they could be used as gift tags. Here's the finished result (notice that I used cute cupcake ribbon to tie in with my theme!).

For any baker who owns a KitchenAid mixer, I love these mixer covers from Etsy seller everythingscovered (I actually have the exact one shown in the photo).

Image Source: everythingscovered

They are well-made and look great on the counter.  I guess some people don't keep their mixer on the counter, but for me, it's too heavy to be lifting around, so I love my cover!

I also love this idea of putting together an assortment of cupcake wrappers in a tall glass jar.  The presentation is so thoughtful and makes for a really fun gift!

Found via Torie Jayne

I think these thoughtful gifts would add joy to any bakers life!  Do you have a creative baking idea? Please share.

Halloween Treat Bags

If you are giving out any extra-special treats for Halloween this year, this would be the perfect way to package them, don't you think?

Image Source: adelynSTONE

Download the free PDF printables from adelynSTONE, print on heat transfer paper and iron on small fabric bags.  I just love these, and they could be used again in future years.

DIY fun pillowcases

If you're looking for a really unique, fun and do-it-yourself project as a gift for a couple, I stumbled across this funky Dream Bubble pillowcase tutorial from Cat on a Limb.

Blogger Catherine takes you through the full tutorial using blank pillowcases and textile paint.  Cute hunh?

This would be a "conversation piece" gift for sure!

Happy Giving!

Christmas Card Inspiration

I know, I know, it's almost sickening to be sharing Christmas inspiration already.

However for those of us who like to DIY, some of these things have to be done in advance.  I got started on some of my cards last week - I'm going with the mantra "simple is beautiful" for my cards this year.  I still love making handmade cards, but there just isn't as much time with a 5 1/2 month old!

I've been scouting the internet for some card inspiration to share with you.  If you don't craft your own cards, hope you'll enjoy the pretty pictures!

1. A family oriented card - using thumbprints!  (I actually did this one year using my own thumbprints, but I love the idea of each member of the family leaving their mark!)

2. A variety of green circles punched and formed into a Christmas tree shape.

3. I love the simplicity of this card (back to my mantra) from MissesStitches.  It reminds me of the work of local artist Lori Doody.

Are you planning to make any Christmas cards this year?  I have more inspiration to share in the coming weeks.

Thanks a "Latte" - Spicing up a Gift Card

Gift cards.  Sometimes we like to give them!  Spicing them up a little with some thoughtful wrapping makes it all the more meaningful, I think.  I am definitely going to be trying this the next time I give a gift card.

A cute way to spice up a coffee gift card is to wrap the card in a disposable coffee cup.  I've seen several ideas out there lately, and thought I would share!

This one by Little Cakes is really cute.  The gift card is in a clean, empty cup wrapped with brown issue (topped with white tissue).  Very simple, but effective!

Image Source: Little Cakes

In very similar taste, the blog Nothing but Country features a gift card wrapped in an empty coffee cup (with chocolate or candy inside).  They even have a cute little printable tag - Thanks a "latte" for your hard work - (and we all know I love free printables!).

Lisa Storms features a similar concept using a disposable glass and lemonade. These are designed as teacher appreciation gifts, but I think they could be adapted for almost anything!

I'm going to be featuring ongoing ideas for spicing up gift cards.  What have you done recently to make a gift card more interesting?

Baby & Kid Week: Inspired Wrapping for Baby Gifts

I just had to share this picture with you for wrapping inspiration.  It's one of the most creative and unique things I have ever seen at a baby shower.  Can you guess what it is??

It's a DIAPER GENIE refill!  Wrapped up in yellow tissue paper like a little boat/dory, surrounded by blue tissue paper for the water.  Our little giraffe friend is sitting inside.

Isn't it great!

Many thanks to my friend Selina for this amazing wrapping inspiration!

Baby & Kid Week: Cards for Kids

I'm loving these ABC (+ the full alphabet) FREE printables available on Design*Sponge for kids (or anyone really!)  The great part is that you can start with any letter and then personalize however you want.
Initial (A is for Alison), word (B is for Birthday), phrase (G is for Great Job!).  ooohhhh the possibilities are endless!

Image Source: Design Sponge

Are you inspired? I know I am!

Image Source: Design Sponge

Baby & Kid Week: Unique Baby Gifts

Having recently had my own bundle of joy, I have so many thoughts about baby gifts.

One thing I have learned over the past few years is that there is NOTHING wrong with giving practical gifts, especially for first time moms and dads.  While crib sheets and change pad covers from the gift registry don't seem very glamorous, they are things that are needed and will probably get the most use!

With that being said, I also have a few cute (and, in my opinion, very unique) gift ideas for baby.  You're almost guaranteed to be the only one gifting these items!

1. Mommy calling cards or play date cards.  Might work better as a gift after baby is born, but you can always use a cartoon picture if you wanted to gift in advance.  These are free printable DIY cards (but you have to be Photoshop savvy) - isn't the design gorgeous.  I made some for myself (of course!) The template is available to download from Boutique Cafe.

If you're not the DIY type, minted has b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l mommy calling cards and playdate cards, like the two below (and many more besides!)

2. Newborn photo props.  A lot of newborn photographers have their own props, but how adorable would it be to have your own to keep.  A great gift in my opinion!  These gorgeous hand knit hats (and other cute items are made by local company Les Mini Jujus (and this particular set made with Newfoundland wool!).  Many thanks to Melanie Smith Photography for permission to use the photo. 

3. iPhone app (iTunes) gift certificate with a printout on the Total Baby app.  Helps new moms and dads keep track of important things like feedings and diaper changes!  We used this all the time for the first few months.

4. For photo-savvy parents, print out these great (free!) printable month signs from Mom & Wife and put them together in a cute package.  I use these to take my photos each month.  

Here she is with her 3 month sign!

5. I think it would warm anyone's heart to receive this thoughtful gift. The "Wrap a Newborn Baby" Gift of Hope via Plan Canada. I received this as a gift, and have the printout saved in Norah's memory box. 

Do you know any babes on the way that might like one of these gifts?

Baby & Kid Week: DIY gifts for young children

I know I'm not alone when I say that kids just seem to have so much STUFF (and I'm not even in the toddler phase yet!)

The site Paperbox Press Parties features a great tutorial on making moulded sidewalk chalk.  I think some of these, beautifully wrapped would make a wonderful toddler birthday gift (who doesn't love sidewalk chalk?)

Image source: Paperbox Press Parties found via CAKE.

I also love the idea of a full set of homemade alphabet crayons.  I found the tutorial for these on the blog Life in Grace.

Image via Life in Grace

Homemade playdough also makes the list (and would probably also make a cute "loot bag" alternative - see yesterday's post!).

Image Source: Eighteen25

Eighteen25 has as really cute packaging idea and recipe.  I love the idea of package up different colours of homemade dough, and then adding fun cookie cutters, rolling pins and other play dough-friendly accessories for hours of fun.

Image Source: Creative Party Blog

You could even include a child-sized apron.  A simple, thoughtful, homemade gift.

For anyone who likes to sew, I am OBSESSED with this homemade plush alphabet - full tutorial at Chez Beeper Bebe.  I'm not sure if I have the patience, but I think they are so fabulous.

Image via Chez Beeper Bebe

For slightly older kids, I love the idea of putting together an art kit, like this one from Dear Lizzy (I would have LOVED this as a kid)

Image Source: Dear Lizzy

Do you have any unique gift ideas for toddler or kids parties?  Please share!!

Baby & Kid Week: Taking the 'looting' out of birthdays!

This week's posts are all focusing on babies/toddlers/kids.  
Today we have a guest post from Erika of St. John's Kid.  Welcome Erika!

The search term that brings people to my blog most often is ‘birthday’. Besides the usual things such as cake bakers, theme ideas, rentals, and entertainment, people are also looking for loot bag ideas. Loot bags have been a part of kids birthday parties for as long as I can remember, but I am sure, like me, many parents curse the inventor of this practice. Firstly, it can be pretty darn expensive and secondly, it can be challenging, particularly if you are trying to do loot bags for toddlers.

Let me elaborate. The cheapest way to fill a loot bag is to stuff it with candy, but after cake and ice cream at a birthday party  some parents won’t appreciate more sweet stuff being added to the sugar rush. There is also the choking factor; a lot of candies just aren’t toddler-friendly. These days allergies are another important consideration when choosing candy.

Another popular and inexpensive option is a trip to your local dollar store; however in my experience, many of the items at these places are not suitable for kids under the age of three, and lets face it, some of it is just junk and won’t hold up to a toddler’s less-than-gentle approach to play.   

I have taken a different approach to loot bags for my own toddler's parties and I thought I would share a few of them. I've also included some suggested by readers of my blog when this topic came up:

1. Garden plants – depending on the time of year of your party, gardening centres often have plants and flowers on sale for under $3 each. I gave plants away at the end of my child’s party one year and everyone seemed happy to have their very own flower to plant at home.
2. Musical instruments – for between $2 and $5 each I found lovely toddler sized musical instruments at Michael’s craft store and this year at my son’s party I gave each child one instrument with a ribbon and gift tag with their name on it.
3. One of my readers suggested $5 Chapters gift cards as a loot bag alternative. Depending on the number of kids at your party this seems reasonable, plus it might encourage reading and there are still children’s books in the $5 price range on sale at Chapters from time to time.
4. Another reader suggestion was bags of bird seed for feeding the ducks. I thought this was a pretty clever idea. Would be particularly good if your party was held at Bowring Park playground!
5. Another idea I like is an activity that involves creating something they take home. For example decorating pumpkins for an October party, crafts, art, or baking.

There also seems to be a bit of a ‘no-loot-bag’ revolution. Here are some alternative loot bag links :

 Motherhood: The Ultimate Survivor

A Peek Inside the Fish Bowl

Today's Parent

If you have loot bag alternatives for toddlers or older children that you'd like to share, we'd love to hear about them! Leave a comment or send an email!