Creating a Magical Christmas on a BUDGET: Useful DIY Gift Ideas UNDER $5... with free printable gift tags

This year, I am doing a NEW Christmas video series to help people plan a magical and meaningful Christmas on a BUDGET. Today, I'm sharing my latest projects -- USEFUL DIY Gift Ideas under $5. The holidays don't need to break the bank. All you need is a trip to the dollar store and the FREE tags I designed (below).

1) Custom candles (with warm wishes tags) -- You can pick up an inexpensive candle and make it look expensive by customizing it. I used my Cricut to add words to mine, but you could also use paint, stickers, or class markers. Then, pop it in a cellophane bag, and add the tag I designed (below).

To download the "warm wishes" tags -- Click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

2) Paper plates & napkins (with "Christmas WISHES for less dirty DISHES" tags) -- Heading to someone's house and need a little hostess gift? This is a budget-friendly and thoughtful idea. Grab some festive paper plates and napkins, tie with twine, and add the tags I designed. I love the "Christmas WISHES for less dirty DISHES" tags. You can download them for free below.

To download the "Christmas WISHES for less dirty DISHES" tags -- Click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print on a regular 8.8"x11" sheet of paper.

3) Gingerbread kit (with "A Christmas TREAT for someone SWEET!" tags) -- I love gifting activities, don't you? What is better than a gift that encourages family and friends to do something together? I found this Oreo Christmas House kit at my local Dollarama for under $5, and I think it makes an adorable gift with the tags I designed (which you can download below).

To download the "A Christmas TREAT for someone SWEET" tags -- Click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

For a closer look at all these wonderful gift ideas, check out the YouTube video I made below.

Thanks for DIYing with me!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Creating a Magical Christmas on a Budget / Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Dupe 🌲

Yesterday, I launched my NEW Christmas video series. My goal is to help people create a magical Christmas with their family and friends... on a BUDGET. My first project is an adorable Charlie Brown Tree made 100% from dollar store supplies. It's sooooo cute... and much cheaper than store bought versions. Check out all the details below.

When I did a google search for Charlie Brown trees, here is a sample of what popped up.

I was able to DIY mine for ONLY $5!!!

I think it's pretty cute, don't you?

For a list of the supplies and all the instructions, check out the video I made here / below.

If you like this project, make sure you pop on over to YouTube and subscribe to my channel. My NEW Christmas video series is going to be fun!

Thanks for DIYing with me!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

FREE tags for "sweet treat" Christmas gifts

I love a useful gift... and it's even better if it's packaged in a thoughtful way. Today, I'm sharing a fun way to package cookies, and I'm sharing FREE downloadable gift tags.

Disclosure - I was given these cookies for free in exchange for product promotion... but I can guarantee that the opinions in this blog are 100% my own. I LOVE these cookies. :-)

I designed three different tags, and they all can be paired with any sweet treat. You can use homemade or store-bought cookies.

A useful gift with a thoughtful punny tag is perfect for the holidays!!!

To download and print the FREE tags I designed: click on the tag you want to print below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print like a regular 4x6 photo. (Note: there are two tags on each sheet.)

You can also get a closer look at the treats I made in the video I made here.

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Thanks for watching!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Easy and super-cute HALLOWEEN crafts/treats… dollar store suckers THREE ways

If you grab a bag of dollar store suckers and a few inexpensive supplies, you can easily make THREE different ADORABLE Halloween treats. It's fun for ALL ages... and they'd make super-cute party favours too!

1) Spider sucker - This treat is more sweet than scary. Find the simple step by step instructions here.

2) Ghost suckers - You can make many versions of these fab-BOO-lous treats. Check out the details and step by step instructions here.

3) Witch broom suckers (with free downloadable tags) - These witch broom treats are adorable, but they are even more adorable with the tags I designed. You can download the tags I designed for FREE below... and you can find the step by step instructions here.

To download the tags: click on the picture below, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

You can take a closer look at all of the super-cute Halloween crafts/treats in the video I made below. Let me know which one is YOUR favourite.

Happy Halloween!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Amazing Decor Update / getting rid of outdated stairs by painting them

Sometimes a little update makes a big difference. My house had A LOT of this oak colour... and I have never been a fan. A couple years ago I painted my cabinets (which you can check out here), and in the Spring, I had my stairs done. Check out the amazing results below!

Here's a look at the BEFORE...

Step 1 - Primer! (Prep is always the key.)

Step 2 - Paint the risers white and the railings black. (Note: I didn't touch the treads.)

What do you think? I LOVE how my stairs turned out!!!! I don't even mind my floors (as much) anymore. 

It's so amazing what paint can do!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

2025 Christmas Elf Activity Kit / 24 days of Elf activities, cards, and trinkets

Want to have fun and make Christmas magical for your kids... without stressing yourself out? I've got the best HACK for you. I have adorable kits that keep things easy for the full 24 days that your elf is with you. Everything you need... sorted by day. Easy peasy!

My "Magic Christmas Elf" Kits are $30 for 24 cards with trinkets/activities. No tax. 

Pick up in Antigonish or $4 Canadian shipping (by letter mail).

Email: EastCoastMommy@gmail.com to place an order.

Let me know if you have any questions. :-)

Merry Christmas!!!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (I also sell these personalized Elf wooden doors for $11. No tax. Pick up in Antigonish or $4 Canadian shipping.)

I am OBSESSED with these little doors!!!

Chewy and Moist Chocolate-Peanut Butter ZUCCHINI BROWNIES

In Fall, fresh zucchini is plentiful... and it's a perfect ingredient for baking. Today, I'm sharing my recipe for my favourite chocolate-peanut butter zucchini brownies. Give them a try, and let me know what you think.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup quality unsweetened cocoa
• 2 cups grated zucchini (including all the moisture)
• 2 tsp real vanilla extract
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh baking soda
• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
• 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup (mixed) peanut butter and chocolate chips for sprinkling on the top

Directions:

1) Grease a 9"x13" baking dish, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2) Using an electric mixer (on low), combine sugar, oil, and flour until it has a "wet sand" texture.

3) Continue mixing on low, and add cocoa, grated zucchini (which you don't need to pat dry), vanilla, salt, and baking soda. 

4) Once incorporated, add the peanut butter and chocolate chips. Pour batter in pan, and sprinkle with remaining peanut butter and chocolate chips. (The batter will be quite thick.)

5) Bake for approximately 30 minutes.

Enjoy!!!!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (You might also like this yummy FALL RECIPE)