DIY Gifts that will add MAGIC to Christmas… including free tags / Budget friendly Christmas DIYs made using Dollar Store Supplies 🎄

I believe it's the little moments and thoughtful gifts that make Christmas special. Today, I'm sharing DIY gifts that will add MAGIC to the season. I'm also including FREE downloadable tags that you can use (below).

1) My Cozy Christmas Movie Watching Kits - I love these little kits. They are a perfect way to make an evening at home special... and they are a great party favour for larger celebrations with family and friends. Find out how to make them here.

And you can download the inserts I designed for FREE. Just click on the picture below, right click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

2) Simmer Pot Kits - What's better than a useful gift that is also festive and fun? Check out how easy these kits are to make here, and download the FREE printable tags below.

To download the inserts I designed for FREE: click on the picture below, right click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

3) Christmas Eve Kits - What's more magical that Christmas Eve? And these kits are the perfect way to share the magic. Find out how easy they are to make here.

4) Personalized Christmas Eve Gift Boxes - These Christmas Eve Gift Boxes are the perfect way to gift treats and Christmas PJs. Who would guess that they started as plain white gift boxes from Dollarama? Check out the step by step instructions here.

For a closer look, take a look at the short video I made below.

Wishing you a MAGICAL CHRISTMAS!!!

💗
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Easy (and adorable) CHRISTMAS CRAFTS the whole family can do together... using dollar store supplies

Christmas crafting is a great way to spend time with family and friends... away from screens. Today, I'm sharing easy (and adorable) crafts that can be made using dollar store supplies. I even made a step by step video for you, which you can view here.

1) Pipe Cleaner Wreath

2) Jenga Block Snowman Hat

3) Wood Round Santa

For a step by step instructions, check out the YouTube video I made.

Thanks for watching and crafting with me!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Top 10 Gift Ideas for HOCKEY Players and Fans (2025 HOCKEY GIFT GUIDE)

  ***Disclosure -This gift guide contains some products I own, some items that I received for free and a few affiliate links. Please be assured that the opinions in this blog are 100% my own, and I've only included items I think would make fantastic gifts for hockey fans and players. Also, if you make a purchase using one of my affiliate links, you will not pay any extra, but I may get a small commission on your purchase. Thank you!***

If you regularly read my blog, or follow me on any of my social media channels, you know that I'm a hockey mom (and goalie mom) to three hockey-loving boys. Every year, there are several hockey-related items on my Christmas shopping list, so today, I am sharing my top 10 gift ideas for hockey fans and hockey players. There really is something on this list for all ages and budgets.

1) Pacific Rink Pond Pack - My oldest son got this bag for Christmas in 2019, and he still uses it ALL THE TIME. It's perfect when he doesn't need his full gear... like when he heads to the pond, volunteers weekly at para hockey, and refs. It's the perfect alternative to a full-size duffel when you don't need all of your gear. It's a wonderful gift for coaches, refs, and outdoor players... and it comes in a variety of fantastic colours. (The hockey bags are wonderful too!) You can check out all the wonderful options from Pacific Rink here.

2) Summer Skates - I love these sandals in the summer... but they are also perfect for hotel stays during hockey season. You can order: custom logos, NHL players, real laces, special edition options, and custom numbers. They make fantastic gifts, and the company also offers team fundraising options. Take a peek at all the styles, and place your order here.

Here are a couple of our favourites...

Original summer skates... available in 7 different colours.



NHL Player Summer Skates - Of course, as Leafs fans, we have Auston Matthews (and a matching skate lace beverage holder).



3) NHL26 - If your hockey fan loves video games, you probably already have the latest version of this game on your Christmas shopping list. Grab a copy here.

4) Hockey books - Books always make fantastic gifts, and hockey books are perfect for hockey fans. Check out this wonderful option here.

5) Personalized Hockey Ornament - I love a personalized, handmade gift, don't you? I make these high quality tree ornaments (and other hockey gifts) in my online shop here. 

6) Heated Vest - If you know someone that spends a lot of time in rinks, you need to get them one of these vests. My husband has one and absolutely LOVES it. The battery pack isn't too big, and the vest will keep the wearer super-cozy! You can purchase it for LESS than $100 here.

7) Kit Kat hockey stick - This is the perfect stocking stuffer for a hockey player or fan... and who doesn't love Kit Kats? You can buy this super cute (and tasty treat) on Amazon here.

8) Wall decals from Oliver's Labels - Personalized wall decals make wonderful gifts for kids. And, and how cute is this large jersey wall decal? Use my link here, and save 10% with code: EastCoastMommy.

AND if you order before December 3, you can take care of the Black Friday SALE.

9) CAA Membership - Hockey moms and dads are always on the road, so a "gift of safety and savings" is a fantastic idea. You can get roadside assistance AND discounts on hotels, gas, and more here. 

10) Hockey Jewelry - I love this fun jewelry. It makes a fantastic little gift or stocking stuffer for $11 or LESS. Check out all the inexpensive options in my online shop (Cute as a Button Designs) here.

Any one of the these TEN products would make a wonderful gift for the hockey fan or hockey player on your Christmas list. My boys and I have tried most of these items, so if you have any questions, please just let me know!

Happy shopping!!!

💗
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Creating a Magical Christmas on a Budget: Gorgeous DIY Decor for $5 or LESS

This Christmas, I'm all about enjoying the holidays and not stressing about money. To help you do the same... I created a YouTube video series called "Creating a magical Christmas on a BUDGET". This week, I'm featuring DIY Decor Ideas that you can make for $5 or LESS.

1) Felt Bow Garland - Soooo easy to make... and very inexpensive. My garland only used TWO pieces of felt. You can see the step by step tutorial here.

2) Large Nativity Candle - A large Christmas candle can be expensive, but you can make my version for only $5. You can see the step by step tutorial here.

3) Custom (budget) Christmas Artwork - I love this custom artwork because it's inexpensive and TOTALLY customizable. You can see the step by step tutorial here.

4) Dried Oranges - I love old fashioned, vintage decor... and dried oranges are easy to make and really versatile. You can use them to decorate ornaments, vases, garlands, wreaths, and more. You can also string them and use them as tree ornaments. You can see the step by step tutorial here.

To get a closer look at all these DIYS (and MORE), you can watch the video I made here.

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)