10 dollar store finds and DIYs for CANADA DAY

Do you love holiday decor on a budget? I have TEN dollar store finds and DIYs for Canada Day that are super-cute and budget-friendly. Take a look, and let me know which one is your favourite.

You can see ALL my finds and DIYs (and find out how to get the free Canada Day print I designed) here:

Happy Canada Day!!!!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Fantastic Ways to Celebrate the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL... class treats, teacher gift idea, and my favourite traditions

The last day of school is an important milestone, and it's definitely something to be celebrated. Today, I have some fantastic ways to mark the occassion. I have ideas for inexpensive treats kids can share with their classmates, a unique (and useful) teacher gift idea, and two of my favourite last day of school traditions.

Class Treats - Kids spend a lot of time with their classmates, so it's nice to bring them treats on the last day.

How cute are these stainless steel sraws with the cute tags I designed? You can also use the "silly straws" you can get at the dollar store.

To download the tags I designed: click on one of the pictures below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a 4x6 photo.

Then, use an x-acto knife to cut slits, and insert the straw.

Another fun option is to package up ice cream cones with "splash balls". It's adorable, right? You can pair it with a "I had a BALL having you in my class" tag or a "Have a SWEET summer" tag.

To download the tags I designed: click on one of the photos below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

These tags are also cute paired with individually packaged homemade cookies.

Freezies are also perfect for summer, and they are adorable when you add the cute tag I designed.

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

Teacher Gift - Kids love to bring their teachers something they made on the last day of school, and this is a great idea. Use the recipe here to fill a jar with cookie mix. Then, add the tag I designed. Cute, right?

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

Traditions - I've never really given my kids "grading gifts". Instead, when they were little, they got books to read over the summer. Then, when they got older, we started doing gift cards. We always have a "gift card day" during the summer where we drive around town redeeming gift cards, and it's a lot of fun.

We also have a tradition of going for ice cream on the last day of school. Check out the fun photos (below) of my boys over the years.

AND my absolute FAVORITE tradition is making "finish lines" for my boys to run through every year. I just use a roll of paper and some sharpies.

Here's our FIRST one... when my oldest was in grade primary. This year, he graduations high school. I have no idea where the time goes!

Here's the one I made for my boys last year. I love a tradition, don't you?

Check out the video I made (below) for more details and a closer look at all these ideas.

How do you celebrate the last day of school? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

FREE Canada Day printable... Oh Canada Lyrics

If you love holiday decor that is easy and inexpensive, you are going to love this free "Oh Canada" print for Canada Day. 

All you need to do is download the free print I designed, and pop it in a dollar store frame.

To download the print: click on the photo below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.

I love this little print, don't you? I think it's really simple and fun!

Happy Canada Day!!!!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Graduation Party Favor Ideas... and free printable tags

I love a good party favor... especially if it's budget-friendly. So, with my son's graduation coming up, I decided to create some inexpensive party favors using dollar store goodies. I came up with five party favor ideas (and free printable tags) that you are going to love!

Here are the items I used to create the party favors.

And here are the tags I designed. 

1) The first tag is great to pair with mint gum or pepperments.

To download this tag: click on the photo below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

2) The second tag can be paired with store-bought or homemade cookies.

To download this tag: click on the photo below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

3) The third tag can be paired with bags of popped popcorn... or these unpopped bags of microwave popcorn.

To download this tag: click on the photo below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

4) The fourth tag can be used with any sweet treat. It works with candy AND chocolate. Just pick your favourite.

To download this tag: click on the photo below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

5) The last tag can be used with doughnuts or doughnut holes. I used store bought old fashioned doughnuts.

To download this tag: click on the photo below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

I love how they all look displayed on the tiered tray I made (in the video you can find here).

You can also get a closer look at how I put all the party favors together below...

PS - If you don't like the gold colored tagged I used, check out the more colorful options below...

Let me know in the comments which of these graduation party favors is YOUR favourite. I don't think I could pick because they are ALL so cute. :-)

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

10 Punny Father's Day Gifts

Who doesn't love a good "Dad Joke"? So, when it comes to Father's Day, "punny gifts" are perfect. Today, I'm sharing 10 punny Father's Day gift ideas that are sure to make the special dad in your life smile.

1) Soda – Let dad sit and relax with an ice-cold soda. Gift him a six pack of his favourite beverage, and add “tie” tags that say “World’s Greatest POP!”. Download the "tie tags" I designed here.

2) Donuts – A bouquet of flowers might not be a dad’s favourite gift, but who wouldn’t love a bouquet of donuts? Grab a box of Timbits, add them to the end of BBQ skewers, gather the bottoms together with an elastic, wrap the bunch up in tissue paper, and secure it all together with a piece of ribbon. Then, to make the gift extra fun, add a tag that says, “I DONUT know what we would do without you!”. Check out the step-by-step instructions for putting together a donut bouquet here.

3) Socks – For a whimsical gift option, consider picking out a pair of socks with a design that fits his personality. Then, add a punny tag that says, “You knock my SOCKS off!”

4) Cookie Kit – Dads that like to bake (and eat) cookies will love receiving a homemade cookie kit for Father’s Day. In a mason jar, assemble all the dry ingredients required to make their favourite cookies. Then, attach a tag that says, “Dad’s emergency ‘STACHE of cookies!” Get my favourite cookie mix recipe, and Download the tags I designed for you here.

5) Painted Rock – Handmade gifts are always appreciated—especially when they are made by children. A child can paint a rock with a punny twist by using paint markers to add the words, “My Dad ROCKS!”

6) Reese’s Pieces – For a father with a sweet tooth, a box of his favourite candy makes a great gift. Reese’s Pieces are perfect when paired with a “We love you to PIECES!” tag. Download your tags for FREE here.

7) Gift Cards – Gift cards are great, but they can often feel impersonal. This problem can be solved if you package it in a creative way. Insert the gift card into the centre of roll of toilet paper. Then, add a tag that says, “Thanks for putting up with my CRAP.” Funny, right? Download the tags I designed (for free) here.

8) S’more Kit – The weather is getting warmer, and campfires are a summer staple for many families. It is the perfect time to wrap up a s’more kit for dad and add a note that says, “I couldn’t love you S’MORE!” Download the tags I designed here.

9) Movie Night – Time together is the best gift of all, and a movie night is fun and easy to play. Try to include a pun or two to make Dad smile. For example, for a viewing of Star Wars, you can make a sign that says, “YODA best Dad!” Don’t forget to serve “You’re the best POP in the world!” popcorn.

10) BBQ – Planning a special BBQ for Father’s Day is a fantastic idea. Gather up all dad’s favourite grilling staples, put them in a basket, and add a tag that says, “Time for a BBQ. It will be GRATE!”

What are you planning to spoil your special guy with this year? I hope you have a very happy Father's Day!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

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