The BEST Easy, Inexpensive, and USEFUL Gift Ideas... including FREE gift tags

We all have so much clutter in our lives, so it's always nice to receive a "useful" gift this time of year. I love "consumable" gifts, and today, I'm sharing a few of my favourites. I'm also sharing FREE printable gift tags that make the gifts super-cute.

1) Hot chocolate gift (with two tag options) - A personalized mug, adorable mini mason jars full of marshmallows, and hot chocolate pairs perfectly with a "Warm Wishes" or "We Wish You a Cozy Christmas" tags.

Cute, right?!?

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

Wouldn't it be cute boxed up with Christmas PJs and popcorn for a Christmas movie night?

2) Christmas soap (with a "We WASH you a Merry Christmas" tags - It doesn't get easier than this. Just print the tags I designed and attach them to holiday soap. Easy peasy!

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

3) Cookies for Santa Mix - A cookie mix makes a fantastic gift. Who doesn't love baking during the holidays, and these are the perfect cookies to leave for Santa. Download the tag below, and find the full recipe here.

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

4) Christmas Morning Pancake Mix - Homemade pancake mix with an adorable tag is perfect for Christmas morning. It's a wonderful gift for teachers, neighbours, family, and friends.

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

It would also be a great addition to a Christmas Eve box!

5) Sweet Treats - Homemade goodies or store bought treats make fantastic gifts this time of year. Add the "Have a SWEET Christmas" tag I designed, and your good to go!

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

Want a closer look at all these fantastic gifts? Check out the video below.

What do you think of these ideas? Which one is YOUR favourite? If you still need MORE ideas, you might be interested in the video I made earlier this week. Check it out here.

Make sure you come back soon. I have a lot more fun Christmas content planned. Fa... la... la... la!!!

💗 

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

5 Easy, Inexpensive, and USEFUL Dollar Store CHRISTMAS Gifts... including FREE (and adorable) gift tags

I love a budget-friendly gift -- especially when it is cute AND useful. Today, I'm sharing 5 easy & cheap Christmas gift ideas, fun packaging options, and FREE printable tags. You are going to love these!!!

1) Chocolate and Mitten SNOWMAN - This is a great gift for all ages. It's inexpensive and super cute. Check out the step by step instructions here, and download the tag below.

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

2) Baking tool treat - Christmas is synonymous with baking, so this is a great gift. It would be fun to pair it with homemade goodies too. Check out the step by step instructions here, and download the tag below.

To download the "we WHISK you a Merry Christmas" tags: click the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

3) Grinch goodies - I love Christmas movies, and this gift is super-cute for Grinch fans. Check out the step by step instructions here, and download the tag below.

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

4) Socks and toe warmers - This is a fun one for hockey moms, coaches, and people who spend a lot of time outdoors in winter. Check out the step by step instructions here, and download the tag below.

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

5) Hot chocolate gift bag - Consumable gifts are the best for people that don't need more clutter in their lives... and hot chocolate screams "Christmas!" Check out the step by step instructions here, and download the tag below.

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

Aren't these great ideas? Do you have a favourite?

For all the details regarding how I created these gifts, check out the video I made below.

If you like these gifts, let me know. I have more ideas I'd be happy to share.

💗 

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

A FINAL Birthday Letter to my Oldest Son on his 18th Birthday

When my boys were little, I decided to write them birthday letters every year on the day they were born. My goal was to create a "snap shot" of their personalities at the different stages of their childhoods. Today, my oldest son turns 18. As he enters adulthood, I am writing my LAST birthday letter to him. It's amazing how quickly time passes! 😭

To my oldest boy,

I literally can't believe that my first baby is an adult. I guess it's true that time flies when you are having fun -- and it has been an absolute joy watching you grow up. I couldn't be more proud of the wonderful human you have become. Being your mother is a blessing I don't take for granted. 💗

Here are a few of the reasons you are fantastic:

• You are smart, kind, and friendly. Dad and I joke that you are the "Mayor of Antigonish" because you are always chatting with people everywhere we go.
• You are a hard worker, and never complain about all the things you have on your plate. You excel academically, you have two jobs, you play competitive hockey, and you still find time to volunteer and have fun with your friends.
• You are a great big brother. The three of you have a lot of fun together, and you set a wonderful example for them.
• You love: pasta, steak, pizza, peanut butter on homemade white rolls, and Reeses peanut butter cups. You also love the Toronto Maple Leafs!
• You graduated from high school this year and "killed" your Valedictorian speech. I was very proud!
• You started university, and are embracing the new experience. I can't wait to see where your new path takes you!

You may be a legal adult, but you will always be my first baby. I love you to the moon and back!

Love,

Mom xox

10 NEW Dollarama Christmas Finds & DIYs... celebrate well for less!

I love dollar store finds, don't you? It's a great way to celebrate holidays for less. Today, I am sharing fabulous, budget-friendly finds, and DIYs that you are going to make your Christmas very merry.

For a closer look, you can check out the video I made... or keep scrolling for a written version.

1) I love this dollar store bowl that I found in the "planter" / "pot" section. I filled it with Epsom salts, and added a few acrylic reindeer ornaments. It would also be cute with bottle brush trees and mini Christmas houses and trucks. Use your imagination, and have fun with it!

 

2) Dollar store (or thrift store) frames are perfect to pair with vintage prints. Search for old pictures that are in the "public domain". Then, print at a local copy store and insert into the frame. Easy peasy!

3) Wrapping gifts in handmade packaging makes them even more special, and dollar store brown bags are perfect for DIYing. Add a circle of red cardstock or leather, glue on antlers and googly eyes, and draw on a mouth to create a super-cute reindeer bag.

4) The dollar store has fantastic crafting supplies, and these little wooden snowflakes are adorable. I have plans to use them to make Christmas tree ornaments. What would you use them for?

5) I love gifting baked goods to family and friends during the holidays, and the dollar store has a large number of adorable packaging options. I love the black and white buffalo check bags, and the clear top boxes are adorable too. The stickers are wonderful for sealing packages shut and are great for the backs of Christmas cards too.

6) The dollar store has everything you need for entertaining. Don't forget to pick up some of their fantastic napkins, and grab a packaged of their wooden spoons. The spoons are perfect for dipping in chocolate and adding to a hot chocolate bar.

7) Tree collars are very trendy, but they are pretty pricey. I grab this dollar store basket, cut it up, and popped it around the base of my tree. I think it's pretty cute for a couple of dollars.

8) Don't walk by the Christmas ornaments at the dollar store without stopping for a closer look. I am planning a gingerbread theme this year, so I brought home these adorable ornaments.

9) The dollar store has wonderful, budget-friendly treat options, but these cookies are definitely worth trying. They are a perfect festive treat to add to a hot chocolate bar.

10) I love a cozy blanket, and this furry throw from my local Dollarama is a great option. It comes in a few different colours, and it's well worth the price.

What do you think of my latest finds? Have you found anything good lately?

💗 

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)