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)

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)

☀️Super cute (and classy) SUMMER DIYs… made using dollar store supplies / Dollarama DIYs

I am so excited to share my latest SUMMER DIYs with you today. They are easy and inexpensive to make, and they are sooooo nice! No one will ever guess that they are make with dollar store supplies.

1) Solar Powered Fountain - The base of this solar fountain is made from Dollarama planters. Can you believe it??? You can get an "up close" look and find the "step by step instructions" here.

2) Simple S'more Station - I love a themed tiered tray, and this one is perfect for summer. Take a look at how I made it using Dollarama supplies here.

Pretty cute, right? Make sure you check out the video I made below.

Have a great summer, and don't forget to check back here (or on YouTube) for more easy, inexpensive and fun ideas.

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

8 Fantastic GRADUATION Party DIYs... free 2025 printables included

Little handmade details make a celebration budget-friendly, memorable, and fun. Today I am sharing 8 fantastic graduation party DIYs (and free printables) that are guaranteed to help you plan the BEST graduation party!

Check out the video I made here...

1) Graduation Hat Wreath - This sweet wall hanging is made from a piece of Dollar Store FOAM BOARD! Cute, right? Check out the step by step instructions here.

2) Custom Disposable Glasses - The best part about DIY is that you can customize items to get exactly what you want --- and you save money. See how I made a bunch of disposable graduation glasses for just a few dollars here.

3) Photo Frame Centrepiece - Dollar store frames can easily be put together with hot glue to make this adorable, personalized centrepiece. Get the step-by-step instructions here.

4) Inexpensive Graduation Photo Prop - Dollar store foam board is cheap and great for making giant photo frames. See how easy it was to make this here.

5) Photo Sharing Sign - A simple way to see all the fun photos from Prom and Grad festivities is to add a common hashtag when posting. You can download the sign I designed for free below.

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

6) Graduation tiered tray - To make this inexpensive dollar store tray, all you need are: dollar store plates, dollar store candle holders, a button, and embroidery thread (to make a tassel). Find the step by step instructions here.

7) Inexpensive (and Simple) Graduation Candy Bar - A candy bar with "punny signs" is super fun for a graduation get together. Get the instructions and FREE tags for 2025 here.

8) Punny Party Favours - It's always fun to have something guests can take with them when they leave. I love a good party favour, don't you? Get the instructions and FREE tags for 2025 here.

I hope you like these ideas... and let me know which one is your favourite.

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (You can find a great way to preserve graduation memories here.)

Super-cute Dollar Store Decor / Adorable FINDS and easy DIYs

Yesterday, I was browsing the aisles of my local Dollarama... and I found a couple of items that were perfect for DIYing! In the video I made (below) I show you what I found, how I DIYed them, and a super-cute way to style them. You are going to LOVE these!

Check out the adorable mushroom DIY, deck lanterns, and bathroom upgrade here:

Pretty cute, right? Don't forget to like the video and subscribe to my YouTube channel. I have some really fun things planned for summer.

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

3 NEW DIY GIFTS made using Dollar Store supplies / FREE gift tags included

I love a useful gift, don't you? Today I am sharing THREE new DIY GIFTS that are made using supplies I found at Dollarama. I'm also including a video with the simple "how to" instructions and FREE printable gift tags.

1) "If you give a teacher a cookie..." GIFT -- Dollarama has soooo many cute mugs, or you can make one with your Cricut like I did. You can fill the mug with coffee, gift cards, store bought cookies or homemade cookies. Then, just add the adorable tag I designed. Easy peasy!!!

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

2) Super-cute DANDELION VASE -- Dollarama has super-cute tiny vases, and they are perfect for little flowers picked by tiny hands. Great for a mom, dad or teacher. Just add the adorable tag I designed (below), and it's perfect for "gifting". 

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

3) "In case of Emergency" GIFT FRAME -- Dollar store frames and shadow boxes are easy to turn into super-cute gifts with a the addition of gift cards and/or treats. I added a Cricut decal that says "In Case of EMERGENCY Break Glass". If you don't have a Cricut machine, you could use alphabet stickers.

You can check out all the step by step instructions in the video I made (below).

What do you think of these budget-friendly gift ideas? Let me know which one is your favourite!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

A Simple (and fun!) DIY Graduation Gift Idea... with free printable gift tag

I love a DIY gift, don't you? This DIY graduation gift idea is a great option. It's pretty fun, and you can download the tag I designed (for FREE) below. I also put together a short DIY video for you here.

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

Enjoy your free printable, and congratulations to your graduate!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (You might also like the graduation ideas below.)