Showing posts with label diy gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diy gifts. Show all posts

10 Easy and Inexpensive SNAIL MAIL Ideas to Try... spread kindness one letter at a time

Recently, there has been a renewed interest in "snail mail", and I'm totally here for it! I love the idea of sending and receiving “physical mail”, don't you? It’s a wonderful way to slow down, connect, and make someone’s day in a “low tech” way.

So...I decided to start a 10 day #SnailMailChallenge. I hope you'll try some (or all) of my ideas. Let’s slow down, unplug, and spread kindness… one letter at a time.


Make sure to check out my short videos to get a closer look at the mail that I sent.

Day 1 - My first idea for making a meaningful connection is to send a heartfelt note. You can mail a letter to a grandparent or a child away at camp or university, write a thank you note to a teacher or coach, or send a short “just because” note to brighten someone’s day.

With a few minutes and the cost of a stamp, you can make a meaningful connection.



Day 2 - Today, I challenge you to send something handmade.

A child can send a drawing to a grandparent, or an adult can make something small enough to slip into a card. Magnets, keychains, bookmarks, friendship bracelet and ornaments are fantastic options. I love this little magnet made from a vacation photo and a little wooden ring from the dollar store

Add a note that says “This was handmade with love… I hope it makes you smile.”, put it all in an envelope, and pop it in the mail.



Day 3 - Today, I challenge you to send a recipe. You can print one from the internet that you think a family member or friend might like OR you can handwrite one of your favourites. 

If you are stuck for an idea, my chocolate chip cookies never disappoint. You can find the recipe here.




Day 4 - Today, I challenge you to send a joke, riddle or funny card. We spend so much time sending random memes to friends and family… why not take a few extra minutes to send something funny by mail instead? It’s guaranteed to make the recipient smile.



Day 5 - Today, I challenge you to send a real physical card.

Instead of sending a birthday, anniversary or thank you text, send a real physical card in the mail. Postcards are fun options too. The extra effort says, “I’m thinking about you… and you are worth spending time on.”



Day 6 - Today, I challenge you to send stickers.

You can make your own stickers, find a fun sheet at the dollar store, or buy one that reminds you of someone special.

Then, just add a note, stick it an envelope, and pop it in the mail.

P.S. (It’s fun to decorate the envelope with stickers too.)



Day 7 - Today I challenge you to send someone a trinket.

You can use something you already have, or you can buy something inexpensive. It’s a great way to tell someone that you love them or to send encouragement to a friend going through a tough time. I sell severalt inexpensive items in my “Cute as a Button Designs” shop… including all the stuff seen in the video below.

Pop a trinket into an envelope with a handwritten note and stick it in the mail. Easy peasy!



Day 8 - Today, I challenge you to send a treat.

You can mail a favourite package of candy, chocolate bar, tea bag, hot chocolate packet, or gift card.

And for an extra bit of whimsy and fun, add some confetti made with a paper punch. How great is it to find a treat in a mailbox instead of a bill?



Day 9 - Today, I challenge you to send a photo.

Digital photos are great, but there is something special about physical photo that you can frame or stick to the front of the fridge. Print one at a local store or pull one from an old album. What’s more fun than sharing than a special memory?




Day 10 - Today, I challenge you to send a “Top 10 Things I Love About You” list

You can hand write it or you use PicMonkey.com to design one (like I did). Put it in an envelope, stick a stamp on it, and pop it in the mail. It’s a lovely way to let someone know how much they mean to you.



I hope you enjoyed all ten ideas in my “snail mail” challenge, and that they helped you slow down, unplug, and spread kindness… one letter at a time.

Thanks for watching, subscribing and supporting me! 


Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

6 awesome (edible) MOTHER'S DAY gift ideas... and they are budget-friendly too!

If you have a mom that doesn't like clutter, these edible gifts are for you. I absolutely love them all, but the "breakfast in bed" tray is my favourite. Perfect for Mother's Day!



Keep scrolling or check out the video I made here.



1) Chocolate bar "flower" arrangement - You can get all the supplies you need at your local dollar store. Then, attach the bars to skewers and insert them into floral foam inside a pot. Easy peasy, and lots of fun!





2) A donut bouquet - Grab a box of donut holes, wooden skewers and tissue paper. Insert the skewers into the donuts, secure the skewers with an elastic, wrap the bouquet with tissue paper, and secure with a ribbon.




3) A "LOVE" breakfast tray - Make a bacon "L", a donut "O", a heart-shaped "V" (made from toast, french toast, or a pancake), and a fruit "E". So cute... and super easy!




4) A "secret stash" of treats for mom - Grab a dollar store container, fill each compartment with a different treat, and attach the cute label I designed. You can download the labels for free here.




5) A "date" with mom - The best gift is time spent together, so I LOVE this idea. Buy an ice cream gift card, package it in a fun way, and take mom out on a "date". Fun, right?



6) The BEST "breakfast in bed" tray - Grab a drink tray, add mom's favourite beverage, pop in a candle, and include a sweet treat or breakfast sandwich. Easy peasy... and it pairs well with a good book and a warm bath.



As a mom, I love all these ideas. Which one is your favourite?

Happy Mother's Day!


Gina Bell
 (aka East Coast Mommy)

3 NEW Mother's Day Gift Ideas that are inexpensive and thoughtful

Is there anything better than a budget-friendly and thoughtful Mother's Day gift? If you have a special lady you want to celebrate, check out the 3 fantastic ideas below!


1) The "Breakfast in Bed" moms really want - This version doesn't requires making a mess of the kitchen and creating a pile of dishes. Check it out all the details here.




2) A Dollarama / Dollar Tree vase turned into a thoughtful gift - Is there anything cuter than tiny vases filled with wildflowers picked by little hands. Find all the details for the heart tag here, or grab the free printable dandelion tag here






3) A personalized candle - You can easily add a picture or drawing to a candle, and the result is adorable! You can find the simple "how to" here.




Let me know which one you like the best. I think the breakfast in bed in my favourite.

Happy Mother's Day!


Gina Bell
 (aka East Coast Mommy)


You might also be interested in the Mother's Day gift ideas here.

24 Days of Easy and Inexpensive HANDMADE Christmas Gifts

This year, I want to help you give thoughtful and budget-friendly gifts, so I'm sharing 24 days of HANDMADE Christmas gifts. I'll keep adding to this post every day of December, so keep coming back to check what's new. Click on the titles to see the step-by-step instructional videos, get all the DIY details, and grab the free tags.


DAY 1 - COZY CHRISTMAS MOVIE WATCHING KIT



DAY 2 - HOMEMADE SIMMER POT KITS


DAY 3 - DISPOSABLE DISHES AND FREE PUNNY TAGS



DAY 4 - ADORABLE EDIBLE GIFTS FOR ADULTS & KIDS (and FREE printable tags)




DAY 5 - DOLLAR STORE FRAME FILLED WITH TICKETS... FREE GIFT TAGS INCLUDED























Day 16 - A SMALL AND USEUL GIFT. PERECT ON ITS OWN OR PAIRED WITH A GIFT CARD


To download the "Mistletoe Ready" tags I designed (FOR FREE) - Click on the picture of the tags below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.
Day 17 - FUN WAY TO GIVE A GIFT CARD. It's super-easy to make, and you can find the step by step instructions here.



Day 18 - SHARING PLATE



Day 19 - SIMPLE CHARCUTERIE BOARD
















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)

Don't miss any of the fun....