Kindness Challenge -- instructions and a free printable download 😊 / #EastCoastMommyKindnessProject

There is a lot of negativity in the world, but you can always find kindness if you look for it. Today, I'm sharing a fun way to spread a bit of joy to your friends and your community. Take a look at this short video here for the details, and then, grab the FREE printable below. Fun, right???

*** Make sure to tag #EastCoastMommyKindnessProject so I can see what you did. 😊

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

If you have any trouble, just leave your email address in the comments below, and I'll send you one.

I hope you have as much fun with this as I did.

💗

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.)

2025 Graduation Party Favors -- with FREE printable tags

***UPDATED with 2025 tags***

I love a good party favor... especially if it's budget-friendly. So, when my son graduated last year, 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! (And for a closer look, take a look at the video I made here.)

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

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

To download these tags: 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 these tags: 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 these tags: 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 these tags: 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 these tags: 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 favorite. I think they are all pretty cute!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Unique and Budget-friendly DIY Graduation Candy Bar... with free signage and tags

***Updated with signs for 2025***

I love a good party DIY... and what's better than a DIY Candy Bar. Today, I'm sharing my tips and tricks for putting together a fantastic candy bar on a budget. I'm even including FREE printable signage and tags.

Take a peek at the video (below) for all the information you need to put together your own impressive and budget-friendly candy bar. Then, come back here and download the free signage and tags.

To download the 5x7 "Graduation is SWEET! Enjoy a Treat" sign I designed (below): click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 5x7 photo.

To download the 8x10 "A SWEET Ending to a New Beginning" sign I designed (below): click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.

To download the 8x10 "Graduation is SWEET Enjoy a Treat!" sign I designed (below): click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.

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

NEW budget-friendly (and useful!) DIY Valentine’s Day gifts & FREE Printables

I love a useful gift, don't you? There is nothing worse than spending money on things that are going to end up in the garbage (or addi clutter to a home). Today, I am sharing ALL NEW budget-friendly (and useful) DIY Valentine's Day gift ideas -- made from dollar store supplies! AND... I'm including printable tags you can download for FREE.

1) "I hope you get LUCKY" lotto ticket picture frame - A dollar store frame is the perfect way to share lottery tickets, and you can download the free gift tag I designed below. For a closer look at how I put this together, check out the video I made here.

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

2) Dollar store picture frame "to do" list - A dollar store frame, a custom backing, and a fun way to display a dry erase pen come together to make a fun and practical Valentine's Day gift. Get a closer look at how I made this in the video I made here.

3) "I love our friendCHIP" tags to add to cookies - These tags are great paired with store-bought (or homemade) cookies. And who doesn't love a yummy treat??? Download the tags below, and see how I used them in the video I made here.

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

4) Personalized picture Valentine's - These are so easy to make with dollar store suckers, glow sticks or pencils. Check out how I made them here.

Are you interested in a closer look at any of these budget-friendly (and useful!) DIY Valentine's Day gifts? 

Check out the video I made below...

Let me know your favourite Valentine's Day gift in the comments below. And, let me know if you'd like more ideas like this!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

The BEST Ideas for Ringing in 2025 / A SIMPLE New Year's Eve Celebration... including FREE printables

Hosting a family-friendly celebration can be the perfect way to ring in the new year. Today I'm sharing the BEST ideas for celebrating New Year's Eve at home... and FREE printables. (Don't forget to check out the short video at the end of this post!)

Activity Bags - I love making activity bags that can be opened each hour leading up to midnight. The bags can contain noisemakers, the supplies for a midnight toast, games, and more.

I love having one bag contain the items needed to set up a photo booth.

And including a year in review questionnaire for kids is fun too. 

To download a FREE copy of the one I designed: click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.

Special New Year's Eve Treat - To make this festive treat, simply add candies to the bottom of a wine glass and top with a decorated cupcake. Cute, right?!?

Adorable New Year's Eve Mocktail - To make this adorable beverage, add sparkling water, 7up, or sparkling wine to a champagne flute. Then, add a bit of cotton candy to the top, and insert a straw. Easy... and so much fun!

New Year's Eve Party Favours - Every party needs a party favour, and I have three simple options to share.

Breakfast for tomorrow - Add a tag to a small box of cereal or a pop tart.

To download the "breakfast for tomorrow" tags: click on the picture below, right-click, save it, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

Midnight Kisses - Add a tag to a little bag of Hershey kisses.

To download the "midnight kisses" tags: click on the picture below, right-click, save it, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

Rings to ring in the new year - Add a tag to candy rings.

To download the "ring in the new year" tags: click on the picture below, right-click, save it, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

To download the "bring some sparkle to 2025" tags: click on the picture below, right-click, save it, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.

For a closer look at my New Year's Eve ideas (and full instructions), check out the YouTube video I made here.

Will you be celebrating at home this year? I hope you find some of these ideas fun and helpful. Happy New Year!!!!

💗 

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)