Stocking Stuffer Idea {free printable}

Last week I shared a fun stocking stuffer idea -- free printable coupons that allow the recipient to stay up an additional 15 minutes at bedtime.  The coupons were such a hit that I decided to make another version -- a coupon for an extra story at bedtime.

To print the coupons, right-click on the picture above, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8X10 photo.

Fun, right?  I know my boys would love to find these in their stockings... and I'd love the extra cuddle time on the couch. ;-)

♥

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

5 Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids {with free downloadable templates}

It's not too late for a little Christmas crafting with the kids.  These 5 simple Christmas crafts are easy, inexpensive, and super-cute.

1)  Toilet roll tree - This little tree is totally adorable, and the toilet roll allows it to stand on its own.  Draw a simple tree shape onto cardstock, cut it out, color it, and add sparkly stickers.  Then, cut a piece of toilet roll for the tree trunk, cut a couple of slits halfway down the sides, and insert the decorated tree into the trunk.

2)  Santa beard - This Santa beard is just as fun to play with as it is to make.  Download the template here.  Then, cut out the beard, add a popsicle stick, and have the child cover the beard with cotton balls.

3) Gingerbread Man - This little ornament is adorable and easy to make.  Download the template here.  Then, have your little crafter decorate it with crayons, googly eyes, yarn scrapes, and buttons.

4) Tissue paper wreath - I love this simple tissue paper wreath, and it's a wonderful craft for the kids to do on their own (while you wrap some presents).  Cut a circle out of the centre of a paper plate, and then have the kids crumple tissue paper squares, dip the tissue paper in glue, and attach them to the wreath.

5) DIY gift bags - I love a practical craft, and these DIY gift bags are fantastic.  The kids can add a tree or reindeer to a plain brown bag (from the dollar store), and then use it to wrap a special Christmas gift.  

All 5 of these Christmas crafts are perfect for kids of any age.  I've done them all with larger groups too, and they are always a big hit!

Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Simple Neighbour Gift {Christmas Potpourri with free printable tags}

Just in time for the weekend -- a simple, last minute neighbour gift.  I absolutely love this easy and inexpensive DIY Christmas gift.

For the potpourri container: I started with a red plastic cup, used electrical tape to create a belt, and added a yellow button.

Then, I added a bag of potpourri (one orange, 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, 1 tbsp whole cloves, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 3 cinnamon sticks) and a cute gift tag.

To download the free printable tags: right click on the picture (below), save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4X6 photo.

Don't forget to make an extra package for yourself.  A pot of this potpourri simmering on the stove is guaranteed to make your house smell like Christmas.

I made a bunch of these packages, and my boys did a great job delivering them to our neighbours. 

Do you love this simple DIY Christmas gift as much as I do?  

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Homemade Christmas Card

I love a homemade Christmas card, and this one is easy to make, and it comes with a little gift for the recipient.  This simple photo card is the "class treat" my nine year old is giving to his friends this year.

This is a fantastic, easy, and inexpensive way to share holiday greetings with friends... and with one hour photo processing, it's a great last minute idea too!

Start by taking a picture of the child with his arm to the side and his hand in a fist.  Then, cut slits (with an X-Acto knife) above and below his fist.

Finish by slipping a treat through the slits.  We added a candy cane ornament, but you could add a real candy cane, glow stick, or Christmas pencil.  They would all be adorable!

I love this personalized homemade Christmas card, don't you?

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Polar Express Treat Bag {with free printable}

The Polar Express is one of our favorite Christmas books (and we love the movie too).  So, when I was trying to come up with little gifts for my 7 year old to share with his class this year, I decided to go with this adorable Polar Express treat bag.

Isn't it cute?  I bought gold bells at the dollar store, added ribbons, and attached "Believe" tags.  You can print the tags I designed by right-clicking on the picture (below), saving it to your computer, and printing it like a regular 4X6 photo.

I packaged the bells in bags with little boxes of "train" Smarties, but if you are concerned about sugar or allergies, you could just give out the bells.

What child wouldn't love to receive this adorable bell ornament?  I'm going to leave them on my boys' pillows on the night we have our annual Polar Express minivan adventure (which is one of my favorite Christmas traditions).

Do you love The Polar Express as much as we do?  What are some of your other favorite Christmas movies?

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Recycled Crayons for Christmas {gift for classmates}

My boys love to bring treats for their classmates at Christmas, but their school discourages parents from sending in sugary treats.  So... this year I came up with these adorable recycled crayons for my 5 year old to share with his friends.

To make the crayons, I used a silicon mold (that I found at the dollar store), and I followed the tutorial that you can find here.

Then, I put crayons and little notepads in clear cellophane bags, and I tied them up with cute personalized tags.  I think my son's friends are going to love these recycled crayons, don't you?

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Snowman Soup

My boys love making little gifts/treats to share with their friends.  A few days ago, they had some friends over, and we all made "snowman soup".

Adorable, right? I am sharing all the fun details over at CBC Parents today, so head on over and check out this fun project.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)