Here is a list of gifts you can make yourself.
1. Make yourself into a funny bookmark-
We liked making these, would be good for slipping into a card, or a book to give as a gift. http://www.creativefamilymoments.com/awesome-homemade-bookmarks-with-tassels/
2. Shirt with drawing on it from child-
This is a good one for kids to do to give as a gift. They draw on sandpaper with crayons, then iron it onto a white shirt and put in the dryer to set. We enjoyed this one and was a lot of excitement from little one when giving a gift that he made himself. The crayon does spread a little onto other parts of the shirt in the dryer, so it doesn't come out perfect, but still is nice.
http://alphamom.com/family-fun/crafts/sandpaper-printed-t-shirt/
3. Mind puzzles-
These are a great little present for someone who likes puzzles. Can be made a variety of ways depending on what materials you have. Popcicle craft sticks, cardboard, wood, whatever you can think of.
Wedding Rings Rope Puzzle: We made this one with plastic Popsicle sticks, thick shoelace like string, a hole punch, and beads. It looks nice and has withstood many uses and is still going strong. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkGI9rHIGZk
Rope Puzzle: We also made this puzzle. Again with plastic popcicle sticks, thick shoelace like string, and plastic beads. This site does not have directions on how to make it, but shows you the puzzle, and after seeing it, it is is fairly simple to make just from looks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzupFZAShDk
Spider Rope Puzzle: This one is a bit more complicated. We were able to make one with a metal jar lid and a metal key chain type ring. Ours doesn't look as nice, but is still usable. http://www.instructables.com/id/Spider-web-for-Halloween/
4. Adult Coloring Book-
This hilarious web site has pages you can print out and compile into your own adult coloring book, or you can buy the book for $8.55 on amazon. It also has a holiday and college edition for sale. Or you can pick and choose what you want and print what is available online for free. http://coloringforgrownups.com/
Sewing:
5. Bean bag chair-
I have made one of these myself, they turn out quite nicely and the directions are easy to follow. The filling can get expensive, so might want to figure that part out first before starting.
http://interior-design.wonderhowto.com/how-to/make-bean-bag-chair-for-your-dorm-with-threadbanger-280671/
6. Chef Hat and Apron-
Another great threadbanger tutorial. I have made several of the chef hats for my child to play with, they are very easy to make, and turn out nice. I found the apron to be a bit more difficult and only made one child, and one adult, mine didn't turn out as nice but you might be better. I have found child size aprons at dollar tree, so it is just often easier to buy that part. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnm3Int7isk
7. Sock Monkey-
A classic that can be made by hand or with machine. All you need is a pair of socks, thread, and perhaps buttons for eyes-but not necessary. There are patterns all over the internet, just browse and choose one that strikes your fancy. I made one by hand, it is fairly easy, took one evening to start and complete. Cost $1 for the socks
8. Super Hero Cape-
These again are an easy one, and fun to get the kids involved in making. All you need is a large plain t-shirt, Velcro, and cloth paints. When we made ours we found everything we needed at Dollar Tree including the shirts-these aren't always available there though. Cut off the sleeves then the side you aren't using keeping the neck in tact, then snip the neck in the middle add stick on Velcro-should reinforce the Velcro by sewing around or it won't last, and decorate how ever you want with shirt paints or iron on patches. Total cost $3
http://www.instructables.com/id/Super-Hero-Cape-from-a-T-shirt/
Monday, July 6, 2015
Here is a list of my favorites
1. Credit Card Knife
These neat little gadgets are a great present for any adult male who carries a wallet. They are the size and thickness of a credit card and unfold to reveal a small knife. Credit Card Knives are easily found online, and can range between 25 cents and 20 dollars. Most can reasonably expect to pay around 2.50 to 3 dollars. Just make sure you take into account the time needed for it to be sent in the mail, some sellers are overseas and can take extra time. If you buy in a store instead of online expect to pay 10-20 dollars.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=credit+card+knife
2. Stainless Steel Travel Collapsible Cup
These little cups are great to have in your purse, on your key chain, or just in your bag for drinks when you are away from home. Great for everyone. Kids think they are fun, adults like them so they don't have to drink from the water fountain, camping, picnics, and they are great for taking medicine. Should be able to pick one of these up from 3-8 dollars.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=stainless+steel+collapsable+cup&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Astainless+steel+collapsable+cup
3. Brass Compass
Fun for outdoor explorers, or kids learning or fun. These brass compasses look nice without breaking the bank. Start around $1.13 up to $30, a decently priced one would be 3 to 5 dollars.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=brass+compass&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Abrass+compass
4. Brass Mini Telescope
These are more for kids to play, or display. Not great magnification power. Any little pirate would enjoy receiving this cool collapsible telescope. With an impressive look, it comes in a little wooden box and has a leather handle. Cost $7.48
http://www.amazon.com/Handheld-Brass-Telescope-Wooden-Box/dp/B000YFSZU8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1436226015&sr=8-3&keywords=telescope
5. Slush Mug
These mugs have a detachable inside that you store in the freezer, then later put in the mug shell, add your drink and stir. Takes around 5 minutes to slush a drink. Great for kids and adults who like slushes. These are about $14 or cheaper if you buy a multi-pack
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=slush+mug
6. Choose your own adventure books
Remember the intrigue and excitement as you choose which fate would fall upon you in the choose your own adventure books as a child? These books provide great entertainment as you read and re-read to choose a different adventure. Could be a great nostalgic book for grownups, or a great way to love reading for kids. You may be surprised to find there are some written for teens and adults too. These range in price depending on the book you choose. There was even a free one for kindle download, physical books seem to start at $6 and go up, many children's ones come in sets for around $18.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_24?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=choose+your+own+adventure&sprefix=choose+your+own+adventur%2Caps%2C321
Here is the free one for adults, well was at least free today, no promises for the future:
http://www.amazon.com/Dreamland-Superego-choose-adventure-comedy-ebook/dp/B010E4V65O/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436228130&sr=1-1&keywords=choose+your+own+adventure
7. Nail Wraps
These are fun for teens and adults. Can do your nails from home with professional designs without the mess of nail polish. From 2 to 20 dollars. I have even spotted these for sale at dollar tree on occasion.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dbeauty&field-keywords=nail+wraps&rh=n%3A3760911%2Ck%3Anail+wraps
8. A nice tea assortment
Almost everyone drinks tea on some occasion. This is a gift that will most likely get used. Some good ones to include would be chamomile for drinking when ill, sleepy time tea for before bed relaxation, a black tea -like chai for waking up, the list of possibilities is endless. Pair with some cookies or chocolate and you have a nice gift. Prices vary with what you purchase and how much. They range from $2.50 a box to $7 usually at grocery stores. Or online you can buy gift assortments starting at 10 dollars and up. For even fancier, can venture into loose leaf tea but might need to include a tea strainer.
-A variation along the same line would be a kool aide assortment, soda, or hot chocolate assortment, coffee, candy bar assortment etc.
9. Bag/Box/Jar of Boredom
Buy a bunch of small fun things that you wrap up individually and put in your nice bag/box/jar and put a label on the outside stating that it is a Bag of Boredom. Each time the recipient is bored and in need to be amused, to open one item for a few minutes of entertainment. Party City has a large amount of fun things to include. In the store near us they have a section in the back where you can just buy one of each item ranging from 5 cents to one dollar, and don't have to buy a whole bag. Some of my favorites are the mini barrel of monkeys, mini rubic cube, Chinese yo-yo, bubbles, cup and ball, whistles, and poppers. If you don't have a Party city a lot of big box stores have a party section where you can buy the small toys, but usually have to buy in the bags of many, 5 below and Dollar Tree are also good places to look. It is also fun to include a few with redbox movie rental codes -can buy online at their website scroll all the way to the bottom and click redbox gifts or sometimes find free ones online. Price varies again depending on how much and what you buy. Good for all ages.
10. Uno and/or Skipbo card game
These are fun for both kids and adults and provide hours of fun. The original Uno can be bought online or in stores and is around $6. Skipbo is $7.09 at walmart.com and can range in price elsewhere online.
These neat little gadgets are a great present for any adult male who carries a wallet. They are the size and thickness of a credit card and unfold to reveal a small knife. Credit Card Knives are easily found online, and can range between 25 cents and 20 dollars. Most can reasonably expect to pay around 2.50 to 3 dollars. Just make sure you take into account the time needed for it to be sent in the mail, some sellers are overseas and can take extra time. If you buy in a store instead of online expect to pay 10-20 dollars.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=credit+card+knife
2. Stainless Steel Travel Collapsible Cup
These little cups are great to have in your purse, on your key chain, or just in your bag for drinks when you are away from home. Great for everyone. Kids think they are fun, adults like them so they don't have to drink from the water fountain, camping, picnics, and they are great for taking medicine. Should be able to pick one of these up from 3-8 dollars.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=stainless+steel+collapsable+cup&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Astainless+steel+collapsable+cup
3. Brass Compass
Fun for outdoor explorers, or kids learning or fun. These brass compasses look nice without breaking the bank. Start around $1.13 up to $30, a decently priced one would be 3 to 5 dollars.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=brass+compass&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Abrass+compass
4. Brass Mini Telescope
These are more for kids to play, or display. Not great magnification power. Any little pirate would enjoy receiving this cool collapsible telescope. With an impressive look, it comes in a little wooden box and has a leather handle. Cost $7.48
http://www.amazon.com/Handheld-Brass-Telescope-Wooden-Box/dp/B000YFSZU8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1436226015&sr=8-3&keywords=telescope
5. Slush Mug
These mugs have a detachable inside that you store in the freezer, then later put in the mug shell, add your drink and stir. Takes around 5 minutes to slush a drink. Great for kids and adults who like slushes. These are about $14 or cheaper if you buy a multi-pack
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=slush+mug
6. Choose your own adventure books
Remember the intrigue and excitement as you choose which fate would fall upon you in the choose your own adventure books as a child? These books provide great entertainment as you read and re-read to choose a different adventure. Could be a great nostalgic book for grownups, or a great way to love reading for kids. You may be surprised to find there are some written for teens and adults too. These range in price depending on the book you choose. There was even a free one for kindle download, physical books seem to start at $6 and go up, many children's ones come in sets for around $18.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_24?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=choose+your+own+adventure&sprefix=choose+your+own+adventur%2Caps%2C321
Here is the free one for adults, well was at least free today, no promises for the future:
http://www.amazon.com/Dreamland-Superego-choose-adventure-comedy-ebook/dp/B010E4V65O/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436228130&sr=1-1&keywords=choose+your+own+adventure
7. Nail Wraps
These are fun for teens and adults. Can do your nails from home with professional designs without the mess of nail polish. From 2 to 20 dollars. I have even spotted these for sale at dollar tree on occasion.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dbeauty&field-keywords=nail+wraps&rh=n%3A3760911%2Ck%3Anail+wraps
8. A nice tea assortment
Almost everyone drinks tea on some occasion. This is a gift that will most likely get used. Some good ones to include would be chamomile for drinking when ill, sleepy time tea for before bed relaxation, a black tea -like chai for waking up, the list of possibilities is endless. Pair with some cookies or chocolate and you have a nice gift. Prices vary with what you purchase and how much. They range from $2.50 a box to $7 usually at grocery stores. Or online you can buy gift assortments starting at 10 dollars and up. For even fancier, can venture into loose leaf tea but might need to include a tea strainer.
-A variation along the same line would be a kool aide assortment, soda, or hot chocolate assortment, coffee, candy bar assortment etc.
9. Bag/Box/Jar of Boredom
Buy a bunch of small fun things that you wrap up individually and put in your nice bag/box/jar and put a label on the outside stating that it is a Bag of Boredom. Each time the recipient is bored and in need to be amused, to open one item for a few minutes of entertainment. Party City has a large amount of fun things to include. In the store near us they have a section in the back where you can just buy one of each item ranging from 5 cents to one dollar, and don't have to buy a whole bag. Some of my favorites are the mini barrel of monkeys, mini rubic cube, Chinese yo-yo, bubbles, cup and ball, whistles, and poppers. If you don't have a Party city a lot of big box stores have a party section where you can buy the small toys, but usually have to buy in the bags of many, 5 below and Dollar Tree are also good places to look. It is also fun to include a few with redbox movie rental codes -can buy online at their website scroll all the way to the bottom and click redbox gifts or sometimes find free ones online. Price varies again depending on how much and what you buy. Good for all ages.
10. Uno and/or Skipbo card game
These are fun for both kids and adults and provide hours of fun. The original Uno can be bought online or in stores and is around $6. Skipbo is $7.09 at walmart.com and can range in price elsewhere online.
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