gift ideas

March 3, 2017 by Sydney Leave a Comment

Baby Shower Gift Guide

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There are so many fun things to give (and receive) at a baby shower sometimes the choices can be overwhelming. This gift guide will help you pick fun, unique gifts that any mom to be will love!

Having a baby is such an exciting time in a family’s life! From hearing that first heartbeat to finally being able to hold your sweet babe in your arms; it’s hard to pick the most exciting part. One of the more fun experiences is during that time is the baby shower. It’s so fun to gather with friends and family and celebrate your baby. Having had a few, and attended dozens, I’ve found there are some gifts that are more appreciated than others. Diapers are always a safe gift to give because every new mom is going to need diapers. But there are some fun options too! Take a look at a few of my favorite gifts that I have given and received.

Nursing Pillow- Getting the hang of feeding a new baby is tough; no matter if it’s your first baby or fifth. Nursing pillows make feeding time easier for both breast and bottle fed babies. Diapers.com has a great selection of nursing pillows and tips on how to best use each pillow.

Blankets- Not all blankets are created equally. I have boxes of receiving blankets I have never used because they just weren’t that useful. I do have two favorites that are not only pretty to look at but babies love them too.

Saranoni– These blankets are my absolute favorite…ever! They are so soft and keep babies (and the rest of the family) warm, but not too hot. And there are so many different colors and styles available. The mini are the smallest and are perfect for comfort blankets for babies. Then there is the receiving which are great for babies to cuddle with and sleep with (note: wait a few months to let babies sleep with big loose blankets to keep baby safe). My favorite blanket to gift though is the toddler-to-teen. It’s the perfect size to grow with babies for years.

Little Unicorn Muslin Blankets-I’ve bought several different brands of muslin blankets and these are by far the best. The patterns are gorgeous and my babies have all loved the feel of these compared to other brands.

Photo Prop Blankets– These are fun for taking baby’s monthly pictures to show how much they are growing. Oh Susannah just released a new line of these and they are adorable! Use code FRUGAL20 for 20% off your entire order!

Newborn Carrier- It’s great for a new baby’s healthy to be close to their mama. And having a wrap or carrier to hold baby in is good for both mom’s body and mind. Nesting Days Carriers are designed to be like a second womb for new babies. You can get a $10 pre-order discount if you order 4-6 weeks early AND use code TASTEFULLYFRUGAL for $5 off any order.

Baby Shoes– There is nothing that gets more “Aahs” and “How Cute” at baby showers than baby shoes. There is just something about those sweet little things that make even the toughest guys turn a little sappy. With Mahle I have bought several different styles and brands but my favorite by far are the moccasins and boots from SweetNSwag. I love how many styles they have, the Mocc Boots are my favorite, and they are soft on baby’s feet. They are made from quality leather materials and are a fraction of the price of other brands.

Books- Another favorite gift at baby showers are books. You can never have too many books, in my opinion, and it’s always fun to share your favorite (and your kids’ favorites) with moms to be. We have loved building our library with Bookroo (you can read more about it here) and this is one gift you can give a new mom that keeps on giving.

Teething Necklace- Babies are a lot like puppies when they start to get teeth. Even months before teeth break through the drooling begins and they start to chew on everything. Teething necklaces are great because they give baby something to chew on but add a little style to mom’s wardrobe too.

Fun & Unique Gifts- I love giving gifts that are unique and something that will make mom smile, even after being up all night with a baby. Oh Susannah makes some of the softest pillow cases with super cute sayings (I have Just One More Chapter and it may be my favorite). They also offer pillowcases you can color, kids pillowcases, couple pillowcases and more. Use code FRUGAL20 to get 20% off your order

No matter what you give a new mama she will be sure to love it! What is your favorite gift to take to baby showers?

This post is a partenership with Nakturnal Network and it’s advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

February 28, 2017 by Sydney 4 Comments

25 DIY Wedding Ideas With Cricut

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Save money on centerpieces, gifts, invitations and more for your wedding with your Cricut machine.

It’s officially wedding season. Really I think all year is wedding season but now seems to be the time when a lot of people are planning their weddings. From the invitations to the location, to the caterer and DJ and everything in between, there is a never ending list of things that goes into planning a wedding. And all these things can add up really quickly. If you’re planning a wedding on a budget, or even if you’re not but want to do some of the things yourself, the Cricut Explore Air will be your wedding BFF. Check out some of the projects you can make with it below!

Invitations

Turquoise and Coral Invitations from Tastefully Frugal

Photo Envelope Liners from Glamour and Grace

Floral Wedding Invitations from Love Nuggets

For The Bridal Shower

Mini Wedding Dress Bunting Banner from Something Turquoise

Bridal Shower Coffee Cozies from Tidewater and Tulle

Miss to Mrs. Banner from Mission To Save

Bachelorette Crafts from Coastal Kelder

Wedding Day Countdown Chalkboard from No. 2 Pencil

For The Bridal Party

Personalized Wedding Hangers from Coastal Kelder

Wedding Guest Gift Bag from Lydi Out Loud

Flower Girl and Ring Bearer Shirts from Average But Inspired

Thank You Bottles from Tom Kat Studios

For The Ceremony

Wedding Hand Fans from It Happens In A Blink

DIY Wedding Shoes from Something Turquoise

Ring For A Kiss Cowbell from Something Turquoise

Mini Wedding Tissue Boxes From Something Turquoise

For The Reception

Personalized Etched Wine Glasses from Crafty Blog Stalker

Calligraphy Marble Place Cards from A Coastal Bride

Reception Seating Chart from Tidewater and Tulle

Donut Dessert Bar Banner from Something Turquoise

Leather Utensil Sleeves from Tidewater and Tulle

Mr. & Mrs. Wedding Chair Signs from Lia Griffith

Gift Ideas

Yours and Mine Pillowcases from Salty Canary

Newlywed Gift Tote from Artsy Fartsy Mama

Gold Foil Heart Plate and Mr. & Mrs. Mugs from The DIY Mommy

What are you most excited about planning for your wedding? Check back on Monday for 50 ways you can use mason jars in your wedding!

May 4, 2016 by Sydney Leave a Comment

Initial Pencil Pot Teacher Gift

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Create this fun and functional gift for any teacher in your life.

There is no more important job in the world (other than being a mom or dad 😉 ) than a teacher. Teachers do so much more than just teach. They are a shoulder to lean on, one of your biggest cheerleaders and can teach us some of life’s most valuable lessons. Even though teachers can shape little ones’ lives in such a significant way they are often under appreciated. With the end of the school year approaching I’ve put together some easy, meaningful gifts any teacher will love to receive and the best part…they won’t break your bank account. We’ll start with these cute little pencil holders.

I never realized how much teachers spent on school supplies until I went shopping a few years back with a teacher friend of mine. She was stocking up on everything from crayons to glue to paper. Apparently most teachers have to pay for a good portion of their supplies out of their own pocket. So I thought why not make a gift that is not only fun but also helps lighten the load for our teachers. It’s super easy to make too!

Supplies:

Terra Cotta Pot (I picked up a 3″ pot at Western Gardens for $1.29)

Decorative Vase Stones (I picked these up at Michael’s for $1.79)

Pencils (Target’s Dollar Spot is my favorite spot to shop! I picked this pack up for $1)

FREE Floral Initial cut out using Cricut Explore Air

Vinyl

Thanks For Making Me So Sharp Tag (Print yours here)

Bakers Twine (I usually by mine from Jane or Groopdealz when they are on sale)

Directions:

Measure front of terra cotta pot (Mine was about 2″x 2″).

Size initial cut out in Cricut Design Studio to be a little smaller (I did this one at 1.8″ x 1.8″).

Cut out design in vinyl.

Apply to terra cotta pot.

Pour stones into pot.

Stick pencils into stones.

Attach tag to pot with bakers twine.

Now your teacher can have a jump start on next years’ supplies AND she also has a cute pencil holder; or a cute pot to put whatever else she would like in! What’s your favorite way to say thank you to the teachers in your life?

Check out these other end of the teacher gifts:

Thanks For Helping Me Grow

DIY Monogram Can Koozies

Because Of You I’m One Smart Cookie

Sweet Treat Gift Card Holder

Want to learn more about the Cricut machine and have a chance to win one?! Come celebrate Cricut’s 10th MARVELous Anniversary Tuesday, May 10th from 6PM-8PM at Cricut Headquarters:

10855 S River Front Pkwy, South Jordan, UT 84095

Free food, crafts and fun. Dress up as your favorite super hero for a chance to win one of 10 Cricut Explores! Captain America and Iron Man will be making an appearance too! For more details click here.

March 11, 2016 by Sydney Leave a Comment

Thanks For Helping Me Grow Teacher Gift

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Thank the teachers in your life with these easy gift that only costs $1.

Being a teacher is a hard job. The countless hours spent in the classroom and at home preparing lessons, grading papers, mentoring kids and more. And they make such an impact on our kids’ lives. There are two teachers I remember in particular that really helped me through some tough times and I don’t know if I would be the same person I am today if it wasn’t for them.

As much as I’d like to be able to give every teacher spa vacation getaways, it’s just not possible (and definitely isn’t in the budget). But when I was at Target the other day picking up a few things, and by a few I mean I went in for two things and walked out with a cart full of stuff, I saw these little flower planting kits in the Dollar Spot. It’s actually called Bullseye’s Playground now but I’m so used to calling it the Dollar Spot I don’t know if I’ll ever change.

I picked up three flowers , they also had peppers and herbs, and was off to explore the rest of the store. When I got home I got out some bakers’ twine (which I also got at the Dollar Spot on a previous trip) and made these cute little labels. Then I used a hole punch to make a hole to put the twine through in the tag and tied it to the little plant. Target also has a ton of other cute garden accessories like gloves, shovels and even little garden gnomes in Bullseye’s Playground too!Print your tags here.

These little gifts are a great way to tell your kids’ teachers thanks for all they do without spending a fortune. Give them to them now or wait until the end of the year. How do you like telling your kids’ teachers thanks?

Need some more gift inspiration? Check out these other ideas:

Personalized Pencil Holder

Smart Cookie Gift Idea

DIY Monogram Can Koozies

Sweet Treat Gift Card Holder

December 22, 2015 by Sydney 1 Comment

DIY Recipe Dish Towels

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias Inc. and it’s advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SendHallmark #CollectiveBias

Create a memorable and sentimental gift in minutes and for only a few dollars.

What does Christmas day look like in your family? We usually spend Christmas morning home unwrapping gifts, then go to my parent’s house in the afternoon and have dinner with my husband’s family in the evening. This year though things are going to be a little different since my mother-in-law’s passing in August. Our loss has left a big void in our hearts and holiday so I wanted to do something for my husband’s siblings (and myself) to help fill that void.

One of our most loved traditions that she started was making gingerbread houses. Every November we would all get together (which was no easy feat with 6 kids and their families not to mention the cousins and extended family that came too) and have an early Thanksgiving dinner and make gingerbread houses. I still remember decorating my first gingerbread at her house and how much fun it was. It’s a tradition we are most definitely keeping alive with our kids.

She looked long and hard for “her” gingerbread recipe and made that recipe for years. When we were going through her things after she passed I managed to get a hand written copy of that recipe and knew just what I could do with it to keep the tradition alive for everyone’s family. For Christmas this year I turned that recipe in to dish towels and will be giving one to each of my husband’s five siblings. They were really easy to make (and super affordable too) and this simple gift is the perfect gift to give to any loved one, any time of year.

Supplies:

Tea towel or thin dish towel

Sharpie

Hand written recipe

Tape

Clothing Iron

Directions:

Scan your recipe into your computer and print a copy out (you want to do this so that you don’t accidentally ruin it if your Sharpie bleeds through. I didn’t have this issue on any of mine but just in case).

Tape your recipe to the back side of your towel.

With your Sharpie trace the recipe on to the towel.

Run a warm iron over the print to protect it from coming off in the wash (Ours will probably never be washed since they will be more decor than actual use but it was a good step to really help the ink set in.)

You may notice the recipe on this towel isn’t for gingerbread but for snickerdoodles. Her recipe is a “secret family recipe” and I have been asked not to share it yet so I used my mom’s snickerdoodle recipe for this tutorial.

I also wanted to include something for each sibling letting them know how much they mean to our family. When I was at Walmart picking up wrapping paper and a few other things I stopped by the Hallmark card section and spent some time browsing. I found some really great cards. I even found a few that would have been perfect to give my mother-in-law; I’m sure people thought I was crazy bawling in the gift card section. I was lucky enough to also find these $2 off 3 cards coupon to which really helped out when buying so many cards. If your store doesn’t have these you can print a $1 off coupon at the end of this post.

Do you still have some more holiday wrapping and crafting to do? Keep your spirits bright with Hallmark’s Pandora Station. And don’t forget, Click here to save $1.00 off of a two Hallmark Greeting Card purchase at Walmart, minimum $1.00 purchase required. Take advantage of the savings and #SendHallmark this holiday season!

December 12, 2015 by Sydney Leave a Comment

Gift Ideas for Infants

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Great list of gift ideas for infants and babies including Huggies diapers and more!

With only two weeks until Christmas we are in full blown gift buying mode. Some people are easy to shop for, like the five year olds whose list is as long as they are tall, while others can be more difficult, like husbands. But the hardest people to shop for are the ones who can’t talk. It may seem easy to shop for babies, get them some toys, a stuffed animal, and call it good. But I know, after having two Christmases back to back with children under 1, buying toys for babies is a lost cause.

We bought gifts for my boys, had gifts given to us from friends and family and learned what worked and what didn’t work. I’ve found the number one gift you can give any child under the age of 1 is a big, empty box. This may sound strange but believe me there is nothing little ones love more than a big box they can play in. And it’s a great way to let their imaginations grow.

But why just give an empty box. There is no better gift you can give a parent of a baby than diapers. And not just any diapers, Huggies Diapers. We’ve used other diaper brands before and Huggies is the only brand we trust. And the best place I’ve found to buy Huggies is Sam’s Club. Not only are they less expensive but they make it easy for busy mom’s with their Club Pickup.

So, big box of diapers is gift idea number one. But what else can you give little ones for gifts? A few more of my boys’ favorites have been board books, music and educational DVDs, snacks (a favorite is applesauce packets) and teething rings. These are all gifts that infants love but are also beneficial for parents as well.

Do you have babies or infants you’re buying for this holiday season? To make those gift buying trips easier, especially during the busy rush of the season, check out Club Pickup at Sam’s Club.

November 12, 2014 by Sydney 2 Comments

Gift Basket For Your Best Friend AND Man’s Best Friend

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Happy Wednesday! The holidays are quickly approaching and I am trying to be more organized this year. I’m also trying to be more frugal AND more giving. I’ve started working on homemade gift ideas that I can make quickly (think 2 young boys trying to “help” every step of the way) and that people will actually enjoy receiving. I have a lot of animal lovers in my life and wanted to make a special treat for not only my human friends but their fur babies too! I was thrilled when Katie at Clarks Condensed asked me to be part of her holiday gift series. I knew this was just the gift to share!