1 - gift giving 101
One of my 2011 new year resolutions is: to be a better gift giver. This is the 3rd year that I've said that I was going do this and failed. So now it's time to make it happen!
I always have fun doing gift swaps and giving wonderful gifts to people I hardly know.
A gift I gave for a secret Santa swap.
Then when it's a relative's or good friend's bday I FREAK. I think, "I gotta get them the best gift ever!" And, I think that the day before their birthday. Then... I'm out of time and broke.
So to ensure that I do my gift giving resolution properly I'm committing to doing a gift giving 101 blog series. Hopefully this will inspire you.
GIFT GIVING TIPS
1. PLAN AHEAD.
Don't let your FaceBook birthday alerts tell you that it's your friend's or aunt's birthday the day of the event.
I've taken advantage of my FaceBook birthday calendar and I've put them in my iPhone calendar. I made alarms two days before the event just in case I forget.
PLANNING: I only have two January birthdays. I keep those people in the back of my mind as I'm out and about running errands. So if I'm in Target and I see something cute I can check my calendar and get it for them, or mark it down for someone's birthday next month.
2. MAKE IT AFFORDABLE.
Planning ahead does make gift giving more affordable. If you wait 'til the day of someone's birthday you wind up getting a $35 item at Anthropologie that you rushed in and bought. Where is the heart in that?
If you start 3-2 weeks ahead you can get 3-4 smaller items for $20 and make a nice and thoughtful gift package.
3. GIFT PACKAGE
Who doesn't like to receive a care package in the mail?
My gift giving technique is based on that feeling you get when you received that care package from mom when you were in college.
A little package of 3-4 items that coordinate together is much more meaningful than one large gift item.
4. WHAT TO GET?
a. Start with something small. You may see something on sale at Anthropologie. A vintage item at an antique store. Or you may find something on your shampoo errand to Target.
This item may be your start to your gift theme.
- subject
- color
b. Subject.
Is your care package food related? Spa, crafty kit, etc.?
A gift I gave in the Coloriffic Swap-o-rama.
c. Start a color theme?
A color story makes a lovely presentation.
d. Make something.
I know you gals are crafty. A handmade item made by yourself will make the gift very special.
5. PACKAGING
You have collected all of these treasures for your gift package. Now you should make a nice gift presentation. In my book a beautifully wrapped gift is almost better than what's inside!
Of course you can get more creative if you're not mailing the gift. Check out my gift wrapping inspiration board for ideas.
MY 1st GIFT OF 2011
It was my aunt's birthday on January 2nd.
I haven't talked to her in awhile and I was just going to send her a card. Whew... the fact that I made it to the store to get a Hallmark card was a miracle. I didn't think my 2011 gift giving was going start so soon!
But I thought, "just a card sucks."
I was in CVS picking up a prescription and I also got her an Oprah magazine. I thought that an inspirational 2011 magazine was thoughtful and would kickstart her year.
I was going to put the items in a envelope and mail them. Then I thought, "hey... I need to wrap this."
So I fished around in my craft supplies to see what I had. Brown tissue paper and a yellow ribbon to match the card was perfect.
Then I decided to put a nice gift tag on it.
DIY - REUSABLE CHALKBOARD GIFT TAGS
I had some chipboard gift tags from the local scrapbooking store. 
I used some chalkboard spraypaint and sprayed both sides.
I did a few extra to have on hand.
The chipboard that doesn't have any print works best. As you can see the chalkboard isn't even on the printed side. So get the plain chipboard.
Write what you want on the tag and attach it to gift. It erases too! (I hope it doesn't rub off in the mailing envelope).
Voilà!
My aunt got her gift in the mail on Monday, the day after her birthday. And she loved it!
My next birthday event is January 20th. My cousin's 13th birthday! I'll be back then with what I gave.
TOTAL GIFT COST = about $7 with shipping
Jeanee
Reader Comments (9)
Little chip board tip...if you hit the edges with an emery board or sanding block it will take those little nubs off the edges (you know the ones from the pop-out chipboard sets).
Happy crafting to you!
Ellie