Gift Planning: Pick a Theme and Start Planning

Today is July 5th, which means we are just 5 days over the half-way mark of the year. For me, I think July is a good time to reflect and to refocus on what you want for the second half of the year. Do you want more time with family? Do you want more vacations? Do you want to be more creative and craft more? Whatever it is that you want to accomplish, you have to take time to refocus, and to begin to lay the foundation for the rest of the year. Summer is busy, life is busy, and time is fleeting. Plus we live with this concept of plenty of time until it is all gone and we are left with scraps, unable to fully enjoy the moment. July, and summer in general, for me is a time to reflect on the year, to think about the second half of the year's gifts/events, and to refocus on what I want to accomplish. Today, the primary focus is on the gifts and events that are on the horizon for the rest of the year.

I don't know if this is just me, but I really like to think of a theme when I am giving gifts. If you have read any of my Christmas preparation posts then you know that establishing a theme is what focuses me and allows me to make critical decisions about content. Choosing a theme isn't always easy when it comes to giving a gift, but I try to start with one item I know they need or that they want. For my cousin's baby shower I chose Goofy because I knew she has loved Goofy since she was a little girl. I then utilized Google to further refine the desired contents of my gift and decided upon a Goofy outfit, which I would crochet for her. I explored various options, but decided for the time constraints that I had I would combine store bought items, such as a onesie, and handmade items, such as the beanie, diaper cover, and booties. I then added to the outfit by including another handmade item, a Goofy hat for her, and a store bought item, a Goofy plushie for her baby. The gift itself was small, but it was well-thought out and took a lot of time so I don't want anyone to think that size should matter in determining a gift for someone. 

My cousin's baby shower is just one example of how I use a theme to help decide upon and execute a gift for someone, but I can't state enough how helpful it is to have a theme. As I spend today reflecting on the remaining events this year, I am thinking of themes and planning gifts, all of which include handmade aspects. The best part about a theme and advance planning is that I get to compile the gift as I go along and in this way the gift is well thought out. I am able to find things I wouldn't have been able to find last minute or I am able to find unique items from my adventures and travels that you just can't find near the gift recipient. In a previous post on  gifts I shared an idea for storing gifts, both gifts for last minute events and for the pieces of themed gifts. Using a photo storage box I am able to store most of the items I will use for gift giving. Right now my box is full of various items that can used for last minute gifts or incorporated in Christmas, such as various lotions, perfumes, and an assortment of notepads. I also have a Hello Kitty wallet and a 49ers scarf that are reserved for specific recipients. 

My most helpful tip for gift planning is picking a theme, but I know that it can be just as overwhelming to organize your thoughts after picking a theme so here are some additional tips. 

Gift Planning

1. I created a table, shown right, that allows me to write down all of my ideas and needs when gift planning. The table is explained in tips 2-5, listed below. The table includes a generic row and then a specific row with a real example of a gift I am planning.
2. Decide on a spending limit. It is important to decide on a spending limit or you will be tempted to buy more. Making a budget isn't fun, but it will save you regret later. 
3. Decide if you want to make anything and then remember to factor in the supplies you need as part of your budget. It might not seem like you are spending that much, but the cost of supplies adds up quick.
4. If you decide that you will be making a part of a person's gift then you need to realistically determine how much time you need to finish the gift. Remember to give yourself extra time because accidents happen and there are days when you just don't feel like working on it. 
5. Brainstorm categories or types of items you want to include in your gift. If your theme is sports then you might write down sports gear or an athlete's autograph. This isn't a shopping list, but a way of helping you focus when you are looking at these types of items. 

Quick Gifts: Tag Blankets

This year's April showers seem to be more baby than rain with several babies being born this year. I want to make each baby in my life a special gift, but sometimes I find out about the shower last minute or run out of time before the shower. When this happens my go to handmade gift is a tag blanket. I always pair these blankets with something else, whether another handmade gift or something off of their registry. These blankets are easily customized to match the nursery theme or colors, while also being a great gift for baby. I have taken pictures of the most common mistakes people make to illustrate what not to do so your tag blanket will be the best blanket ever.

Mistake #1: Use pins!

Materials needed are fabric in color of choice (fat quarters work great for this project, you'll need 2), matching ribbon, and a sewing machine or needle and thread. An optional material is crinkle paper/fabric (the material in baby toys that make the crinkle sound).

Cut out two pieces of fabric to desired size; 12 x 12 is a good size for baby. 

If using a crinkle paper/fabric cut the material 1/2 inch smaller than your fabric so 11.5 x 11.5. 

Decide how many pieces of ribbon you want on all sides. 

Cut ribbon 3-4 inches in length. 

Create a loop in the ribbon, right side out, and pin the ends together. For easiest assembly, this step is totally optional, adhere the ends of the ribbon together with fabric glue. 

Mistake #2: Ribbon should
Be right side out

Fabric should be right sides together, pin a square in the middle, but away from the edges.

Insert the ribbon in between fabric pieces and pin all pieces together. Remove pin in ribbon before inserting in fabric.

Continue in this method until all ribbon has been pinned into place. 

Using larger or different colored pins, pin a start and stop sew point on the top layer of fabric. Start at the first pin and sew around the squares of fabric until you reach the end pin. Be sure to back stitch at the beginning and end. 

Mistake #3: Sew through all layers!

Periodically make sure you're sewing through all layers of fabric and ribbon. At end point, remove any pins left in fabric, cut thread, and turn inside out. Finish sewing the square, folding ends of fabric into gap between fabrics, and cut thread. 

These tag blankets are so easy to make and take almost no time to create. From start to finish I was able to make 2 of these blankets in 5 minutes. The second blanket I decided to add a corner ring for attaching baby toys. Adding this ring in the corner was tricky, but turned out really cute and will be a great gift for baby. Since these blankets are so easy to make advanced and intermediate sewers can experiment with additional designs. The shape of the blanket can be changed or embellishments can be sewn on to the front of the blanket. A quilted front would take longer, but would have a strong impact on the baby's parents.

If you decide to make these tag blankets, be sure to leave pictures in the comments below. And if you want me to make these blankets in another shape or with a quilted front, comment below.

Organizational Tips: Gifts

The last few months I have talked a lot about gift giving planning as well as gift ideas that are quick and easy to make ahead of time for last minute emergency gifts, but I haven't talked about how to store/organize these gifts. This week's tips are are devoted to organizing and storing gifts. I have gifts for specific people in my life, birthdays or other celebrations, as well as emergency gifts for unexpected events. These gifts are stored together while gifts for Christmas are stored separately. I store Christmas gifts separately because the gifts only really need to be accessed once a year while other gifts are constantly being used throughout the year. If you have a large family consider storing each person's gifts separately.

Tip #1: Store gifts in storage bins, boxes, and baskets. Choose your storage so that it matches other storage in your craft area. If you have snoopers then blending it with your storage is great, but also consider not labeling the boxes or bins. I chose photo boxes that matched my craft storage. Currently I have 4 photo boxes devoted to gift storage: family gifts that are small, emergency gifts for unexpected celebrations or events, charity donations, and Etsy sales. Granted charity donations and Etsy sales are not traditionally gifts, but I have stored them with my gifts because I access these boxes the same amount and they are typically the same type of things stored. 

Optional Tip: Large gifts can be stored in larger bins or baskets, but don't go overboard. The majority of my gift storage is meant for smaller gifts because that is the majority of the gifts I ended up storing for long periods of time. However, frequently some aspect of the gift is usually larger than what will fit in my photo box. I don't really have storage set aside for large gifts and store the gifts as I accumulate them, mainly because I usually purchase large gifts closer to the birthday or celebration. That said, if you have the space and the need, then store larger gifts in bins or baskets, but don't purchase too many boxes.

Tip #2: Create an inventory of your gifts or items. Depending on your needs or preferences, type or write a simple inventory of items in each boxes. Include who the gift is for if you think you might forget. Finally include an envelope for gift receipts. This may not be necessary for you, but it is helpful if you have lots of store bought gifts. If you tend to purchase gifts in advance then be aware that gift receipts are only good for a set amount of days before items can only be returned for store credit. 

Optional, but helpful tip: Have many different gifts saved as emergency gifts. This isn't really an organization tip, but will help save you stress throughout the year. Personally, I never had the budget to just go out and shop for emergency gifts, but I have also never had a shortage of gifts. I keep my emergency gift box stocked through reward programs and choice shopping during annual sales events. If you have extra time on your hands, or even 5 minutes once a week, online surveys are great for accumulating gift cards or small cash rewards that can be stored away or used to purchase gifts. My favorite online survey, shopping rewards, and participation points website is MyPoints. I have been using MyPoints for the last few years and have been rewarded with many many gift cards, including Starbucks, Macy's, Red Lobster, and the Rainforest Cafe. The total amount claimed, between all of the gift cards, is something close to $100.

With MyPoints I am rewarded through online shopping, survey taking, and general participation in clubs. 

The other online shopping reward company I love is eBates. eBates gives you cash back for shopping online through their website. Unlike MyPoints, eBates gives rewards in the form of a check or PayPal. 

I am really bad about just cashing the check and spending the money, but if you can resist the temptation then eBates checks are great for spending on emergency gifts. 

I know there are people reading this and wondering what gifts I have in my emergency gift box and what gifts make great last minute gifts so hopefully I can help answer those questions. The gifts in my box are headphones with bag (I have about 6 pairs), iTunes gift card ($10), Victoria's Secret Fantasy lotion and perfume set, bath salts, and an assortment of beanies. The headphones were actually free gifts that I received when I ordered off of  the Greater Good Network's websites: Animal Rescue Site, Breast Cancer Site, The Hunger Site, The Literacy Site, Autism Site, and The Veteran's Site. These websites frequently offer promotions with purchase that would make great gifts. I have received the headphones, socks, coin purses, bracelets, necklaces, ornaments, and a purse as free promotional items. The Victoria's Secret Fantasy lotion and perfume set were left over from a larger set of perfumes and lotions, which I used as gifts at Christmas. Emergency gifts are any small gifts that you would like to be gifted as well as small gifts associated with specific interests. The iTunes gift card and headphones will make a great gift for someone who loves music while the bath salts, lotion, and perfume are a great gift for someone who likes to be pampered (pair with a gift certificate for a spa service, massage, or manicure for a more luxurious gift). 

I like keeping beanies, booties, and receiving blankets as emergency gifts as well because you never know when you will need a baby gift. For instance my coworker, who I met when she was already 7 months pregnant, had her baby early, which meant that I wouldn't have had enough time to make a nice baby gift had it not been for the baby gifts in my emergency gift box. These gifts also work great for the baby shower you forgot about or the unexpected invitation to a baby shower you weren't planning on attending. If you don't have a lot of babies in your life, but do have many young children or soon-to-be recent graduates, then something similar will work for you too. For young children, accumulate a lot of party favor type gifts, such as crayons, coloring books, and games, as well as dolls, Legos, and cars. Obviously for a child you knew well you would find more personalized gifts, but small toys work great for that child you weren't planning on gifting to. For graduates I suggest gift cards and small items that are either functional for college or sentimental. Young adults are very adamant about picking out their own items, especially for college, so I wouldn't suggest too many functional items, but you could always purchase laundry bags with silly sayings and a roll of quarters. Great sentimental gifts include Dr. Seuss' "Oh the Places You'll Go" with an encouraging note written to them inside or a collection of your own favorite recipes you made in college. 

When I graduated high school, and actually college too, most of my gifts were impersonal in the form of cash or gift cards with more personal sentiments expressed in the form of cards, but I did receive one sentimental gift, which was a College Humor book of college experiences, and would have enjoyed receiving similar gifts. Everyone has their own preferences though so don't feel bad if you just want to stock up on various cards and gift cards as emergency gifts for graduation, or any other event you may have to attend. 

Quick Gifts: Baby Blanket Play Mat

Today is March 3rd, which means it is time for another quick gift idea. This month's gift idea and tutorial is for  Pastel Baby Blanket Play Mat. In a previous post I showed pictures of my sketch for this blanket, the yarn used, and the progress made on this blanket. The blanket is now finished and I am happy to be able to share this pattern with my readers. I love how quickly this blanket worked up and it is definitely a quick project for a lazy weekend at home. I designed the pattern as a baby play mat, but when the play mat was finished it ended up doubling as a blanket too. I used chunky yarn so the blanket play mat would be thick to provide maxim comfort for a little one playing on the floor. 

Pastel Baby Blanket Play Mat

The materials needed are: 

5 skeins of Bernat Softee Chunky Yarn in Baby Pink,

2 skeins of Bernat Softee Chunky Yarn in Sleepytime

1 skeins of Bernat Softee Chunky Yarn in Baby Blue

Crochet Hook Size N

Project instructions:

With crochet hook Size N and Bernat Softee Chunky Baby Pink, cast on 60 stitches. Cast on 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Continue for 14 rows or until skein of yarn is used up.

Switch to Bernat Softee Chunky Baby Blue and crochet in each stitch across for 3 rows.

Switch to Bernat Softee Chunky Baby Pink and continue to crochet in each stitch across for 42 rows or until you have finished 3 skeins of Bernat Softee Chunky Baby Pink Yarn.

Switch to Bernat Softee Chunky Baby Blue and crochet in each stitch across for 3 rows.

Switch to Bernat Softee Chunky Baby Pink and continue to crochet in each stitch across for 14 rows or until skein of yarn is used up.

Switch to Bernat Softee Chunky Sleepytime and crochet a border around the edge of the blanket. The amount of rows depends on border preference.

Quick Gifts: Basic Crochet Hat

It is February 3rd, which means it is time for a quick gift idea. While each item I will post makes an excellent gift for a loved one, all of the gifts also make wonderful donations for local charities. I personally love to collect patterns or ideas for items that can be made in a day or a weekend. I usually make a portion of these patterns and store the items away to use as last minute gifts. This month's gift is one of those patterns I encourage my readers to make in advance and store. This pattern is a great gift for the little one in your life,  but also is an adorable donation to local charities. 

Since it is February and freezing in every state except California, this month I will be sharing my pattern for a simple crochet baby hat using Red Heart Super Saver Yarn. The pattern is super basic for beginners, but easily customized for advanced crocheters. I currently have a dozen of these hats made in various stages of customization for each season this year and have made countless others for gifts or donations.

Basic Crochet Hat

Pattern instructions written for newborn, toddler, and adult sizes (small/woman's and large/man's). Read instructions carefully to see where the increase stops for the size you are making. Ending stitch count for all hat sizes is in parentheses at the end of each round for instructions for all hat sizes.

Estimated time to complete is a few hours, depending on embellishments used.

Materials Needed:
1 skein of yarn in color of choice
Crochet hook size G
Yarn Needle, optional
Embellishments, optional

Directions
Round 1. 
Make a slip knot on crochet hook, chain (ch) 6, slip stitch (sl) to join, being careful not to twist.
Round 2.
Ch 1, 2 single crochet (sc) in each stitch (st), sl to join first st (12 st)
Round 3.
Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in following st, repeat from * around, sl to join. (18 st)
Round 4.
Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 st, repeat from * around, sl to join. (24 st)
Round 5.
Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 st, repeat from * around, sl to join. (30 st)

For newborn size only stop increasing and sc in each st for 10 rounds.
For all other sizes continue to  increase.

Round 6.
Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 st, repeat from * around, sl to join. (36 st)
Round 7.
Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 st, repeat from * around, sl to join. (42 st)

For toddler size only stop increasing and sc in in each st for 8 rounds.
For adult sizes continue to increase.

Round 8.
Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 6 st, repeat from * around, sl to join. (48 st)
Round 9.
Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 7 st, repeat from * around, sl to join. (54 st)
Round 10.
Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 8 st, repeat from * around, sl to join. (60 st)

For adult small (woman's) size only stop increasing and sc in each st for 5 rounds.
For adult large (men's) size continue to increase.

Round 11.
Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 9 st, repeat from * around, sl to join. (66 st)
Round 12.
Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 10 st, repeat from * around, sl to join. ( 72 st)
Round 13.
Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 11 st, repeat from * around, sl to join. (78 st)
Round 14.
Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 12 st, repeat from * around, sl to join. (84 st)
Round 15.
Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 13 st, repeat from * around, sl to join. (90 st)

ALL SIZES
Round 15-17
Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl to join (30, 42, 60, 90 st).
For newborn size only, cut yarn and bind off after round 17.
Round 18-20
Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl to join (42, 60, 90 st).
For toddler size only, cut yarn and bind off after round 20.
Round 20-24
Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl to join (60, 90 st).
For small adult (woman's) size only, cut yarn and bind off after round 24.
Round 25-28
Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl to join (90 st).
For large adult (man's) size only, cut yarn and bind off after round 28.

For all sizes weave in lose ends and embellish hat as you wish.

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These are some of the hats I have made using this pattern. As you can see adding embellishments can really transform these hats into something adorably cute and a priceless gift for the children in your life. If the pattern or hat is listed for sale on my Etsy Shop, BooBear Designs, then a link is posted as a caption under the photo.

Chargers Football Hat

Mike Monster Hat