Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Dollar Spot Birthday Present

I'm not even going to act embarrassed that I threw this gift together for my neighbor for seven bucks. Snagged some super cute yellow and gray paper products out of the dollar bins at Michael's. Even got some for myself. There's stationary, a notebook, adorable gray and white striped pencils. OK...so I got 2 packs of those for me, LOVE THEM. Organza bag was an easy way to hold everything together (yep...dollar there too). Throw in a fancy Ghiradelli chocolate bar (the only splurge at $3) and you've got a gift that says "thinking of you" instead of "I spent so much you're going to have major guilt if you don't return the favor on my birthday"...which is really something I always worry about.





Design dilemma on my card. You're going to laugh. My problem was I probably only had 45 minutes left of naptime and I needed to make a card, but really wanted to sit and watch the Season 5 finale of Weeds on Netflix. (BTW...Wii Netflix instant viewing disc is awesome.) Focused, got them both done. The Guidelines Impression plate helped me put that one special touch on the card that I always like to find. Got the ribbon from the dollar bins at Michael's too. Used the rest to change up the tie on the bag. Pretty pleased with how it turned out.





Going to be raiding the dollar bins more and more frequently. Want to keep gifts like this on hand for when I need one at the last minute. Maybe put together little boy, little girl, get well, birthday packages. All for $5 or less. Little handmade touches really can help you transcend being a cheapskate with it all. Don't you agree?

Supplies:
PTI Stamps: Damask Designs, Vintage Labels
Dies: Spellbinders Labels
Perfect Match Ink and Cardstock: PTI Smokey Shadow
Other Ink: Sunny Yellow by CTMH
Impression Plate: Giga Guidelines

14 comments:

  1. So cute and sleek and cheap!
    Go girl, go!!

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  2. Definitely a great idea!! I look at the dollar bins all the time....but really hadn't thought about coordinating such a terific, inexpensive gift! Thanks so much for the WAKE-UP call!!!

    Stay with Paperyrey forever!!!! Love your work!

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  3. These are the type of gifts I love to give and receive. I like to remember coworkers BD's but just a token, so there isn't any pressure. Thanks for sharing a great idea.
    Kathy T in SW IN

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  4. We just got the Wii Netflix and my DD is hooked!
    Love the dollar spot birthday idea!

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  5. This is gorgeous! What a great little bundle!

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  6. You always come up with the best ideas Erin. No hint of cheapskate there. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  7. No hint of cheap there! I love the card. Very nice gift for anyone.

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  8. So SUPER cute and thoughtful and I love that you didn't spend much. It was all about the thought. Love it!!!

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  9. great idea for an inexpensive gift. love the card - i didn't get that impression plate... i'm rethinking that decision!

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  10. So cute and SO clever!

    Thank you for sharing!

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  11. I'm so glad you've joined the PTI team--I love your blog and your style!

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  12. oh, I am right there with Sharon D....I am so glad you joined the PTI team. I love your blog and your style! I have been way behind on my blog viewing (oh, that pesky work, what is up with that?) but had a couple of minutes and wanted to catch up! So glad I had a chance to see what you have been up to since the Boys to Men challenge (which had me oooing and ahhhhhing, I'll tell ya!)! Love this gift set! So perfect. You just never know what that co-worker's birthday or special thank you gift will come in handy! Have a great weekend.

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  13. I would LOVE to get this as a gift!!! I hope your friend liked it! What a great idea, and it all works beautifully together! FANTASTIC!!! :D

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