Wantist: Give Amazing Gifts

Posts by Capree

Who would you turn into a cookie?

Custom Cookie Look-Alikes by Parker's Crazy Cookies

Show of hands: who wouldn’t want to eat a cookie in their own likeness? That’s what I thought; it’s everyone’s secret dream! Whether you’re celebrating the boss’s birthday*, looking for a humorous gift for that “has everything” friend, or want a memorable (and much talked about) party favor, these cookie look-alikes are sure to be a hit. Parker’s Crazy Cookies offers custom cookies in the likeness of anyone–even dogs–making them the perfect gift for, well, anyone!

So let’s hear it, Wantists: who would you turn into a cookie?

* I would suggest avoiding a head-first biting strategy in this case… at least not if the boss is watching!

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Rainbow Bright: Colorful Yarn-Tied Gift Wrapping!

Rainbow Yarn Gift Wrapping / Image: Anna Williams

From the book More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson, Photo by Anna Williams

Brown paper packages tied up with string? Easy. Classic. Understated. Brown paper packages tied up with a spectrum of bold, splashy colors? Easy, unexpected, and one helluva way to announce just how awesome the contents of that package are! Joelle Hoverson, the author of Last-Minute Knitted Gifts and More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, takes the simple brown box / string combo up about 20 notches with this super easy gift wrapping idea. If you can tie a knot, you can do this too!

This idea comes from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts (page 122) and all you need to create your own rainbow-inspired* gift is an assortment of colorful yarn. Wrap each length of yarn around the box once, tie a knot, and voila!  You’ve got one super rad gift just waiting to knock the socks off that special someone.

* While I love the rainbow approach, this idea is easily customizable – consider using colors that coordinate with the event (wedding, baby shower, the recipient’s favorite colors, etc.)!

(h/t Oh Happy Day)

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Make This Gift: A Simple Leather Passport Holder

DIY Leather Passport Holder / Image: Alicia Jepsen

I don’t know about you, but when I think about making something out of leather my mind short-circuits and I start babbling about how hard and impossible such a task must be. I mean, c’mon! It’s made out of leather! Sure, us humans have been doing that for, well, a really long time. But somehow it seems like something only highly skilled craftsmen can do–people who have been doing it for generations, even.

Surely I’m not alone in this thinking, right? Good! Because that’s exactly what people are going to think when you give them this leather passport holder YOU MADE YOURSELF. They’re going to think you’re some sort of leather-working god. You’re going to blow minds, climb the ranks of awesome gift givers, and maybe, just maybe, have a statue erected in your honor.

Or something like that.

DIY Leather Passport Holder / Image: Alicia Jepsen

Turns out, making a simple leather passport holder is SUPER EASY. On top of that, it’ll only take up about 2 hours of your time–not bad for something that’s sure to go down in the gift-giving hall of fame! If you’re ready to cut your leather-working teeth, as it were, check out Alicia Jepsen’s tutorial over on Poppytalk. She shares loads of photos and detailed instructions for making your own leather passport holder. Now go! That statue isn’t going to erect itself.

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DIY Leather Passport Holder / Image: Alicia Jepsen

OMG, Amazing Origami Sticker Ribbon

Oribbon: Decorative Origami Sticker Ribbon

I tend to get really excited about cool, innovative products, especially if those products have something to do with gift giving or, even better, pretty paper. So when I spotted this origami sticker ribbon (!!!) over on Internet Therapy, well, let’s just say my dog came running in from the other room to see what all the commotion was about!

Oribbon: Decorative Origami Sticker Ribbon

Oribbon, as it’s called, is an entirely new way to spruce up your gift wrap. These colorful strips of paper are scored in multiple directions, allowing you to create super awesome 3D ribbons and shapes with just a few folds. The bottom is sticky, so after you’ve created your origami ribbon masterpiece, all you need to do is decide where to stick it! Sold in a set of 6, each kit comes with illustrated instructions to help you make some of the coolest 3D ribbons and shapes in town!

Available from Upon a Fold: $12.90.

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Oribbon: Decorative Origami Sticker Ribbon

Make and Give a Photorealistic Gadget Pouch

DIY Photorealistic Gadget Pouch / Image: Photojojo

Got gadgets and gizmos aplenty? Whozits and whatzits galore? Fantastic! Turn those thingamabobs into photorealistic pouches for friends, family, or your favorite vintage camera-loving geek!

DIY Photorealistic Gadget Pouch / Image: Photojojo

The fine folks at Photojojo have created a step-by-step tutorial for turning your favorite objects into handy pouches that are perfect for loose change, business cards, credits cards, or even iphones. The best part? No sewing required (this DIY gift is easy peasy). Hit up Photojojo for all the deets on making your own photorealistic pouch!

(h/t ManMade DIY)

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DIY Photorealistic Gadget Pouch / Image: Photojojo

Make Your Own Dipped Confetti Gift Wrap!

Dipped Confetti Gift Wrap / Image Credit: Joke Vande Gaer of Tokketok

There’s a party over here, a party over there!  Wave your hands in the air and shake your – confetti?! You betcha. Turn those presents into a party of their own with this simple and festive wrapping idea from Tokketok!  

All you need to pull off this super easy look is a handful of colorful confetti and double stick tape. Wrap your present in the paper of your choice, slap on that tape, then roll that puppy in some confetti (or glitter) and – WHOOMP! There it is: insta party present. Jump, jump rejoice!

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CONFETTI-

Wrap It: FREE Printable Wrapping Papers for All Occasions!

Lovely Notes Wrapping Paper Printables by Bliss!

What’s that, you say? You just found THE PERFECT GIFT for that amazing person in your life?  Go you (and high fives all around)! Now it’s time to wrap that sucker up. I vote for keeping things sweet and simple and free… or what I like to call the “gift wrapping trifecta”!

Whether you’re saying ‘thank you’, cheering up a friend, or telling your boo how much you love ‘em, Michaela over at Bliss! has the wrapping paper for you.  Choose from eight cheery designs, all printable and all free. My faves are “Hello Gorgeous!” and “Today is a beautiful day!“. Check them all out here and let us know which lovely note will accompany your next gift!

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Make This Gift: Colored Pencil Jewelry

DIY Colored Pencil Jewelry / image credit: Kate Lilley

Put on your crafty hats, it’s time to get busy! Whether as a back-to-school gift for teachers, a thank you gift for artsy friends, or a birthday gift for your niece, this colorful pencil jewelry is your ticket to being the coolest gift giver in town. Not wild about super bright colors? Consider using muted tones or soft greys and whites. There’s something for everyone here, folks.

Kate from Mini Eco has kindly offered full tutorials for making your own basic pencil beads (for necklaces or bracelets), as well as pointy beads, and even brooches! Check out her guest post on Design Mom to start crafting your own colored pencil jewelry!

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