Christmas Gift Ideas (part 3)

Here are some “off the beaten path” gift ideas. They require some pre-planning or forethought on your part but, hey, it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet. You can do it.

Get a custom commission from one of your (by “your” I mean “my”) favorite Etsy/blog artists.
Marisa at Creative Thursday will do a commission for you of your pets or child’s favorite toy or stuffed animal. She is painting one for us (similar to the one below) with ALL of our pets.

(or you can order this one from her Etsy shop, $35)

I love making CD’s for my friends (yet another way I can impose my tastes on friends.) Customize paper CD covers from The ArtBar. Some ideas for playlists/themes:

– Kitchen Music : I have a playlist of songs I like that I play while I am in the kitchen cooking/cleaning.
– Lullaby Music: Since WE have to listen to their “night-night” CD as much as them, make a playlist for the kids with songs by James Taylor, Elton John and Joni Mitchell.
-Blue Christmas: All sad Christmas songs for loved-ones who won’t be with you this Christmas-picture of Elvis on the cover.

Here are some covers we made for Meghan’s Family. It was embarrassingly easy to make but look very difficult, giving the recipient the idea you slaved-away making their gift.


(If you can’t make it to the ArtBar, (or are too afraid to go to downtown Santa Ana) let me know and I can send some to you)

I always make Calendars from Shutterfly for Grandma and Gramps. Every year I also make a brag book for Larry as a stocking stuffer. He carries it in her briefcase and takes it on trips with him. So easy to make. My friend Donna had the idea to make a book out of her children’s art through Shutterfly. Good idea Donna (now you can toss at least a few from the pile.)