DIY Presents
So this summer is just flying by. There’s kind of a running joke between me and my friends that I’m “busy in June” because I honestly have so many things in my immediate and extended family: birthday (x5, and then my fiancé so x6 total), anniversaries (x2), and Father’s day. Plus this year was extra special since my best friend got into medical school!!! So has been busy to say the least, and I can’t believe we are now half way through July (so add Canada Day, and my best friend’s birthday on top of all of the other summer events)
It is way harder to celebrate the people you love while socially distancing and can’t actually “do” anything. I was google-ing and pintrest-ing like a fiend to try and figure out creative but classy DIY gift ideas and things to do but came up empty handed. Lucky for you, I made one for you so you can share the love with your loved ones!!!
1) Homemade Cards
You can never go wrong with a card; writing out heartfelt words about how appreciative you are of your loved one. I have had a lot of success making it on canva! They come out so beautiful, and I make them a bit bigger, put a hole punch through the pages and connect it with string for a cute touch. My sister likes to make them in Microsoft word, otherwise there is good ol construction paper and markers!
2) Wine Bottle Label
Again, thank you canva! I got this idea from my friend’s genius business to try and personalize the bottle for the person (plus add in a good pun here or there). They have pre-done options to get you started that I just customze to my liking, add in a picture here or there and personalize it to the person!
3) Baked Goods
I am a sucker for sweets, and think it’s a perfect gift to enjoy together or drop off. My go-to is carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, my mom has a recipe that is soooo good. I also like to turn it into cupcakes, which is a great option now so that everyone can take their own!
4) Restaurant at Home
I know we are so used to going out to a restaurant for dinner when it’s a special occasion, but the idea here is to make the restaurant come to you. For our parent’s anniversary we put on our chef hats and had them enjoy appetizers outside on the porch, and we got to work so that they didn’t have to lift a finger (or foot the grocery bill). We added special touches like a menu card at each place setting, using our special occasional tableware, and having my little brother pretend to be a waiter. Also so thankful my fiancé happens to be great on the grill. If you need any ideas, here was our menu:
Appetizers: baguette with homemade butter & garlic butter, fresh mozzarella with balsamic & basil
Main: grilled steaks topped with sautéed mushrooms with garlic butter, cheddar scalloped potatoes, parmesan crusted zucchini, eggplant with balsamic & mint, roasted cauliflower with bacon
Dessert: homemade crème brûlée and cake made by Tania’s Treats (vanilla cake with a middle layer of cheesecake frosted with strawberry buttercream)
5) Picnic
Weather permitting, this is such a great idea to enjoy the outdoors and do something a little different. You can make food to bring (re: above) or get takeout. I opted for sushi, since it was over 3 months since we had it last, and based on the smile on my fiancé’s face I think I made a good choice. We went to a nearby park, found a spot with a mix of sun and shade, played music, talked, laughed, it was such a great time.
What are your favourite homemade gifts? Let me know, and tell me if you try any of these how it goes!
