Water Bottle Gift for Teachers, Teens, Dads, Grads--Anyone!

Here's an easy gift for a teacher, a grad, a teen, or really anyone.  Who doesn't love a new water bottle?  My kids go crazy when someone gives them a new water bottle.  We seem to misplace them or lose them or break them all the time!
But this isn't JUST a new water bottle--it's a new water bottle filled up with gifts--how fun is that?  I made this one for my 15 year old niece and she loved it! 
The idea is simple.  Open up a new water bottle, fill it with gifts and treats and notes, add a tag and deliver.  Check it out.

I chose this misting water bottle (affiliate link) click here.

I tied the gifts up with curling ribbon, but that's completely optional. Small 'skinny' gifts work the best. 

Rolled up cash is a perfect gift, but gift cards work, too...just bend them a little bit to make them fit.

Put in the bigger items first, then squeeze in the small items.

Getting the gifts out of the bottle is part of the fun! 

Click here to print out a bottle tag.

This insulated stainless steel water bottle (affiliate link) click here went to a coach.

    

Click here to print out a bottle tag.

 

CONTINUE READING

Fun Gift for a Bored Hospital Patient

A dear church friend was unexpectedly in the hospital for about 4 days due to a colon infection.  On day 2 of his hospital stay, I heard that he was bored, bored, bored!  I knew I wanted to visit him, but what would I bring with me?
That's when I decided he needed an Un-Bored Basket!
You know.....a basket of things to keep him busy aka 'un-bored'.

It didn't matter that my friend is in his 70's, he desperately needed a distraction to keep his mind off being stuck in a hospital bed.
He's usually a busy-body around our church...fixing things, helping people, solving problems, visiting those in need, etc. etc.

I created a simple basket of fun things that would keep him from going crazy, or at least give him a little bit of  joy in the hospital.  By the way, this idea works for any age...just change up the items to suit each patient.

I used a basket I found at a thrift store and gathered up some fun wrapping paper, bright colored paper sacks, cardstock and curling ribbon.  Taking a gift to a hospital patient HAS to be full of bright colors and happiness, right?!  This is not the time for chic, mono-chromatic neutrals.  Take a look at some of the things I came up with.

-Mini Get Well Soon Balloon
-Magic Putty
-Chocolate
-Hot Wheel
-Playing Cards
-Fruity Drink
-Crayons and Coloring Book
-Jacks
-Bubble gum
-Candy
-Helicopter toy

**All of these items can be purchased at the Dollar Store or a drug store.

I then placed each item in a colored bag and stapled on a fun little note using colored cardstock.

Some of the gifts I wrapped up in playful wrapping paper--I thought unwrapping gifts could be a nice distraction, don't you think?  Take a look at some of the items.

I carried this basket into my friend's hospital room and immediately a huge smile spread across his face.
Of course I made him pose for a picture!

We visited for over an hour and as I left I told him he could get into his basket whenever he was bored.
Later, I heard that the first two bags he opened were the candy ones. Unfortunately he was on a liquid only diet...oops! 
Note to self: Find out if there are any restrictions, BEFORE crafting up a basket.

PS- My friend Dan has quite an amazing story.  After he retired, he authored an autobiography titled, A Higher Calling- The Dan Miller Story (aff. link). He's a former Vietnam helicopter pilot and instructor that turned to professional gambling and watched his world fall apart. Thankfully his story doesn't end there. His book tells how he found God through interesting circumstances that included hearing a professional football player apologize to his wife.

 

CONTINUE READING

College Care Package--Stick with it!

Take a look at what I gathered up for the college kids--STICKS!  Yes--STICK with me here, it's not that far 'out on a limb', now is it?It's time for those college students to start getting ready for finals.  AH (Awesome Husband) was back on campus for some meetings and made a few deliveries to some of our favorite students. 

Yes, I know it's a little crazy, but there's so many fun products in a stick form, and cute 'stick' sayings...that I couldn't help myself.
'Way to STICK with this!'
'You've got that STICK-to-itiveness!'
'No matter what, STICK with it!'
'STICK with it 'til the end!'
'STICK it out!'


*This post contains affiliate links.

You can easily make your own 'STICKy' care package.
Just print out these sticks, (click here) on kraft paper or card stock.
Cut around each stick.

Gather up items that are stick shapes.
I chose pretzel sticks, turkey snack sticks, Pocky sticks, gum sticks and Chap Stick.
Other items you could add: fried potato sticks, cheese sticks, bread sticks, chopsticks, cookie sticks, chocolate sticks, licorice sticks, candy sticks, etc. etc.

Tape a paper stick onto each item.

Use a box, bag or basket depending on if you're mailing your package or hand delivering.
Rolled kraft paper and natural wood fibers keep the 'woodsy' theme going.  Place in bottom of container.

Find a few 'real' sticks or branches to add in. 
Place the largest items in first.

Add in all the other items and send it off with a note of encouragement.  Every college kid needs some encouragement!
Click here to print your own.

Here's some more college care package ideas for you:

Stick With It!                                 College Blues
           

Orange Survival Study Sack        Brighten Up Your Semester!
          


SMART Gift Bag                      Caramel Apple Dippin' Kit
         


SNAP To It!                                          Bear Themed Care Package
      

Rockin' Care Package

CONTINUE READING