Personalized Gifts

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1009 -- More Projects »
TIPical Mary Ellen host Mary Ellen Pinkham explains how to personalize gifts for family and friends.
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Figure A
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Figure B

  • Use letter blocks to spell out the name of a new baby on a small coat rack. Glue the letters with epoxy or hot glue to a wooden coat rack (figure A).

  • A fun birthday gift is a personalized jewelry box with the birthday girl's name on it. Just glue on rhinestones in shape of the name (figure B).

  • Make a homemade bookmark with card stock paper. You could even let your child help decorate it.

  • Paint a new baby's name on a ceramic piggy bank and give as a baby shower gift.
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Figure C
  • Fill an enameled bucket with art supplies and personalize the front of the bucket with paint pens (figure C).

  • Glue a few pennies on the top of an old coffee percolator and label it "Mom's Perks." Mom can use it to store spare change.

  • Glue a golf ball to the top of a wooden box and give to dad or grandpa. Have the children write their names on the inside cover.

  • Glue child's-size sunglasses around a mirror and give it to a friend who enjoys sunbathing.

  • Personalize a mailbox with rub-on transfers. Fill it with stationery supplies and writing utensils and give to someone who likes to write letter writers.