10.07.2008

Works For Me: An Easy and Unique Gift!

It always seems like friends' birthdays creep up on me.  I have the best of intentions to buy them a perfect and thoughtful gift.  Then, life (and very often, the budget) gets in the way and I end up scrambling at the last minute, which I hate! 

Here's a good idea that has really worked for me: When I am out at thrift shops or garage sales, I buy little flower pots.  They are everywhere this time of year!  It helps if they are cute "as is," but ugly pots work too, if you have the time to spray paint them.  Then when I need a gift, I use my rub-on letters (I know, I know, me with the rub-on letters again.  I should get paid for this!) to put the person's monogram on the pot.  Vinyl letters work well too.  A little Mod Podge on top makes the pot look really "finished," and then I just stick some flowers from the grocery store in there to complete it.

Check out this pot that I just did for my sister's 1st wedding anniversary (with her and her husband's joint monogram):
  
As you've heard me say many times, I just love monogramming!  Adding a little personal touch turns a bland gift into something utterly unique.  I would be so happy to get a little pot like this for my birthday, wouldn't you?  :)


63 comments:

mzzterry said...

I,too posted about a craft/gift with mod podge. Stick on letters are the greatest! Nice tip.

Melissa said...

Great idea~I would love it! Works for me~
Melissa

Nikki said...

I've never thought about using stick on letters for stuff like flower pots! I'm so excited to try this. What a cute and clever gift idea!

Kristin - The Goat said...

How fun! I just love a good craft project - especially one that makes a great gift! Thanks so much.

Have a great day!
Kristin

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

That is such a thoughtful gift. I'll definitely have to remember this one!

Unknown said...

I really like this idea...would be happy with it myself!

Carolina Mama said...

Glad you're back! These are adorable.

Joy said...

That is a very cute gift! I love gifts that are made with love by the giver.

Tausha said...

great ideas-as always! Can't wait to see what you come up with when it gets closer to christmas time!!!

Naturally Caffeinated Family said...

Love it! Too cute!

Ms. Tee said...

Yes, I would love to get a little pot like this - so cheery! :)

ZONE F DG TEAM said...

What a great idea. My birthday was yesterday if that's any consolation....LOL.

Sarah Kate said...

Great idea, I am always buying flower pots at garage sales and flea markets. They are so expensive otherwise and my mother in law is always giving me clippings.

Shell in your Pocket said...

That is so very cute!!! I love monogramming and that pot is delightful!!!!

My posting today I linked to you because I copied one of your great ideas. Now here you go again with ANOTHER one...you keep me busy Buzzing Bee!
Happy Wednesday!
-Sandy Toes

Keeper of the Skies Wife said...

That is adorable!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

What a cute gift idea....I love the personalized touch...your vinyl letters are just perfect!

Unknown said...

Very I love the monogram look great idea!

Unknown said...

I meant very cute sorry

Amanda said...

i too love monograms...tres chic! they make anything cute...good ideas here! thanks for stopping by...!

Unknown said...

That is a gift my MIL would love! Maybe I can do a Christmas theme w/ poinsettias for her for the holidays

Empty Nest Full Life said...

Thanks for the idea. I have been rooting a lot of green plants and that would make the perfect gift to put them in. I think I will do this for my sisters for Christmas. Jackie

Sarah said...

What a great idea! I'll keep it in mind as I head into a season of lots of birthdays in my family!

Angie said...

This is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

Christy said...

Very cute idea!

I have a something for you on my blog today:)

Michelle@Life with Three said...

That's a clever idea -- I never even considered that before! What a personal, yet cost-effective gift!

Genny said...

Okay, that is SO cute! Love it!

April said...

cute idea!

AngiDe said...

What a fun idea! Your like a library of great ideas!

Come over and check out my giveaway! It's a goodie!!

Angie
www.nanasboxnonprofit.blogspot.com

Ben and Kristen said...

What a cute blog! I did not know about rub on letters...how great!

Monogramchick said...

What a fun and creative gift, and so economical too! Definately something that someone would not necessarily do for herself--what a great idea, thaks so much for sharing!

Anonymous said...

This is tooo tooo cute... Great idea!!!

Denise C said...

Now that is a great idea!!!! You have the best ideas!!! You should compile them all and write a book! I am serious!
Have a blessed day!!!
Denise

Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet said...

What a cute gift idea! :D I'm going to have to try that!! Would be great for the kids to do, too!

Shannon said...

That is a great idea and very personal.

Joanna said...

Such a great idea! And so easy that's what I really love about it. *smiles*

the undomesticated wife said...

So should we all be expecting one of these cuties in the mail? LOL

Emily said...

That is a great idea! Maybe you've already answered this, but where did you get those letters to put on everything?

Becky said...

Great! I would love to get one of these, and I'm definitely going to make some!

Anonymous said...

Super fun and creative idea!

Wani said...

Great idea! I love monograms too!

Anonymous said...

i need to start making these! great tip!

Annikke said...

That is a great idea! I am going to be in need of a gift here soon so I think I will try this out!

Ruby Red Slippers said...

I hope I can remember all these great ideas when I need them! This one is a keeper! What a great idea-I am stealing this one today!!!

Jboo said...

Love all your great ideas! Keep them coming! Hope your week is going well!

Janet

Anonymous said...

Very cute - thanks for the easy idea!

The Golf Widow said...

Sounds cute and easy! Thanks for the auto post tip. I'm giving it a try!

Kelley with Amy's Angels said...

Great idea!! I'm so using this...

Jerralea said...

Looks like everyone will be trying this! I love it.

Belinda said...

very cute idea!! you need to get you a sewing machine that monograms for all you new little ones bibs!! hope you are having a great Wednesday
Belinda

Momof3 said...

what a cute idea!

Mamajil said...

WHAT A GREAT IDEA!!I will use this for sure! :)

Darlene said...

Great idea....thanks for sharing!!

Our Complete Family said...

What a great and personal gift! She'll love it! Happy day wishes to you hun! Hugs, Les

Angie said...

Cute idea! I am going to have to try this!

Jodee said...

Wow! What a great idea! I love those letters!

AndreaLeigh said...

Where do you get the rub on letters from? I was at Michael's last week and couldn't find them... but then again, I don't really know what I am looking for.

Connie said...

Too Cute! I'll have to try it. I haven't checked in lately. Congrats on the pregnancy! I'll be back to see how things are going.
~Connie

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

A few people have asked about where to buy the letters. I have seen them in the sticker/scrapbook section of Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Joanns...the usual spots! You have to look for them awhile because they tend to blend in with everything else, but ask one of the sales people for the "rub-on" letters and they should be able to help you!
Carrie

Free Art Printables said...

Cute idea! Love the gift. Who wouldn't want that?

sweetfunkyvintage said...

What a great idea! Love it.
Liz

Lulu said...

This is the perfect combo of cute, thoughtful, and cost-effective (something this city girl needs more of in her life!) Thank you so much for sharing, I'm totally adding this to the birthday gift ideas list. :)

Faith said...

I would be so happy too! I LOVE this idea! I will have to be on the lookout for some pots...

Anonymous said...

This is a very nice gift! Who doesn't love to get a plant and with a personalized touch too!