A Thoughtful Place

A Thoughtful Place is a California based lifestyle blog about design, fashion, gatherings and the occasional from the heart post.

Favorite Gift for Children: Art Supplies

by 28 Comments

The holidays are upon us, but that doesn’t mean that the birthday parties have slowed down. If you have children or know people with children, there is always a need for a fantastic birthday gift. I wanted to share with you what I love doing for both boys and girls {and it’s great for ALL ages}. I think this all began because my daughter spends the majority of her day doing artwork and I knew other mommies would appreciate this as well. What you will need to make this: IMG_8216

  • Four types of coloring tools
  • Four pails {I find mine in the dollar section of Target or Michaels}
  • Cute ribbon
  • String
  • One large plastic gift bag {the type used for Easter Baskets . . $1.00 at Michaels or dollar store}
  • Tray: I use a plant tray from Ikea. They are fantastic for so many different things!
  • Four labels either printed on the computer or hand drawn.

IMG_8217         I stock up on these in sets of four. You can often find them on clearance for even less than a dollar. IMG_8223 Toss your coloring tools in each pail . . . . ALWAYS use washable coloring tools so that the mommies still speak to you! IMG_8224IMG_8228 I tie labels around each pail. You can use anything as labels and simply write on them if it’s easier. For those lucky people out there with Silhouettes, I am sure you can pop out an adorable label for these. IMG_8262 IMG_8265 IMG_8239                                                       I use a “large” basket gift bag to wrap it all up. IMG_8240 Be sure to put take the pails off and slip the tray in first. Then pile on your cute art supplies. I sometimes include a coloring pad as well tucked behind the pails. IMG_8241 If you don’t want the “gift” showing, you can put tissue paper around the pails after you have inserted the present into the gift bag. It works great and hides the contents. I think they are super cute showing as well. IMG_8242 This coordinating ribbon is from JoAnns. It’s one of my favorite ribbons and works great for both boys and girls. IMG_8243 This art supply gift has always been a huge hit. It’s one of those presents that moms love just as much as the children because it encourages kiddos to use their imaginations {and keeps them quite busy!}. Taking the time to label everything adds a personal touch. You could even include the child’s name {Rachel’s Crayons}. Things to Remember:

  • Always stock up on art supplies when you see them on sale.
  • Keep a plastic bin in your house somewhere with all these fresh boxes of supplies and you’ll be ready to put a gift together.
  • Keep a supply of these little pails on hand. Even if you don’t use them for this, they are great to wrap up a hostess gift in or group many art supplies together.
  • Always use washable coloring tools. The mom of the child will thank you!

Do you have a go-to gift for birthday parties? I would love to hear about it. Linking it up: Monday:    Mad in Crafts                  Making the World Cuter Wednesday Someday Crafts                   Blue Cricket Design

Comments

  4. Simply LKJ says

    What a great idea! My nieces were just saying they wanted more art supplies for Christmas. I'd love to put together a set for each of them that coordinates with their desks in their rooms!

    Reply

  6. Tonya says

    Cool – love the colors! – I would probably end up fighting with the plastic wrapping, though – I'm not exactly good with that sort of thing!

    Reply

  9. Julie Johnson says

    This is fabulous…bookmarking and showing to my girls after school…many parties to head to, and we may need to make our own set with those cute Christmas polka dot buckets I saw at Target the other day! Huge run on sentence. 🙂

    Reply

  12. Kathysue says

    Omgosh I am soooo using this great idea!!All of my grand kids love to do artwork and this would be a welcomed gift for them and for MOM!! Thank you soooo much!! I am going to save this in my file! you are genius,Kathysue

    Reply

  20. Allison says

    This is such a great gift! My little nephew would love this as he loves to draw and paint….a little budding artist. Your touches are wonderful with the tags, fun colored buckets and whimsical ribbon.

    Reply

  22. Lisa says

    Courtney, this is such a cute gift. I love the colors you chose too – so fun for boy or girl. Who wouldn't love this for their child's playroom, or even the kitchen table?

    Reply

  24. Van says

    LOVE this idea, the results are beautiful. I'm assembling an "Art Kit" fro all my nieces and nephews that will also include sketch pads. It's so important to foster creativity at a young age.

    Please do link this idea on my holiday link share: http://bit.ly/h0FA83

    Reply

  25. Kathysue says

    Courtney I posted this idea on my blog post today and linked back to you, I sure hope that is alright!!! I love this idea sooo much. Merry Christmas,Kathysue

    Reply

  26. Erika says

    as a mum with a 3yr old, we will be using this one! in fact, until i read this i had nothing sorted for our neice for xmas- but I know just what to get her now! Happy xmas

    Reply

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