It’s that time of year again. You scratch your head trying to put pen to paper to create this year’s holiday shopping list. Nothing says, “I’ve thrown in the towel on your Christmas gift this year” more than giving a retail gift card. Why not create something a little more personal that will be appreciated and have meaning to that special recipient? Instead of giving “stuff” this holiday season, try to put some meaning behind your gift.
While office supplies aren’t the sexiest gift idea, Seattle-based ReBinder has created a line of unique recycled office supplies that are a DIY’ers dream for gift giving. ReBinder makes binders, folders, CD sleeves and notebooks using locally-sourced recycled paper and cardboard. The blank brown cardboard canvas can be adorned in many ways to give it an extra personal touch:
- Get your kids involved and feel good about gift-giving by having them decorate the cover with a collage or their drawings. (Use decoupage paste to protect the art and give it a longer life.)
- Cover the binders in fabulous patterned fabric or wrapping paper for a sophisticated, stylish look
- Use a cool rubber stamp for a simple, elegant minimalistic design
- Get a DIY Screen printing kit to print your designs on multiple items
- Print out your digital artwork or text on labels for a more professional appearance. (ReBinder has these, too)
Here are a few gift ideas:
Recipe Books
Perhaps you have some favorite family recipes you want to share with your relatives? Print them out on some heavy, recycled cardstock, three-hole punch them and insert them into a ReBinder. Be sure to include extra sheets of blank card stock so that the recipient can add recipes later. Use dividers to organize your book by different courses. Decorate each divider to illustrate the contents for a fully-finished piece.
Photo Albums or Photo DVDs
Use a binder to make a photo album. Pick up a package of photo corners and some cardstock, use your three-hole punch and easily insert them into the binder. Fill the book with your family photos and you have a great gift for grandparents!
Or you can go digital and create a photo album of your pictures set to music on a DVD. Just download a free slideshow application, follow the instructions and burn your DVD. Then package it in a personalized CD sleeve.
Music CDs
Mixed CDs are another good way to give a bit of yourself in your gift. Just get some blank CDs and CD labels, create a playlist of your favorite songs and burn as many copies as you need. Create your own digital artwork, print the label and adhere it to the CD. Make it a full package by decorating the sleeve with complimentary artwork or design. These are great for handing out to all of your friends during the holiday season and a lot less expensive than buying individual gifts for everyone.
Drink Coaster Sets
Make a set of hand-decorated coasters. Just pick up a package of plain cardboard coasters and use a rubber stamp or at-home screen printer kit to decorate the coaster with your design. Then package it in a ReSleeve, tie a ribbon around it (for extra flair) and, Voila! The perfect hostess gift or stocking stuffer. No wrapping needed.
Sketchbooks or Journals
Everyone loves a new journal or sketchbook. Rebinder’s ReWrite comes with ruled, blank and graph paper options. With your decorative touch, they are great for the artist in your family or a gift idea for teens to journal their wonder years.
For more information, or to order ReBinder products, visit their website or add them to your Amazon.com shopping list. Get inspired by their DIY ReSleeve showcase.
Do you have some other great DIY gift ideas? Blog about this and share them here!
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