As we neared Hubby’s 40th birthday, I scoured through Pinterest hoping to find some inspiration for a unique birthday gift the kids could make. I found a bunch of different things but nothing “one of a kind” that could be slotted under the “I will never forget this gift ever” category.
So we decided to put together a bunch of different ideas and finally came up with the most perfect gift, for really any occasion- a milestone birthday, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Grandparent’s Day…
our very own…
LOVE book!
The LOVE book holds all the reasons why your child loves the recipient.
Isn’t that cute?
What makes this a memorable gift is it’s 100% personalized and hand made with love by the kids.
And no it isn’t hard to make.
To make a LOVE book you need…
- Colored card stock paper (We used orange to ensure the kids’ paint art stood out)
- White paper
- Paint (We used washable finger paints as my 2 year old was involved in the project)
- Paint brushes /Tooth brushes
- 1 Key Ring (We
tookborrowed ours off an old key chain!) - Single hole punch.
- Craft scissors (To cut the paper with pretty designs. You can use regular scissors but these are prettier.)
- Pen/Markers/Dark Colored Pencil (If your child isn’t comfortable writing with a pen/markers)
- Laminator (This is optional but highly suggested if you want your book to stay preserved. We used our Fellowes Laminator. Super easy to use!)
- A book to jot down your child’s ”love” gushes!
Making the LOVE Book…
1. Begin with painting your card stock. You can use a paintbrush to do dots, patterns or a toothbrush to spray paint designs. If your child is younger you can finger paint. (With younger kids the paint process can be spread over a few days or even weeks.)
2. While you wait for the paint to dry/ complete the background artwork , list out the “X’ number of reasons why your child loves your LOVE book recipient in a book. It’s easier having a completed list when you begin to write out on paper.
Since we were making our book for Hubs’ 40th birthday we did 40 reasons why the kids love him. My 6 year old did all the thinking barring 2 inputs for my 2 year old!
3. Once the paint on the card stock is dry, using your craft scissors, cut out equal sized squares. Cut smaller sized squares using the white paper so that the paint art peeps through the sides. (Card stock dimensions we used: 4″ x 4″ , white paper dimensions: 3″ x 3″)
4. Have your child write out one “love reason” per white paper square. Or if your child is too young to write, here’s where you begin writing!
5. Stick each white square on a painted art card stock square.
6. Once done. Arrange the possible number of “LOVE” squares in a laminated sleeve and run through the Laminator. (An A4 sized sleeve should hold 4 squares)
7. Now punch a hole in the upper, left hand corner of each laminated square.
8. Slide each punched square through the key ring
And there you have it.
A gift that can never have a price tag slapped on to it…
it’s simply priceless!
The only problem is finding a gift to top this one next year!!
Create a “YesMemory” with your kids
As a YesVideo ambassador, I’m encouraging you to make an effort to create memories with your kids.
Life zooms by way too fast and before you know it your little ones won’t be little any more!
Take lots of pictures, videos and preserve those memories for a lifetime.
And don’t forget to create a YesVideo DVD to safely store this all for the years to come.
If you’re on Facebook, come share your family memories on the YesVideo wall, on Twitter using the #YesMemory hashtag or on Instagram.
Every life is a story. Share yours.
Who do you think will have the honor of receiving your kids’ first LOVE book creation?
.
.
**EBMR Disclaimer: As a YesVideo Ambassador, though I am being compensated for my time, the heart of this post is all me!**
About Marina
How precious! I love this idea!!
Mariah recently posted..Q-tip Painting: Snowman Craft
Oh that is a very sweet gift! And one I am sure the Dad would absolutely cherish and love. My husband loves getting personalized things like this from our kids.
Amber Edwards recently posted..Dry Hair Remedies, Parnevu natural hair care at affordable prices
Twitter: nickicoupons
says:
This is a great idea. I wish I had a laminator to do it with.
NIckida recently posted..Canvas Pop Giveaway
You can do this without the Laminator but you always run the risk of a page tearing through. But if kept away from little hands you should be fine
What a sweet and special gift! I adore that you laminated it. I would save it away forever! Thanks for sharing this lovely craft. My kids would love to make this for Dad or Grandma, or just about anyone special in their lives.
This is very very very cute and thoughtful. I will love to do this for my husband from the kid for his birthday. And since it is in August … it will give be enough time to organize it. Thanks for sharing!!
Jillian recently posted..WW – What you need to hear everyday of life.
I’m sure your husband will love it, very sweet.
Twitter: thebizymommy
says:
Love it! I’m a big fan of anything handmade, especially by the little ones. I’m sure your hubby will treasure it for forever!
Tiffany recently posted..Dressing rooms and 5 year olds don’t mix
I love this, what a great gift for Father’s Day, I better start now:) Thanks for sharing
April recently posted..Easy to Make Laundry Detergent
What a great gift idea! I agree, it would be perfect for Father’s Day. Great for grandparents too!
Cecile recently posted..10 Ways to Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions
That is such a sweet idea! I agree with Cecile, it’s perfect for just about anyone and any holiday!
Nikki recently posted..Five Practical Cost-Free Tips to Reduce Energy Costs
Twitter: SGRcom
says:
What an adorable gift! I pinned this so my son and I can make one once he’s old enough to write. I think we’d make one for my hubby…he deserves it!
Kecia recently posted..I’m Still An Earth’s Best Blogger!
I love this idea!! I think that this would also be great for grandparents that don’t live close or get to see their grandkids all the time!
I hope hubby had a great 40th!
Tiffany recently posted..How To Fix Run-Off Photos
What a great idea! I am sure your husband will treasure it always!
Nicole (Mama to 4 Blessings) recently posted..GOODNIGHT MOON LAPBOOK + ACTIVITIES (PRESCHOOL) LEARN & LINK
This is fabulous! Would rather get a gift like this from my kids than any other! Gifts with meaning!
Kristin Wheeler (Mama Luvs Books) recently posted..Five Dollar Amazon Gift Card Friday!
One of my husbands love language is words of affirmation he would love this! thanks for the idea
That is such a sweet idea! I’d bawl like a baby if my kids gave me one! lol
Terin Garrett recently posted..Aleah Hope is THREE!
Marina this is awesome! This would make a great teacher’s gift too, in fact, Im going to pin it in my teachers gift board to remember for end of year!