Gift Guide for the Creative

Do you struggle with what to get the creatives in your life? It can be scary to choose the right thing or worse…trying to DIY something for the Martha Stewart in your neighborhood! Don't get intimidated by their mad skills. You've got the Ultimate Gift Guide for the Creative on your List and are going to rock their creative world!

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The Gift of Tools

What is a Woman without her tools? It is possible to do most things without the proper tools but it's a WHOLE LOT better for a smooth project to have what you need. The tools I absolutely cannot live without:

Cricut Explore Air

Cricut Explore Air: My project times are cut in half at the very least. No more trips to the scrapbook store for die cutting tools. No more scissors and intricate cutting for party decor! A new creative world opens up when you have an electronic cutting machine. After receiving another brand's machine as a gift with disappointing results, I recommend the Cricut Explore Air 2 for anyone from beginner to serious maker for ease of use out of the box, detailed tutorials for learning more advanced options, and a fabulous library to choose from.

Cricut Maker

That said, I AM dreaming of the day that I can have my very own Cricut Maker! Do I need it? No. But I feel like this machine has so many other capabilities it is conceivable to have and use BOTH for different things. If you sell handmade goods there's a pretty good chance the Maker can streamline production. I can't wait to give it a try someday {I hope} soon. Imagine being able to design and cut wood projects like these dinosaurs from your very own craft room!

Rotary Paper Trimmer

And for those times when straight lines are all I need the Heavy Duty 18″ Rotary Paper Trimmer does it. I love this thing and use it almost daily. The larger size allows me to cut 12×12 scrapbook papers as well as 11×17 prints without creases. If you've ever used a smaller size….you know what I'm talking about!

Bone Folder

A post shared by Have Fun Book Folding (@havefunbookfolding) on Nov 3, 2017 at 6:35am PDT

A Bone Folder, Now if you are like me you're wondering what in the world this is. My graphic designer friend gave me this little tidbit and it's changed the way I fold paper forever! This simple little tool helps get straight even creases every time.

The Gift of Organization

So…everyone who knows me gives me a 10 minute buffer cause I'm always late. They also know MY areas of the house are pretty messy. Organization of tools and time is such a GIFT! These items can help other creatives get a little more organized too.

Key Finders

Wireless key finder fobs are on my wish list for Santa! I can't be the only one that constantly loses my keys and phone! In my defense, I have 3 “helpers” that often lose them for me. I've been thinking they'd also be perfect to keep track of the TV remotes, kids lunch boxes, and my daughter's homework folder! Does your family misplace stuff as often as mine!?

The Perfect Planner

I've been a planner user my whole adult life. I'm actually quite organized when it comes to keeping track of appointments and getting projects done for OTHER PEOPLE. It's staying on top of my personal life, three kiddos schedules, and a constantly changing work schedule for my husband that makes me crazy. I found the Passion Planner this year and I'm hooked. I love this thing. It's got many features of your standard planner but I love that it also gives you encouragement and bits of wisdom, serves as a gratitude journal, and promotes goal setting and tracking. I prefer a Compact Passion Planner that easily fits in my purse, but standard sizes and custom covers are also available. How cute is this limited edition Boho cover!? I kind of love it.

The Gift of Time

If you are creative, you are also prone to over scheduling, overcommitting, and overworking yourself. It's not because we don't know how to say “No”. Just ask my kids. It's that we get to do what we love every day. Our enthusiasm is contagious and people want to be part of it. I'm always excited for a new opportunity even when staying up til all hours to get it done. To help me prioritize my day I've found several indispensable tools that allow me to spend time doing what I love: creating, designing, and being with my family.

A Fabulous Morning Routine

It all starts with your outlook first thing in the morning. I am NOT a morning person, nor do I anticipate ever becoming one. BUT. This book “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod changed the way I view everything. It also improved my marriage {which was fine, but now is great} when we started doing our morning routine together. You tackle all of your most important goals very first thing.

Lots of Gratitude

Hal recommends a gratitude journal as part of your Miracle Morning and if you aren't using the sidebar of your Passion Planner to record your blessings The 5-Minute Journal is an incredibly easy way to keep track of your daily highs and lows; to see progress and feel incredibly blessed no matter your circumstance.

House Cleaning Service

A gift certificate to a cleaning service like The Merry Maids is a game changer. Especially if the recipient likes to entertain! Cleaning the house before AND after the party can be overwhelming. A cleaning service has revolutionized my life and reduced the chances that my hoarding tendencies will spill up and out of the basement!

Help with Food

A meal service like Hello Fresh {you can often find great meal service discounts on deal sites like Groupon} or meal planning site like Six Sisters Menu Plans can keep your family alive when things get busy. Cause let's be honest….it's always busy and cooking is the LAST thing I want to do.

Meal service plans deliver fresh food to your door with a recipe card. You still have to cook but all the guess work and shopping is done for you.

Menu planning services give you the list of what to make each day, the grocery list, and suggestions for sides and desserts. Planning is seriously half the battle. Sign up for Walmart grocery pickup and you're three-quarters of the way there!

De-stress

Finally, I know that I tend to get pretty wound up and require some relax time to wind back down.

1. Give the gift of relaxation with a Massage Envy gift card. This is a great one if there are locations near you. I've even booked appointments while on vacation with my membership!
2. Spa Finder gift certificates are great if you don't know which spa is best. Give lots of flexibility.
3. I'm personally in LOVE with amazing bath products like these from Sunbasil Soaps.

Still in doubt? …Gift Cards!

A gift card may feel impersonal but not if it's to her favorite store. These are a few of my favorite party and project shopping destinations that are sure to be a hit:

• Michaels {click on GIFT CARDS in the top menu}
• JoAnn Fabrics
• World Market
• Etsy
• Amazon
• Oriental Trading

I hope you have a great time shopping for all the Creatives in your life. And if you are the creative, go ahead and send this one to Santa. I know you've been a good girl this year! I hope this Ultimate Gift Guide for the Creative on your list was helpful! Please let me know if I missed anything critical from my list in the comments. Wishing you a very happy holiday season!

Until next time,