The cutest printable photo props to put the Merry in your Christmas

by Christina Refford | DIY

We love how grownups and kids alike will totally let their silly side show when you leave out some easy-to-DIY printable photo props. We’ve seen this trend at many birthday parties and even outlined how to make your own photo booth for your next shindig. And now...

Wrap it up with the coolest free printable gift tags and gift wrap

by Christina Refford | DIY

Running low on gift tags and holiday wrapping paper right when you really need them? Want to avoid a shopping center parking lot at all costs this close to Christmas? Yeah, us too. No worries:  Download some of these gorgeous printable gift tags or holiday gift wrap...

Printable Nutcracker paper dolls bring the magic to a coffee table near you.

by Delilah S. Dawson | DIY

Forget overpriced seating and an emergency potty break right before the Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy. Thanks to these gorgeous printable Nutcracker paper dolls from CMP favorite Sarah Jane, now you can enjoy the magic of one of our favorite holiday traditions any...

How to make Game of Thrones snowflakes. Because winter is coming.

by Delilah S. Dawson | DIY

We do not snow? Think again. Those Star Wars snowflakes from last year were out of this world, but now that we’ve discovered Game of Thrones snowflakes., we realize that we knew nothing, Jon Snow. Thanks to these free patterns, anyone can create beautiful...

A DIY Christmas tree dollhouse, also known as “how to put those Amazon boxes to good use”

by Delilah S. Dawson | DIY

If your house is anything like mine, you’ve got two energetic kids trapped inside by nasty weather and a huge stack of shipping boxes waiting for the recycling truck. Put them all to good use with this DIY project that creates an adorable Christmas tree...

Create Your Own Monster for Christmas

by Christina Refford | DIY

When my kids saw the Create Your Own Monster Kit, they couldn’t wait to open the lid to unleash more than a dozen creatures into our living room. Fortunately, these colorful, snarling, lurching creatures don’t leave a mess and are actually pretty good...

Crafty gift kits for the creative people on your holiday list

by Stephanie Mayers | DIY

Have a budding Martha Stewart on your holiday shopping list? Go ahead and check them off — these sweet little craft kits from Purl Soho (the folks behind The Purl Bee) are just perfect. Knitting, embroidery, and other craft projects are all packed in perfect kits...

Deck the house with the coolest Christmas printables, lots of them free

by Christina Refford | DIY

Liven up your Christmas decor this year by printing out some great printable holiday decorations without leaving the comforts of home. The best part: you won’t need a degree in Paper Arts or a stash of obscure crafting supplies to get these pieces ready to...

A comparison of our 11 favorite custom photo book services, for one of our all-time favorite gifts.

by Kate Etue | DIY

This is that time of year when I start thinking about putting together a photo book with all my pictures from the year, but I usually get hung up on wanting one that will actually last until my kids are adults, so they can enjoy them for years to come. There are so...

Stocking stuffer alert: Rx Art coloring books support kids most in need of art.

by Liz Gumbinner | DIY

A coloring book can make a fantastic holiday gift for kids: It doesn’t require batteries, it’s portable for the trip home, and you can start using it right away. Now here’s a new one that’s fantastic for another reason besides the fact that...

Make your own family trivia game for Thanksgiving. Beats fighting about politics.

by Liz Gumbinner | DIY

There’s something about Thanksgiving that brings out the sentimental side of our ordinarily feisty family. In part it’s the memory of family who’s no longer with us, in part it’s seeing the next generation start to fill their seats–if...

Personalized paper dolls: Coolest gift in the world. Ever.

by Stephanie Slate | DIY

Little kids can be tougher to buy gifts for than it might seem. Either they want absolutely everything, or they can’t think of one thing they want. Which is why I’m flipping out over the personalized paper dolls from Sandy Ford Design. What are they?...