Last Minute Gift Guide

Christmas is this weekend and yes, we're still gathering up presents (don't judge us, we know you're doing the same thing). For whatever reason, Christmas seemed to sneak up on us this year even more than usual. We love to be personable with our giving, so we've put together a little gift guide if you're looking for last minute gifts. Be sure to stop by your local shops to support the small businesses in your town! Plus, you'll find unique things you won't find at a big retailer! We present you with...

RAYS'S PICKS

1. Rifle Paper Co. 12-Month Agenda // 2. Crazy Cat Lady Mug // 3. ban.do Confetti Bomb iPhone Case // 4. P.F. Candle Co. Combo Pack // 5. Cats of Instagram Book // 6. Kinfolk Subscription // 7. Mini Cinema Lightbox // 8. Lush Bath Bombs

A'S PICKS

1. Letterfolk Poet Board // 2. Hello!Luky Cat Pin // 3. Anthropologie Cat Mug // 4. Madewell Leather Key Chain // 5. Pokeo Color Pop Notebooks // 6. Ceramic Animal Candle // 7. Warby Parker Gift Card // 8. Bodum French Press

There you have it people– our top picks (we might be hoping to see some of these things in our own stockings, and we'll never object to a gift). Happy shopping!

Have a favorite last-minute gift? We'd love to hear about it! Share it below, and make sure you're tagging us with #rayandablog on instagram!

#giftitwell

DIY: KRAFT PAPER BAG GIFT TAGS

Sometimes the best ideas spark when you're rummaging through your college craft boxes... literally! This is the perfect way to recycle brown kraft paper bags and use your excessive amount of paint color swatches that you've been hoarding (admit it, you know you do...) Put together this DIY in less than 5 minutes for the perfect finishing touch to your gift bags or boxes!

MATERIALS:

+ Brown kraft paper bag
+ Gift tag punch
+ Paint color swatches
+ Hole punch
+ Scissors
+ Glue stick
+ Marker
+ A cat or two to keep you company (optional, but highly recommended)

Step 1: Use the gift tag punch on the side of the kraft paper bag. One punch on the side should get you two or three tags at once from the layers.
Step 2: Cut strips from the paint color swatches or any other fun shapes! Glue these onto the tags.
Step 3: Use the hole punch at the top of the tags and customize with your marker!

Use fun colors for birthdays and colors coordinating with holidays to have gift tags for any occasion! We would love to see your creations — use #rayandablog so we can see your take on this DIY!

P.S. - This DIY could not have been possible without the company of cats Skipper and Binx. We couldn't have done it without their constant interruptions of playing and laying on literally everything.

#getyourkrafton

DIY: Rustic Painted Mason Jars

It's week three of our Christmas DIY countdown! This super simple DIY will give your home a rustic holiday look right away. While last week’s craft featured a DIY Christmas tree terrarium, this week we are using materials that you can totally find in your own home!

Mason jars always seem to be popping up all over Pinterest, crafts stores and even our own homes, so we decided to feature them this week in our DIY!

MATERIALS:

+ Mason Jar

+ Acrylic paint/spray paint

+ Twine

+ Fresh greens (you can get these from the trees in your backyard or your neighbor’s backyard, or at your local pop-up Christmas tree farm! Tip: Be sure to ask before creeping in anyone's yard to cut their trees...)

Step 1: Collect your jars — Big and small, we love them all! 

Step 2: Paint the jars. We used spray paint to create an ombre effect by spraying layers, and also used some crumpled up newspaper to dab on the white acrylic paint. Use your imagination! Let them dry before you add your greens.

Step 3: Add greens and festive twine for that finishing touch!

Ta-dah! Super simple right? Get ready to fill your house with these green-filled jars, decorate for holiday parties or gift them to family and friends. Check back next week to see our next Christmas DIY — You won't want to miss it!

#rusticupyourhome

SEASONS GREETINGS (CARDS)

The best way to complete a gift? With a well-designed holiday card! We’re crazy about all the Christmas cards that have been flooding the Internet this year, and we’re showing you our favorite cards this season from extremely talented designers and illustrators. Check ‘em out to find the perfect card for anyone in your life!

WILD HART PAPER CO

WORTHWHILE PAPER

OUR HEIDAY

HELLO LUCKY

POKETO

LITTLE ARROW

Have a favorite? Show some love for your favorite paper goods designers below in the comments!

#tisthegreetings

DIY: Christmas Tree Terrarium

Because getting ready for the holiday season always involves decorating every nook and cranny of the house, we’re going to be featuring a different DIY every week until Christmas! So now that you got your craft pants on from our Cinnamon Stick Coaster DIY, get ready for more holiday decorating fun with this adorable Christmas Forest Terrarium!

Lots of this year’s Christmas decor is reminiscent of 1950’s holiday decor—the gaudy, the colorful, and all-around FESTIVE. One of our favorite Christmas trends this year are the colorful little bristle trees! You’ve probably seen them at Target, and stopped to drool over the poppin’ colors like we have all too many times. This quick and cute DIY is our ode to the EVERgreen, EVER stylish bristle tree.



MATERIALS:
+ Bristle brush trees (we got ours at JoAnn Fabrics)
+ Glass mason jar with lid
+ White fabric or stuffing
+ Fabric or hot glue
+ Baker's twine (optional)

Step 1: Glue your fabric or stuffing onto the inside of your lid. This will be the "snow" of your winter jarscape. Next, add some glue to the bottom of your mini trees.

Step 2: Arrange your mini trees in the lid, placing the "snow" around them.

Step 3: Once your forest is planted, screw that lid on the jar, and finish it off with some Baker's twine if you really want a festive look.

This little terrarium makes an awesome table centerpiece, or even a great gift for all your friends! Craft along with us, and share your DIYs on social media using #rayandablog— we can’t wait to see your crafts!

#niftyfiftieschristmas

DIY: Cinnamon Stick Coasters

Because getting ready for the holiday season always involves decorating every nook and cranny of the house, we’re going to be featuring a different DIY every week until Christmas! So get your crafty pants on, and let’s get started!

Nothing screams Christmas more than the sweet smell of cinnamon filling the house. We’re sharing this super simple DIY that only requires two materials. Cinnamon sticks and twine. See below for instructions on how to make this fun DIY perfect for the holidays!

MATERIALS:

+ Cinnamon sticks
+ Baker's twine (or any string will do!)

Step 1: Line up your cinnamon sticks so they're as level as can be, then tie a knot on the first stick, securing the string before you start weaving.

Step 2: Start weaving the string under, over, (under, over...) the cinnamon sticks. Once you reach the last one, loop around the bottom and weave the other way.

Step 3: When you reach your original knot, tie the two ends together. Repeat on other side of the cinnamon sticks.

Now you have a cute, festive decoration and a fragrant scent to fill your home as you set that hot cup of coffee on your new coaster.

Sidenote: Isn't coffee with creamer swirls the most fascinating, beautiful thing, or is is just me?

Oh yeah! These coasters also look super cute with a candle burning on them. When the candle gets warm, you just might smell some cinnamon. Last week we went to a pop-up holiday shop, and Alisa bought this candle from Zoet Bathlatier, an artisanal candle and soap-maker. Do check out her website and her etsy shop—these would make great Christmas gifts with a coaster!

Use these cinnamon coasters with your hot tea to give off a rich, cinnamon scent, or use them for your holiday decoration! Craft along with us, and share your coasters on social media using #rayandablog— we can’t wait to see your crafts!

#spiceitup