We’ve all had the nightmare: It’s Christmas morning and someone opens the present you got them. It’s perfect! They’re overjoyed! They pull the toy/gadget/gifty thing out of the box and find out batteries are not included or, more appropriately, “sorry, you actually need a screwdriver you don’t own to open this.” Rather than facing a ruined morning, put together an elf kit. The kit is a container which holds items that make gift opening and immediate assembly and usage possible. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukah, someone’s birthday or any other gift-centric celebration, the elf kit comes to the rescue.
Assembling the kit
Whether you are going to make a Christmas or general application elf kit, the contents are about the same. The container is a crafter’s dream project for any time of the year. You will need an empty paint can, large coffee can or other similar-sized sturdy container with a lid. Repurposing is encouraged here.
The Creative Homemaker gives instructions on decorating a paint can while Knoji has useful steps for coffee containers. Author Rick Cunningham has a collection of free elves you can print out for decorating your container. These elves are perfect for a Christmas elf kit.
In addition to Christmas, elf kits as gifts are appropriate for a baby shower, bridal shower, birthday, graduation, retirement, wedding or anniversary. Items for your completed container should include, at a minimum, the following:
- A screwdriver set
- Scissors
- Box knife
- Batteries (e.g., AA, C and D)
- Garbage bags
- Thank you cards and envelopes
- A couple pens
Add stamps so the thank you cards go out in a timely fashion and any other items useful to your particular present.
Elf kits take on other forms
Maybe you need an elf kit in other aspects of your life. Consider kits for gardening, bicycle or auto emergency repair or a college dorm survival kit. A gardening kit might include a pair of gloves, a small trowel, seed packets or seed bombs. College students are bound to appreciate a gasoline card, healthy munchies for late-night study sessions or even a new pair of socks for long walks across campus. No matter what items elves include in your kit, they’ll make your thoughtful gift that much more useful.
Any crafter knows once you make one good crafting project, others will follow as the creative juices flow. What begins as a convenience on Christmas morning can easily become a year-round present that gift recipients everywhere will enjoy receiving.
Danielle, who blogs on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands, enjoys doing DIY projects throughout the year so Christmas doesn’t sneak up on her (and her wallet). Read her work at Art Room Melody.
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