Cutest DIY Stocking Stuffer. Ever.

I like DIY projects as much as the next girl. Unless that girl is my friend Lisa who takes DIY to a whole new level. Lisa once renovated an entire bathroom. With the skill of a real plumber!

I also once renovated a bathroom – just the floor part. But instead of lifting the toilet up so I could tile under it, I simply cemented those suckers in place around the toilet’s base.

Clearly, I enjoy the idea of DIY, but in practice -- if it's to be successful --  the project had better be easy. And immediate gratification. And include no complicated plumbing.

Today I have just the thing: Gumball jars! These are stocking stuffers that are cute, easy and fun to make. The trifecta of great, and all for under $5.

For the kiddos in your life, personalize the jars with a flower or sports figurine on top. For the adults, think of their passion or an inside joke and personalize with an action figure (a la Star Wars), tiara or any plastic doo-dad you can find at Party City. 

You could even swap out the gumballs for gummy bears or coffee beans, according to your friend’s personal taste &/or addiction.

You can procure all the items you need, most inexpensively, at Walmart (or online at Walmart.com). Here’s the list:

-         Mason jars (usually sold in pack of 8 or 12)

-         Gumballs

-         Silk flowers

-         Sports gear toppers (sold in party favor packs of 12)

-         Labels

-         Washi tape

-         Rubber Cement

I think festive labels make the project so I added ones that said “cheers” and “score”. I typed these up on the computer since my handwriting’s atrocious, and I’m all about cute labeling.

This is also why I added the washi tape around the lid. (Washi tape is usually used for scrapbooking. It comes in many a fabulous pattern and makes the gumball jars extra cute. Totally worth the extra step.)

This is a great project to do alone or with kids. In fact, next weekend I’m going to do it with kids. 154 of them. At the elementary school’s craft fair. 

What could go wrong? Guru girl, a glue gun and gumballs. So, so many gumballs. Wish me luck!

Happy crafting, guru girls & guys!