easter toolbox

I've been wanting to put together little craft boxes for the boys since last year. We have a cabinet in our kitchen that is designated for playdough, paper, crayons and miscellaneous craft supplies, which works out well since they used to do most of their crafting at the kitchen table. But recently the boys have been spending a lot of time in my studio, in fact they are taking over a little corner. So I thought it would be convenient to have most of their craft supplies in one bin, making it easy to transport from one room to the next and conducive to quick clean-ups.

I never got around to putting these craft boxes together in time for Christmas, but I realized last week that this gift could easily assume the role of an Easter basket.

Years ago Martha Stewart sold some really cute transparent plastic "toolboxes" in her Kmart line. I still use mine to hold various sewing notions. I couldn't find any of them in the stores, but I did come across these pretty cute toolboxes, which come in few different sizes, at The Home Depot. I chose the small one which was around $6. It has a nice clear flip-top lid that allows for easy access to supplies.

The only other thing I purchased for this gift was a month/day/year stamp from the office supply store which I think Big J will put to good use.

The rest of the goodies came from Sally's Craft Emporium [aka a box full of old/unused craft supplies in my studio]. So I filled up the compartments with paper punches, glass pebbles, glitter glue, popsicle sticks, clothespins and other goodies that I know two little boys would have fun playing around with.

I know they are going to love using the Xyron to make their own stickers.

I also made a few little notebooks for the boys since they love to doodle [inspired by Amy + Amanda]. I designed + printed covers on 8.5 x 11 cardstock, folded it in half, added some blank pages [regular ol' copy paper] inside, scored the covers so they fold back nicely and machine stitched them along the fold. Super easy and fun!

Comments

[Jen b]

great idea sally. so much better than a basket full of candy. i still use my marthas stewart toolbox from kmart too.

[missy]

i have that same toolbox, and i love it! my husband convinced me to buy it about a year ago, and i'm so glad he did...it's perfect for organizing, and it was such a good deal! what a great idea to give them as "easter baskets"...hope your boys love them!

[Stacia]

I am so inspired! Running out tomorrow to gather the supplies for something similar. Thank you Sally!

[Melissa A]

What a great idea!

[martha]

you are brilliant. this is the coolest easter basket ever.
I have some of these toolboxes for my drawing and sewing stuff -now I need to get the boys their own:)

[leslie]

such a lovely idea. indeed. those might just turn into heirlooms someday.

[Marie]

What a great idea! I have loved your blog for oh... years? and this is my first comment! Thanks for sharing this with us - I love it!

[Claudia]

Oh, those notebooks are so, so cute! I love the highlighted letter Js for your little Js - so sweet it makes my heart dance! The craft box is a lovely idea, Sally!

[amy]

yahoo I love this idea...We already have crafty toolbox here ( fishing tackle box actually) but am going to send yr link to family for their kiddos... I love love love yr ideas- always fresh and modern and perfect

[Alicia]

Love this. The paper punches are genius. Great for little hands that want to cut paper, but aren't quite ready for scissors.

[cindy k]

girl, that is such a great idea! i totally want a toolbox like that.

will someone out there please contact sally about writing a book already?

[marzi]

OMG! that is the cutest thing ever! the boys are going to LOVE them.

[mav]

absolutely fantastic. xx

[Mama Urchin]

They are going to love these.

[Kim]

what a fun Easter gift - so much more useful than all the traditional candy, half of which gets thrown out anyway - wonderful!

[Paper Dolls for Boys]

We don't celebrate Easter but you've inspired me to put one together for a super birthday present!
I love how you encourage your boys' creativity. Sweet boys RULE!
Tracey

[robin]

That is a brilliant idea for an easter basket. Sally, you amaze me.

[lera]

GREAT idea!

[Lery]

it's such a great idea! Never thought about it... I have my boy's art supplies all over the house!

[Danielle]

Wonderful idea!! I put together craft kits for my oldest two (girls 6 & almost 5). My little guy is 18 months old so I just made him a match game, but next year for sure.... he will be getting his own tool box!

BTW... we have the same toolboxes in 3 sixes:-)

[Lourdes Aleman]

Sally, you are a creative genius! Love this idea. Great gift idea as well....

[Nicole]

What a great present!!! I would be more than happy to get one of these. Why can't I be your kid?!

[Ravenhill]

Oh, what a wonderful gift sure to please! I just love this idea. Giving my children things they can use to explore thier creativity is my favorite type of gift to give!
-Happy Easter from Emily in Norway

[Rachel]

Very cute!! :) What a great idea...

[melissa f.]

so rad, as usual.

i need to talk to you soon! ack, it's the middle of march already. geez.