Create a Unique Gift in an Hour

Miss Ella

It’s hard for me to select gifts for our grandchildren. I’m not always sure exactly what their interests are now (today!) or if they already have that “special something” that I chose for them. I find this especially true when I am looking for something for the younger ones. They have plenty of toys to play with and I don’t want to give them gift cards, which the older grandchildren would appreciate and enjoy.

Last week I did an Internet search with the terms: What to gift a child who has everything. This is not to say that Owen and Ella (6 and 5 year old grandchildren) have everything. But I thought it was a good place to find some unique ideas. And I did find some.

If you find yourself in my position, 13 Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Kids Who Already Have Everything, or 25 Gift Ideas for the Kid Who has Everything, might be helpful for you.

But chances are, if you are reading this, you are a Photoshop user and you create scrapbook pages or albums, so I have another gift option for you to consider.

Last weekend, Ella asked me to play “restaurant” with her. When I agreed, she asked, or rather told me, “You be the voice of the animals.” So, okay, then, I will do that. Ella provided the direction and narrative of the restaurant playtime, and I … well, as I had been told, was the voice of the animals.

First of all, we needed tables in our restaurant, so Ella went off to find something we could use, while I found a “tablecloth” for the table. About 10 minutes into our play, it occurred to me that the story Ella was creating through her play could be turned into a super cute book for her.

I picked up a paper and pen and started recording what she was doing and saying. When I got home, I created a very simple book and uploaded it to Shutterfly. I can’t wait to get the book and give it to her!

If you find yourself wondering what to give your child or grandchild, consider turning their playtime into a storybook. It doesn’t take much time and it’s a great way to document a sweet playdate or memory.

If you are interested in viewing the entire book, you can view it with this Shutterfly link.

If you decide to create a storybook, please share on Facebook or leave a Comment here.

Karen Schulz

KarenSchulz.net

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I am a creator of digital scrapbook kits and Photoshop tutorials. Someone needs to hear your story, and I will help you tell it.

Comments (16)

  1. Stephanie Barry

    What a fun gift. You and Ella are very creative!

    November 12, 2020 at 7:54 pm
    • Karen Schulz

      Thanks, Stephanie! It’s so fun to listen to the stories that Ella (and Owen) make up!

      November 14, 2020 at 7:22 pm
  2. DeLoris Musick

    Awww – the photobook is darling!!!! What a great idea! You “dun” good Grandma!

    November 14, 2020 at 5:32 pm
  3. sharlamb46

    Karen, I have done the photo-story-book before, and it was a HUGE hit with my DGD. You took it to a higher level than I did. I’m going to consider doing this again for my youngest DGD. She loves scrapbook pages of herself and her family.

    November 14, 2020 at 5:34 pm
    • Karen Schulz

      Oh, I think you will have a blast doing it, Sharr! Let me know how it goes!

      November 14, 2020 at 7:23 pm
  4. Pam

    What a precious book — such a great idea! Now you just need to write one for Owen! 🙂

    November 14, 2020 at 6:03 pm
  5. Glori

    OHMYGoodness is that book…AMAZING!! I had so much fun reading it! You are so creative and how fun to have this keepsake of this special time together!! And, that action…YES YES YES!! Love it and just in time for me to use it needing to print out many layouts and needing them to not have overflow of paper or elements!! You Rock, girl!

    November 15, 2020 at 12:48 am
    • Karen Schulz

      Thanks, Glori. Ella’s imagination is quite fun to behold. And I’m so glad the action will be helpful for you! 😉

      November 15, 2020 at 2:30 pm
  6. Carolyn

    What a special gift – Miss Ella will treasure this always!

    November 15, 2020 at 12:52 am
    • Karen Schulz

      Thank you, Carolyn! I so hope you’re right!

      November 15, 2020 at 2:29 pm
  7. Diane K

    Absolutely wonderful idea!!! The book and the memory will be such a bright spot some day in the future also.

    November 15, 2020 at 12:57 am
    • Karen Schulz

      Thanks, Diane! I can’t wait to give it to her! I hope it will be one of her favorites!

      November 15, 2020 at 2:29 pm
  8. Judy

    How fun is that? Wonderful idea and you made it all come to life! She will love it… You’ve given me a great idea to tuck away for my baby great granddaughter, she is too little yet, but I can see it happening!

    November 17, 2020 at 1:26 pm
    • Karen Schulz

      Thanks, Judy! I’m so glad you will implement this idea in the future! I hope to see your creation.

      November 19, 2020 at 12:36 am
  9. Maggie Adair

    What an adorable idea. She is going to love it forever 🙂

    November 27, 2020 at 12:44 pm
    • Karen Schulz

      Thanks, Maggie! I hope so!

      November 28, 2020 at 11:37 pm
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