I don’t know about you, but if I do not write things down, lists and ideas have a tendency to fly away and never be heard from again. I try to flex my memory recall muscles, but juggling all the fullness of motherhood, running a business, being social, and so on, often leaves my mind a little tired.

So, writing things down it is.

On the everyday, I LOVE bullet journaling, and usually have a stack that I keep all together in my traveler’s journal. But during the holidays, I like to have something special–a planner that is extra festive, extra special, extra intentional. 

I also MUST have a place to write down the gifts on my list this year and all the little things I pick up for stockings in the next few weeks. Just this week I was at the store trying to remember what I had already purchased and wishing I had my holiday planner with me.

The first time I made a holiday planner was with my friend Courtney’s help while we were in MOPS together. I still have that planner. Which is actually another reason why I love making these Christmas planners– they are a record of all the little details I am likely to forget.

The food. The gifts. The outings. The projects. It’s all there, kept waiting to be reminisced and remembered.

These days, I use my holiday planner to keep track of more than I did back then. I still use it for gifts and events, but I also have pages to keep track of work to-dos, Christmas curriculum plans, and some more of the little details that now make up our lives with older (and more) kids. (I’ll share a peek at my table of contents for this year’s holiday planner, as well as some ideas for other pages in your planner below).

Keep reading to see:

• how to make your own DIY Christmas Journal
• sample pages to print
• more great holiday ideas 

DIY Christmas Journal

Making a Christmas journal is easy and you really do not need many supplies. (You can watch a short video of me making this year’s planner on my Instagram page too! Check out my holiday highlight there for even more ideas.) 

WHAT YOU NEED ::

• a small journal (I like these)
• modge podge to coat the cover
• cardstock, holiday scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, art prints, or even festive coloring pages are great for covering your planner.

FUN (UNNECESSARY) EXTRAS ::

• craft scissors and a paper cutter for better cutting
• washi tape, holiday stickers, and craft pens

I am a HUGE fan of keeping things simple, so in the past when I realized that I did not have holiday scrapbook paper on hand when I wanted to make my Christmas journal, I chose making what I had (wrapping paper) work instead of going out to the store. I was able to get it done quickly and did not have to spend anything extra.

This year, I again used what was on hand and used a linocut print that my oldest son had made for our holiday market last year. That, plus a sharpie and some glittery washi tape made a fun and festive planner. (Bonus, my son is happy to see his art used for something important).

Step 1: Make It Pretty

• Cut out your paper so that it is about an inch bigger than your notebook on all sides.
• Use a foam brush to coat the cover of the notebook with a thin layer of mod podge. Adhere the paper to the notebook and gently smooth the paper down so there are no bumps or bubbles.
• Make a short cut into the overhanging paper at the spine of the book so that you can fold up the paper around the edges. Adhere with mod podge.
• Cut out strips and circles and make the cover of your Christmas planner. You can be as creative as you’d like! (This is where fun scissors and punches come in handy!) I used a combination of wrapping paper and colored cardstock.
• Label your planner– don’t forget the year! You’ll want that on your notebook in years to come.
• Go over the cover of your Christmas journal with another thin coat of mod podge when you finish the design.

Step 2: Make It Functional

• Skipping the first page, number all the pages in the bottom right corner.
• On a scrap piece of paper, make a list of whatever you want your planner to include. (I use this same strategy for my everyday bullet journals too). Once you know what you want in your planner, you can put them in an order that makes sense to you on the first page of your book. Assign page numbers now, or do this as you go.
• Add the tabs to your journal by cutting a small square of cardstock, and folding it in half. Label the tab and use a stapler, mini hot glue gun, or clear tape to attach the tabs to the correct pages.  In a small notebook like mine, you can leave 3-4 pages in each section, which is plenty for me. Optional: paint a thin coat of mod podge over the front of the tab.
• Your tabs can be custom, or you can copy mine.

• Add small envelopes for receipts and other important paper scraps.
• Use an elastic, ribbon, or (what I did this year) a hair tie to create a way to keep your planner closed

Step 3: Fill It In

This is the most fun part! Make your lists, plan out your month, brainstorm holiday menu plans and must-try recipes. Use your favorite colored pens (these are mine) and enjoy your new planner.

The most important thing to remember, with a holiday planner or bullet journal or any other organization method, is to make it your own. Don’t try to copy exactly what someone else does, but try different things and figure out what works best for personality and family needs. 

PRINTABLES TO INCLUDE ::

• December Bucket List
• Connected Christmas planning pages (this is the Christmas curriculum we use in our homeschool during December, get 10% off with code THISPILGRIMLIFE10))
• An Advent reading plan
• Winter Dinner Ideas

BONUS IDEA :: I wrap each person’s gifts with different wrapping paper, and tape a small piece of their specific paper next to their name so I don’t forget!

If you make your own holiday planner, I’d love to see it! Share on social and tag me @thispilgrimlife! Keep scrolling to check out some more fun holiday projects, recipes, and gift ideas. Happy holidays, friends! 

More holiday posts to check out ::

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The post DIY Holiday Planner appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.

The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here. 

My traveler’s journal is my never-leave-home-without planner. It is literally my brain on paper and I use it constantly to keep track of so many areas of my life. After keeping a bullet journal for years, I was so happy to discover traveler’s journals that would allow me to keep different “subjects” in separate notebooks… all in one planner. 

I have four notebooks in my traveler’s journal– one for HOME & FAMILY, one for HOMESCHOOL & COMMUNITY, one for WORK, and one for PERSONAL & COMMONPLACE. I also have switched to a two-year calendar in my traveler’s journal, rather than always writing the calendar pages in my notebooks myself. (Though some especially busy months, I will still create my own calendar pages).

After shopping around for traveler’s journals online, I decided to make my own cover for two reasons–

1. Most of the quality options I found were expensive or had a long wait to receive the product
2. I wanted my traveler’s journal to include pockets for little papers and pens

I made my first traveler’s journal cover 2 years ago and loooooved it. After 2 years of wear, however, it was time for a new cover, so I made a new one this past week to start the new year fresh and shiny.

You can find a full, printable tutorial to make your own traveler’s journal in my Etsy shop. Only basic sewing skills are needed and the cost of materials is small, especially if you can pull from a fabric stash.

Why a Traveler’s Journal?

1. It’s completely customizable. You can use it however you like, add whatever flair you like, embellish it with doodles or stickers or journaling supplies.
2. It’s refillable so can be used year after year. The great thing about a traveler’s journal is that when a notebook is full or irrelevant, you can simply take it out and slip a new one in. This is great if you like to have a fresh start at the new year too (I definitely do!)
3. It’s inexpensive. The cost of notebooks is small, and besides that all you really need is a pen. Making your own is very reasonable too.
4. It fits individual preferences & needs. You can add three notebooks or five. Make one dedicated to drawing comics or nature journaling. Make a gratitude or memory journal. Or, like I have promised my kids, use them in homeschool for narrations, spelling, math, timelines, etc.
5. It’s the perfect size to tuck in a bag and carry with you. My traveler’s journal comes with me everywhere. I love that it’s not full-size or fun-size. It fits in almost all of my purses/bags that I use on a regular basis.
6. It can be filled with blank, ruled, or printed notebooks. I prefer blank notebooks over ruled, but you can use either one. You can also purchase notebooks for traveler’s journals that are printed and ready to go. (I like Juniper Grove for these).
7. It’s perfect for people who want a little more organization/options for bullet journaling. Don’t want to put everything into one journal? That’s what the traveler’s journal is for. This helps not only to distinguish subjects between notebooks, but also means they will last longer.

DIY Traveler’s Journal

Recommended supplies for Traveler’s Journals ::

• Etsy Sewing Tutorial to make your own
• Moleskin cashier journals — lined
• Moleskin cashier journals — blank 
• Blank notebooks bulk
• Juniper Grove journal inserts (really great options here)
• Pilot G2 Gel Pen (Favorite pens!)
• washi tape
• Magnetic Bookmarks
• Post-It notes in all sizes
• Noted Post-Its (these are so helpful)
• Leather journal cover (I just figured I would add this one if you wanted to completely skip sewing and buy a cover. Ha!)

Filling the pages :: 

Putting the first marks on the pages can seem really overwhelming, so I have found that making a plan on loose paper or post-its helps me to figure out exactly what I want to use each notebook for, what specific pages I want in each notebook, and then of course, the order that they are included. 

After I get the page numbers in, I can use my notes to create a table of contents for each notebook.

In addition to writing in my own lists and charts and such, I also like to print off resources that I reference often at 50% and tape them into my notebooks. You can do this with any kind of checklist, printable, calendar, etc that you like to use. Here are some of my favorites that are available for free on my site: 

• Kitchen Essentials Checklist
• Freezer Inventory
• Seasonal Menus (Fall & Winter, Summer Lunch, Summer Dinner)
• Everyday Menus (Frugal Dinner Ideas, Adventure Day Menu, Lunch Tray Ideas)
• Best Kids’ Book Authors
• Treehouse Schoolhouse Nature Study Seasonal Calendars
• Reading Lists & Plans
• Seasonal Reset Questions

I hope this been helpful. Remember that even though there are some incredibly beautiful traveler’s journals and bullet journals online, ultimately the purpose is that your journal will add value to YOUR life. In other words, as long as it works for you and helps you, it doesn’t have to look any certain way.

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The post DIY Traveler’s Journal & Tips appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.

The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here.

No matter your budget, making handmade gifts for the people on your list is a great way to show how much you care and to give special and unique gifts!

I like to do a balance of homemade gifts and store-bought gifts every year. I love being able to pick out a stack of fabric from the craft store that I know my family will enjoy, and then set up my annual “Santa’s workshop” in my dining room to make everyone’s gifts.

I put together a list of some of my favorite handmade gifts for you to use as you decide what to make for your friends and family. Most of the projects can be completed in thirty minutes or less, many with scraps from your stash! Other projects are a little more involved, but will be used for years (like the backpacks, hooded towels, tote bags, and make-up bag!).

I hope you enjoy this Homemade Gift Guide! I’d love for you to share in the comments what other things you like to make as gifts too, and as always, I appreciate it when you pin and share so that more people can find my gift guides and tutorials!

Easy Handmade Gifts for Kids & Adults

• Gifts for Kids
• Gifts for Teens
• Gifts for All Adults
• Gifts for Women
• Gifts for Men
• Gifts Made By Kids

For Kids

I’ve broken these handmade gifts for kids up into two groups– those you make with a sewing machine, and those that do not require a sewing machine.

SEWING

1. Toddler Purse (designed to be easy for a toddler to carry and put things in and out of the bag!)
2. Pencil Roll-Up (this really belongs on the adult list too! It’s so handy for pens, pencils, markers, etc)
3. Sketchbook Pal (gift one of these along with a new sketchbook!)
4. Zippered Pouch (I LOVE making and giving these because they’re so useful and you can use any fabric!)
5. Bendy Snakes (such a fun project and a great stocking stuffer idea!)
6. Cloth Blocks Trio (this is a great gift idea for babies and toddlers! Put a bell inside for even more fun)
7. Toddler Baby Carrier (for all the kids who want to be just like mama!)
8. Hooded Towels (we use our hooded towels every week! I’ve made a lion, tiger, dog, duck, and ladybug!)
9. Kids’ Backpack (This backpack pattern is really good. You can extend it for bigger kids. I’ve made them for my three biggest kids)
10. Baby Doll Basket(I made this for my daughter years ago and the basket is still used for dolls and stuffed animals)
11. Doll/Stuffed Animal Blanket & Little Pillows (last year I made little blankets for my youngest three kids to use with their favorite stuffed animals/baby dolls. Later in the year I added little pillows. Both are such quick and easy projects, and a great use for fabric scraps!)
12. Bean Bag Chair(so useful and fun! Plus, you can customize the fabric for each recipient)
13. Wee Mouse Tin House (how CUTE is this?! I have a few kids who would love this little gift)
14. Quiet Book (this project takes a little more time, but can be used for years. You can also add pages over time)
15. Child’s Ring Sling (simple, low-sew project that can be used by kids of all ages!)

NON-SEWING

1. DIY Fort Building Kit (I love this simple project that can be used inside or outside and enjoyed by all ages)
2. DIY Latch Board (we had one of these I found at a thrift store and my kids loved it! This is a very simple project to make yourself!)
3. Dart Belt (a perfect gift for kids who enjoy playing with dart guns! Gift one with new darts and/or a hanging target!)
4. Stamped Bar Leather Bracelets (I want to make these simple bracelets for my kids this year. I’m sure they’ll love them!)
5. DIY Rainbow Crayons (the perfect way to repurpose broken and stubby crayons! I’ve been saving crayons to do this…I’m thinking lego rainbow crayons…)
6. Flower Fairy Peg Dolls (love these simple toys! Pair them with a zippered pouch and they can be tucked in a purse or backpack and enjoyed anywhere!)
7. DIY Rainbow Peg Dolls & Toadstools(see above!)
8. Indoor Chalkboard Table (no pencils or paper necessary when you can just draw right on the table!)
9. DIY Yard Jenga Game (we’ve played this game at parties before and it’s so fun to play on a large scale! I love the painted look that this tutorial gives)
10. DIY Lacing Frames (this lacing toy would be perfect for little hands or even keeping big hands busy during read-alouds)

For Teens

1. Mini Gold Leaf Notebooks(love these brightly colored notebooks!)
2. Zippered Pouches (zippered pouches are so handy for keeping up with all your little belongings!)
3. Book Pocket Pillow(encourage reading & keeping up with their books!)
4. DIY Taco Cord Holder (a delightful combination of practical & fun. No sewing skill needed)
5. Koosh Ball Pillows (I can’t get over what a creative idea this is! I love the iridescent fabric too!)
6. DIY Dinosaur Planter (I absolutely love these whimsical planters! How fun to set them on a desk or bookshelf!)
7. DIY Animal Memo Holder (another fun way to leave each other notes or remember important things to do)
8. Spa Pedicure in a Jar (grab some basic pedicure supplies and wrap them up in a festive jar! Perfect for a mom & teen date night!)
9. DIY Ornament Pillows (soooo colorful and fun! Cuddle up with a new pillow while watching all the favorite holiday movies)
10. DIY Bath Bombs (take a little of the stress out of growing up with a relaxing soak!)

For Adults 

ALL ADULTS

1. Zippered Pouches (love how easy it is to make these in all kinds of sizes and patterns! Perfect for keeping up with small tools, pens, lip glosses & chapstick in the purse, treats and snacks, and so much more)
2. Car Organization Trio (the perfect gift for anyone who struggles with keeping their car tidy!)
3. “Hot Hands” Pouches & Heat Pads (so nice for aching muscles and cold hands!)
4. DIY Candles (candles are always nice to create cozy spaces during the winter!)
5. Essential Oil Gifts (Lotion Bars, Room Spray, etc)
6. Embroidered Wall Art (any size, any saying, for anyone!)
7. DIY Catch All Wooden Tray(these are handy in any room! I love how simple and versatile this project is)
8. Book Pocket Pillow (no hunting for current reads needed when the book is tucked into your pillow!)
9. Fabric Pocket Photo Book (this is such a fun and sweet gift idea for spouses and children!)
10. Stovetop Potpourri(such a simple and lovely way to create a festive mood in the home!)

GIFTS FOR WOMEN

1. Cinching Make-Up Bag (I love my make-up bag because it opens up to show everything I need at once!)
2. Ginger & Coconut Oil Sugar Body Scrub (treat your loved ones with a homemade pampering scrub!)
3. Watercolor Planters (These planters are gorgeous. You won’t believe what you use to create this look!)
4. Heatsafe Table Runner (make a quilted table runner with a special layer inside so you can put hot pots right on top!)
5. Grocery Totes (grab some inexpensive utility fabric and make some reusable grocery bags for the earth-conscious on your list!)
6. Everyday Zipper Tote (use this pattern to make a great everyday tote bag!)
7. DIY Notebooks & Traveler’s Journals (make handy notebooks with fun cardstock, then if you want, take it a step further and make a traveler’s journal!)
8. 10 Minute Infinity Scarf (very little sewing is involved in making cute infinity scarves!)
9. Cozy Arm Blanket (the tutorial creator says this blanket can be done in an hour! It looks so cozy!)
10. Ombre Tassel Necklace (tassel jewelry is really popular right now! make colorful necklaces or earrings to gift this year!)

GIFTS FOR MEN

1. Cedarwood Beard Balm (keep beards soft and tame– and non-itchy– with a hydrating beard balm)
2. Rosemary Mint Shaving Cream (or if shaving is preferred, give a simple shaving cream that smells amazing!)
3. DIY Dipped Shot Glasses
4. Copper iPad Stand(I love the look of this iPad stand! It would look so nice in a kitchen or sitting on a desk)
5. “Manly” Bar of Soap (homemade soap with a great “rustic” scent…it’s a win/win!)
6. DIY Notebook from 6-Pack Cartons (these fun and useful notebooks could be made from favorite beer cartons or soda cartons)
7. Pinecone Fire Starters (these are meant to be wedding favors, but I can totally see a basket of these being a great gift idea for men who regularly start fires– not to mention how pretty they would look sitting on the fireplace!)
8. Home State String Art (such a fun way to celebrate your home state!)
9. Hanging Grill Tool Display (if your grill tools are prone to getting lost like they are at our house, this project would be a great way to keep them neat and ready to be used!)
10. Firewood Tote (a quick and easy project for anyone building regular fires this winter!)

Kid Made Gifts

These gifts are simple enough for older kids to make on their own, and younger kids to make with a little bit of help!

1. Child-Made Wallet (kids can make this simple wallet for their friends or younger siblings!)
2. Beeswax Rolled Candles (get a DIY candle kit and get rolling! Watch how to make these beautiful candles on Venison for Dinner)
3. Paracord Bracelets (this is a great craft idea for older kids–and older kids to make for their friends!)
4. Wooden Spoons (my 10yo has become very good this year at making wooden spoons using his whittling tools and sandpaper. This project takes more skill and time, but could be a very nice gift for years).
5. Washi Tape Headbands (fun & colorful washi tape meets inexpensive headbands to “wrap up” this simple gift idea)
6. Pencil Roll-Up (kids with basic sewing skills can make these pencil/pen holder for their friends and family)
7. Pinch Pots (my kids love making these little pots with air-dry clay. It’s easy enough for toddlers to make with a little help, and the pots can be painted after they are dry. Perfect for holding little items, like rings on a windowsill while dishes are washed!)
8. Tile Coaster(so many ways to personalize this practical gift!)
9. Snowflake Pipe Cleaner Coasters (these are super cute and perfect for using all winter long. Kids need to be old enough to use sharp scissors and a glue gun)
10. DIY Fleece Blankets (these blankets are an easy sewing project because all you need to do is sew around the perimeter of the blanket. I love the blanket with the pom pom balls!)

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Check out my other Gift Guides!

The post Homemade Gift Guide || Easy Handmade Gift Ideas for All Ages appeared first on This Pilgrim Life.