2021 Holiday Gift Guide Part 2: Things to Use

Friends, this year I had so many ideas to share for my annual Holiday Gift Guide that I decided to split it into several parts. Last week, I shared part 1 – some of my favorite things to wear. This week, take a peek at these things you or someone on your list can use. From art supplies to tumblers, books, and bags, I think you’re going to love them as much as I do. Some are under $10, others are a financial investment, but all of them are things I personally own, use, and recommend. Take a look…

Hand Lettering for Relaxation

I may be a little (ok, a lot) biased, but I think this instructional lettering workbook is a perfect gift for anyone on your list. Starting with Faux Calligraphy and working up to brush technique, along with plenty of embellishments and other fonts, this book will take you from the very beginning and have you creating hand lettered masterpieces in no time. Practice and create right on the pages of the book! 126,000 copies have been sold so far, what are you waiting for?

 

ABT PRO 5 Pack – Tombow

Speaking of lettering, I can’t think of a better supply to find under the tree than the new(ish) ABT PRO markers from Tombow. These have a brush tip on one end, a chisel tip on the other, and they’re alcohol based ink, which means they’re permanent on all kinds of surfaces! You can use these to do genuine brush lettering on things like wood, metal, plastic, glass, and more! They’re available in 108 colors, and these little 5-packs are a great place to start.

Paint by Number – Masterpiece By Numbers

You may already know that I’m a huge fan of “grownup” paint by number projects. It’s my favorite way to relax, and when you’re done, you have a gorgeous piece of artwork to display. Masterpiece By Numbers has a huge variety of paintings to choose from: everything from beach scenes to Italian villas, trains, planes, and a people in Central Park. They also have an option where you can turn any photo into a custom painting, which is what I did with my pictures from Beverly Hills and El Matador Beach. This makes a great gift in one of two ways: you give someone the kit so they can make a painting, OR you can paint and frame an image, then give it away!

(photo from masterpiecebynumbers.com)

Practice Makes Progress

Have you heard, there’s a brand new creative journal coming out this January? I’ve packed this little book with 25 illustrated quotes about creativity and written a series of fun prompts to go with each one. Practice Makes Progress is designed for everyone from those who feel like they can’t draw a stick figure to professional artists and everyone in between, with the goal of helping you discover, explore, and express your creativity in whatever ways you enjoy most. Preorder now and give someone special an IOU for when the book releases on (hopefully) January 25!

The Elle Project – Summer Dowell

Speaking of good books, if you like a fun, clean romantic comedy, check out this brand new holiday-themed novella written by my friend Summer Dowell. Available in paperback and digital formats, it’s sure to make readers smile this Christmas. Want an evergreen story instead? Try Summer’s novel It’s Just Business or any of her other light-hearted romances.

Tumbler with Stickers – Free hand Studio by Amy Abbott

My love for coffee is no secret, so you won’t be surprised to find me recommending a tumbler. This one, though, comes with the cutest hand-drawn stickers designed by my talented friend Amy Abbott! Choose your favorites, decorate your tumbler, then fill it up with your favorite beverage. PS. Amy also makes THE most adorable custom painted wood slice ornaments. Check out her page to order!

Dopp Kit – Minted

I am always looking for bags to store everything from markers to makeup. One of my favorites is the Dopp Kit from Minted. It comes in a variety of fun prints, but the one I love best is Botanical Cascade. The water repellant lining makes it perfect for travel and a butter-soft leather handle adds a luxurious finish, plus you can customize it with free personalization on the leather tag. I use mine to store my face wash, moisturizer, eye cream, and other skin care products, but you can use it for anything you like! From November 16-23, use my special code LATTAGIFTS to save 20% + get free shipping on this and other holiday gifts at Minted!

The Snap Tote – Minted

I also have a weakness for larger bags, like the Snap Tote from Minted. It’s the perfect size to carry books, materials for my television segments, and art supplies, and it’s also available in the Botanical Cascade print I love. Like the Dopp Kit, it can be personalized with a name or short message on the leather tag. From November 16-23, use my special code LATTAGIFTS to save 20% + get free shipping on this and other holiday gifts at Minted!

Cricut Maker 3

If you’ve been wanting to take your crafting to the next level (or know someone who does), stop waiting and go get a Cricut Maker 3! This new machine is everything you want in a cutting machine and more. Not only does it cut over 300 different materials including iron-on, fabric, felt, leather, aluminum, wood, and vinyl, it’s also compatible with Smart materials, which means you can create projects without using a cutting mat. This machine will allow you to create all kinds of incredible projects, like custom shirts, mugs, paper crafts, cards, and so SO much more. IThe Maker 3 is by far my favorite Cricut cutting machine, but if you’re just starting out and want something a little less fancy, check out the Explore 3 or the Joy machines to help you dip your toes into the wonderful world of Cricut possibilities!

DreamBox – Create Room

There is no single thing in my craft studio that I love more than my Dream Box. An organizational system, workspace, and piece of furniture all in one, it’s literally the center of my creative activities. It’s where I store supplies, where I teach workshops, where I film segments, and where I create and photograph projects. It folds up to be a cabinet, and unfolds to reveal my system for organizing everything I need for my various kinds of crafting. Yes, it’s an investment, but so is any large piece of furniture you’d buy, and I promise this one is worth every penny. What’s more, they offer financing, so you can pay a little each month instead of a lump sum all at once. For more about how I organized my DreamBox, click here. From November 19 (at 10 AM MST) to November 29, you can get the lowest prices of the year during the Black Friday Sale! Save 15% on EVERYTHING, plus save even more with the code AMYLATTACREATIONSMASSIVEJOY. Plus, the first 1,000 people to order a DreamBox during this sale will also receive two brand new products, the diffuser + essential oils AND the planner, for free ($180 value).

I hope this list gives you some ideas for the folks in your life and maybe for yourself too! As I said, I stand behind every one of these items, and am happy to answer any questions you might have about them. Which ones will you be adding to your list? Stay tuned for the other upcoming parts of the Gift Guide: things for the home and for the world.