Top Cricut Products That Should Be on Every DIYer's Gift Wish List This Holiday

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by To & Fro on behalf of Cricut, and contains affiliate links. All opinions are that of To & Fro. 

Earlier this year, I received one of my favourite crafting tools of all time - a Cricut Joy. If you have one, you know what I mean. And if you don't, you're missing out AND I highly suggest you add it and these other Cricut products to you gift wish list this holiday season.

With my Cricut Joy, I have made custom family t-shirts, vegetable garden markers, a personalized porch sign, toddler alphabet flashcards, decaled wine tumblers and the list goes on. With a Cricut smart-cutting machine, the DIY crafting and gifting possibilities are endless. 

Today I'm rounding up a fun list of Cricut items that are some of my favourite, and that should be on every DIYer's gift wish list this holiday season!

Top Cricut Products That Should Be on Every DIYer's Gift Wish List This Holiday

Cricut Joy™

Unlike other Cricut machines, the Cricut Joy is a compact cutting machine, less than half the size of Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker—making it perfect for people without a dedicated crafting area (like me)! From customized pillows, to personalized glassware and welcome signs, the possibilities are nearly endless with this fun tool. The Cricut Joy cuts 50+ materials, including iron-on, cardstock, vinyl, paper, and Smart Materials™ – super-easy, super-long cuts without a cutting mat. Designs are easily created in the Design Space app, which is connected to the machine via bluetooth. 

Cricut EasyPress™ 2, 9" x 9"

Your every day iron on essential - a no stress heat press. Cricut EasyPress 2 gives you fast, effortless results that really last, even after repeated washes. Also compatible with Infusible Ink products and most major brands of iron on materials. The 9" x 9" size is ideal for basic T-shirts, tote bags, pillows, aprons, and more. 

Cricut Joy™ Transfer Tape

Transfer tape is a must for any vinyl project. The tape allows you to easily transfer vinyl cuts to a variety of surfaces. This specially designed Transfer Tape is made for most types of Cricut Smart Vinyl™, including Patterned, Holographic, Holographic Sparkle, Metallic, and Matte Metallic. Use it to create custom decals, labels, decor, and so much more. 

Cricut Joy™ Smart Vinyl™ – Removable
Removable vinyl can be used in an temporary project, such as wall decals or stickers. Like the permanent vinyl, it comes in a variety of roll lengths and different colours. Removes without residue.

Cricut Infusible Ink™ Markers 1.0

With a variety of different colours to choose from, these Infusible Ink markers produce vibrant, pro-quality transfers that last a lifetime. Transferred inks won't flake, peel, fade, crack, or wrinkle. Requires compatible Infusible Ink blank such as tote bags, t-shirts or coasters (sold separately) and Cricut EasyPress or heat press that reaches 400°F (205°C).

Cricut Joy™ Smart Iron-On

Smart iron on materials are great for apparel, accessories & home decor! This clever crafting material works without a cutting mat, so you can just load and go. Smart Iron-On works fabulously on a wide variety of materials and outlasts 50+ washes! For effortless application, use Cricut EasyPress, or apply with household iron.

Cricut Joy™ Starter Tool Set

This 3-piece set includes the tools you need for Cricut Joy projects. Use the Spatula to carefully lift delicate materials like paper from your cutting mat. Turn to the Weeder when you need to remove unwanted vinyl & iron-on pieces from your design. You'll use the Scraper to apply vinyl decals or clean material remnants from your mat. It is a must-have companion for Cricut Joy - perfect for a wide variety of projects, including vinyl decals, custom cards and labels.

Cricut Joy™ Smart Vinyl™ – Permanent
Permanent vinyl is necessary if you plan to do any outdoor project, such as vegetable garden markers or a porch welcome sign. Comes in a variety of roll lengths and different colours, including flat and shimmer. Permanent adhesive lasts up to 3 years.

Cricut Joy™ Infusible Ink™ Transfer Sheets

Use these ready-to-cut sheets in fun patterns with your Cricut Joy cutting machine to infuse any compatible Infusible Ink blank with your custom art – a name, a logo, an inside joke, or a favorite quote! Infusible Ink transfer sheets produce. vibrant, pro-quality transfers that last a lifetime. Requires compatible Infusible Ink blanks such as tote bags, coasters and t-shirts (sold separately) and Cricut EasyPress. For use with the Cricut Joy and Cricut EasyPress. Comes in a variety of colours and patterns.

Cricut Joy™ StandardGrip Mat, 4.5" x 12''

The standard grip mat helps you make fun and functional projects like gift tags, T-shirts, coasters, and so much more. Secure medium-weight materials, including Adhesive-Backed Deluxe Paper, Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets and even materials you may have at home like heavy cardstock for cutting and writing with your Cricut Joy™ machine. 

Of course, this list is just my personal favourite that I use regularly when crafting with Cricut AND it is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to possibilities with the Cricut Joy. You can make iron-on clothing decals, greeting cards, etc. Like I said, the possibilities are endless. But together, the Cricut items above make the ultimate holiday bundle that any DIYer in your family is sure to appreciate. 

For a limited time, ALL Cricut materials and accessories are 50% OFF. The Cricut Joy is also the best deal of the year, at just $169.99 USD! 

See more of my past projects made with the Cricut Joy, here:

• Custom Family T-Shirts
• 5 Fun & Easy Summer Projects
• Toddler Alphabet Flashcards
• Wooden Welcome Sign

Do you have a Cricut machine? What do you make with it? I'd love to hear your projects, ideas, and inspiration!

DIY Family T-Shirts - The Perfect Holiday Gift Made with the Cricut Joy & EasyPress 2

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by To & Fro on behalf of Cricut, and contains affiliate links. All opinions are 100% that of To & Fro. 

Love making homemade gifts for friends and family? This holiday season, put your Cricut Joy and Easy Press 2 to good use with these DIY personalized family t-shirts - the PERFECT holiday gift. 

My four year old LOVES to draw! Scrap paper? She'll find it. And not long after, it will be covered in letters and drawings. Mostly the names and depictions of close family members.

So this holiday season, I decided to put her writing and doodling to good use and turn it into a gift for family members using the Cricut Joy and Easy Press. 

Today I'm sharing how to make personalized t-shirts with an easy Cricut Joy and EasyPress 2 tutorial, and you are going to be shocked at just how simple it is to create fun shirts for your family at home! 

DIY Personalized Family T-Shirts 

What You'll Need

Cricut Joy Infusible Ink Pens 

Cricut t-shirt blank(s)

Cricut EasyPress 2 (9'' x 9'')

Cricut Joy Standard Grip Mat (4.5'' x 12'')

Cricut Joy

Cricut Joy Blade + Housing

Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets 

Starter Tool Set (Weeding Tool)

White printer paper

Parchment paper

Scissors

Heat resistant tape (optional)

Lint roller

What To Do

1. Create! This is the fun part. I gave Morley the infusible ink pens and printer paper and let her go to work creating her masterpiece. I had asked her to draw photos of our family of 4, with one parameter - no words (because they would transfer backwards). The drawings also had to be a specific size (smaller than the EasyPress 2), so I gave her a specific-sized piece of paper to use.

2. Prepare your blanks. In order for the ink to transfer properly, the blanks (in my case, t-shirts) had to be clean and lint-free. You can use any "blank" (i.e. t-shirt, tote, etc.), however, it is important to note that Cricut brand products will give you the best quality transfer. 

3. Consult the heat guide. Once the blanks are prepped, consult the Cricut Heat Guide for the EasyPress 2 to know exactly how hot the press should be based on the product and material you are using. This guide will also give you instructions as to the layering process for using the EasyPress 2, and the length of time to apply the press. 

Tip: If you purchase Cricut t-shirts, they will come folded with a piece of cardstock. This piece of cardstock can be used when pressing. 

4. Further customization. This is a totally option step, but adds a little bit more personalization to your gift. After our infusible ink design was successfully applied, we decided to further personalize the t-shirts with the Cricut Joy and infusible transfer paper. This is where we added text to the t-shirts.

Using the Cricut Design Space app, I created the text. It was then cut out of black infusible transfer paper. (I consulted help.cricut.com to learn how to use the Cricut Joy to cut the transfer paper properly, as it is a slightly different than the vinyl.) Don't forget to mirror the image, or it will transfer backwards! 

After weeding the transfer paper, I again consulted the Cricut Heat Guide for further instructions on applying this transfer paper to the t-shirt using the EasyPress 2.  As it was a different material than the original design, the instructions slightly varied. 

And voila, our personalized family t-shirts, care of Morley.

I am fully aware that there will come a day that Morley will not want to be caught dead wearing matching homemade family t-shirts, but until that day, I'm going to embrace every single second and cherish the fact that she wanted to make these shirts for members of our family.

 The PERFECT holiday gift made with our Cricut Joy and EasyPress 2, don't you think?!

Now, what shall we make next?!

Do you have a Cricut machine? Do you use it to make gifts? What is your favourite holiday gift to make with it? I'd love to hear!

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5 Fun & Easy Summer Cricut Joy Projects (+ Preschooler Flashcard DIY)

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.

Summer. The days are long, and the kids are out of school. And chances are high that you’ve also been home from work - maybe juggling working and caring for your children? Ya, me too. Keeping them busy and engaged, while limiting screen time to allow you to get work done is not an easy task. And if there is ever a time to pull out the Cricut and create some fun projects with (or without) your kiddos, now is the time.

Today, I’m sharing why I love my Cricut Joy™, specifically five of my favourite Cricut Joy DIY projects that I’ve made at home this summer using Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl™.

5 Fun & Easy Summer Cricut Joy Projects

Vegetable Garden Markers

One of my favourite things about our new house is the backyard. It’s crazy what a little green space can do for your mood. Since moving in last summer, I have been so excited for the girls to finally have a place to get outside and play. But, this new green space also meant that I could build an even bigger and better vegetable garden than the container gardens we had on our condo terrace last summer. So we were able to tell what was what, I created these vegetable garden markers using up cycled paint stir sticks that I simply spray painted white and Smart Vinyl - Permanent in black. I measured the size of the paint stir sticks and created the vegetable labels text (DJ Juicy font) in the Cricut design space app. I applied the labels to the painted stir sticks with Transfer Tape, and once completed, added them to my garden next to the appropriate fruit or vegetable. Much better looking that the generic tags that come from the Garden Centre. 

Wooden Welcome Sign

This wooden welcome sign is one of my favourite Cricut Joy projects to date. Earlier this summer, we added a deck to the back of our house, and to give it some added personality, we created this “Welcome to Our Deck” sign. It was also super easy to make, and with several home update projects already on the go, we had all of the materials we needed already at home. I simply created the text in the design space app (Babette font for "Welcome" and Creative Memories Tiny Treasures - Rubber Ducky font for "to our deck"). My design can be found on Design Space here.

Mailbox Decal

While our front porch is going to be next summer’s focus, I couldn’t help but take our ugly white mailbox and give it some curb appeal by painting it black to match the porch railings. I then personalized the mailbox with “hello” text created in the Cricut design space app using Babette font (easily my favourite cursive font in the app). Once the mailbox was dry, I applied the cut vinyl in the desired spot using Transfer Tape. 

Stemless Wine Glasses

We love to entertain. And while this summer may look a little different when it comes to entertain, I am happy that we have still been able to have those in our bubble over for backyard BBQs. I recently purchased more backyard-friendly plastic stemless wine glasses and decided to jazz them up a little using Smart Vinyl - Permanent in gold. I measured the size of the glasses and created the “cheers” text (Babette font) in the Cricut design space app. I then applied the labels to the outside of the clean glasses uses Transfer Tape. They were very easy to make, and added a little something extra (including lots of compliments and questions about where I bought them) to our backyard get togethers.

Preschooler Flash Cards

These flashcards were one of the first projects I made with my Cricut Joy when schools closed back in March. I was determined to keep the learning continuing, and these super simple flashcards were a great help in doing so. Using construction paper and Smart Vinyl - Permanent, in white, I created a set of capital letter cards and small letter cards. These flashcards could be used for letter recognition, spelling names and/or matching capital and small letters. The flashcards were very easy to create in design space, as the font Cricut Alphabet Circle already existed. I simply printed it on the vinyl, and applied it to the construction paper using the Transfer Tape. I did used two separate colours of construction paper, one for the capital letters and one for the small letters. But if you wanted to up the difficulty, you could use the same coloured paper for all. 

Next up on my Cricut Joy DIY list? Story blocks. Stay tuned to see how they turn out.

The Cricut Joy makes home DIY projects so easy. Unlike other Cricut machines, the Cricut Joy is a compact cutting machine, less than half the size of Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker—making it perfect for people without a dedicated crafting area (like me)! From customized pillows, to personalized glassware and welcome signs, the possibilities are nearly endless with this fun tool.

For the majority of my projects, including those outdoors, I use Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl - Permanent which is water- and UV-resistant, and lasts up to 3 years. Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl also comes in removal and writable, and a variety of different colours, including mattes, metallics, holographic and more. 

Be sure to check out the Cricut blog, where you’ll will find more DIY inspiration and tutorials! Use the hashtag #CricutAtHome when sharing your project on social media - I would love to see what you create!

Do you have a Cricut machine? What’s your favourite project to make? I’d love to hear - I’m always looking for inspiration!

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Last Minute Gift Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Christmas is just "12 sleeps" away! You better believe my toddler and preschooler have made their lists, and have checked them (more than) twice...

If you're looking for some Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Toddler and Preschooler, look no further! Keep scrolling to see the round up some of our favourite gift ideas for the littlest ones in your life.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers

For the Toddler

To see more of our list for toddlers, hop on over to To & Fro's Amazon page, found HERE. 

Books

Books are a BIG hit in our house with our 16 month old. She especially like books with flaps and movable parts, like "I Thought I Saw a Bear". This series also has an elephant, dinosaur and monkey.

Eating

Some of our favourite products for toddler and preschooler feeding come from Munchkin Canada. Specifically these Silicone Mats (also good for playdoh, other messy activities and airplane travel) and the Colour Me Hungry eating set, which comes with a plate, bowl, cup, utensils AND a box that they can colour. 

Fun & Games

This list could go on and on, but I've just narrowed it down to a few favourite toys. We like toys they are fun, but that also encourage problem solving, using imagination and independence, to name a few.

Some of our favourite includes - Duplo blocks, these magnetic building tiles, play-doh (don't forget to use the Munchkin Silicone Mats with this), Mr Potato Head, anything from Leapfrog (including this Step and Learn Scout), Melissa & Doug puzzles and these no-mess colouring pads. 

Bath 

Again, Munchkin has some great bath time fun for little ones, including these bath numbers and letters that stick to the side when they are wet. 

Check out the rest of our list, HERE. 

For the Preschooler

To see more of our list for preschoolers, hop on over to To & Fro's Amazon page, found HERE.

Books

Right now, we're all about talking about emotions with our preschooler and find that books really help - In My Heart and The Color Monster are two great examples.

Some of our other favourites include The Wonky Donkey, The Big Bed, Disney Collection of Stories, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and anything Fancy Nancy.

Fun & Games

Play-doh is a great gift idea because it's not age specific and can be used by both toddlers and preschoolers (and maybe even mom and dad).

At the age of four, Morley is also starting to get into games including Classic Jenga (she's quite the pro), Guess Who and Connect Four, to name a few.

Arts & Crafts

Our preschool is just starting to get into arts and crafts where you must follow instructions, including this friendship bracelet making kit. They're still a little difficult for her to do on her own, but with a little bit of help she's able to design her own fancy jewellery.

Dolls

If you're like us, Frozen fever is running through the house. It's Frozen all day, every day. Our preschooler also LOVE playing with dolls, so we combine the best of both with these Anna and Elsa dolls. And don't forget the dress up gear to turn your preschooler into Anna or Elsa themselves!

Barbie has so many options and play sets. We love the dream house because it creates hours of endless fun, and encourages our preschooler to make believe. In honour of Barbie's 60th, Mattel released a line of career dolls, including the Barbie firefighter.

Check out the rest of our list, HERE. 


*It is important to note, this is a list of the things our girls (age 16 months and almost 4 years) love and play with on a regular basis. Please ensure they are age appropriate before purchasing. 

What's on your kids' Christmas lists this year? I'd love to hear!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Last Minute Father's Day Gift Ideas

Watching my husband with our daughter melts my heart. The two have a bond that is extremely special. He sure loves that little girl. From late night feedings and messy diaper changes to watching sports and swimming lessons, years from now I look forward to showing Morley all of the moments her and her dad shared. 

My husband doesn't get the credit he deserves for being an amazing husband and extremely supportive partner. Just because I’m the mom doesn’t mean I’m the parenting leader - we’re on equal footing here. While he should be celebrated every. single. day. for being a great husband and amazing father, I am so excited to be able to dedicate this Sunday, his first Father's Day, solely to him. 

Did you know that on July 19, 1910, the governor of the U.S. state of Washington proclaimed the nation’s first “Father’s Day"? Surprisingly enough, it is older than Mother's Day, which didn't become an official holiday until 1972. Today, economists estimate that Americans spend more than $1 billion each year on Father’s Day gifts!

Looking for a last minute gift for dad? While I'm sure any dad would be happy with a homemade card, a giant hug or just some time with the family, here are some last minute Father's Day gift ideas for every type of father - from the craft beer aficionado to the outdoorsman.

1. Stanley Classic Vacuum Beer Growler (64 oz) lets you transport your favorite brew in fully functional and iconic style. This vacuum insulated body and foam insulated lid keep beer cold 24 hours. The growler comes with a rugged handle for easy carry and one-handed pouring, and the wide mouth allows for quick filling, sharing and cleaning. Perfect for the one trying to hone his craft!

2. Grillbot is the world's first automatic grill robot! Simply place the device on the dirty grill, press a button and let the brass brushes do the work. No more wasting time scrubbing the grill. Comes in several different colours.  Perfect for the grill master!

3. Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch is as stylish as it is smart. Comes with many incredible features including measuring all day fitness (steps, distance walked, calories burned, etc.), ability to connect to GPS to track workouts, long battery life and various accessory bands and frames, among other features. Get fit in style! Perfect for the health-conscious dad!

4. Game of Thrones (DVD Pack) is a story of duplicity and treachery, nobility and honor, conquest and triumph. And if he's not already on board with the show, he should be. Filled with drama, action and lots of blood and guts, it's also the most watched series in HBO history and  probably the talk of his office every Monday morning.  Perfect for the homebody and TV lover!

5. The North Face Base Camp Duffel is not your average duffel bag! Made from a durable weather-resistant material, the Base Camp Duffel is amply resilient to be roughed around in-flight, or to be transported up a mountain. The adjustable straps allow the bag to be carried as a duffel or back pack. Comes in small, medium and large sizes. Perfect for the travel enthusiast and outdoors lover!

If you enjoy making homemade gifts for dad, check out this DIY footprint mug. 

How will you celebrate your dad or husband this Father's Day?

Gift Ideas for the Outdoorsy Gentleman

My husband would most likely say that I am the most difficult person to buy for. But sometimes, I really beg to differ. Finding that special something for the guy in your life can be quite a challenge. What do you get the man that has everything? The man that loves to be outdoors, but also lives for a good shave and hair cut. Luckily, I've had about 10 years to perfect the gift list for the outdoorsy gentleman. Here's some of my favourite ideas...

1.  fancy socks  |  2. messenger bag  |  3. thermos/flask  |  4. good pen

5. business card holder  |  6. razor club membership  |  7. whisky glasses  |  8. reusable water bottle

What do you buy the man in your life that has everything?