Cool Gift Approach: Book Kits

We know we have enough information about gift guides at this point, but! my friend Jody Levine I asked her to show me her approach because she had some really cool ideas about how to put together something bookish. here we go…

Jody says:

I tend to shop right before holidays. When the inevitable panic sets in, I try to remember the best way to think of a personal gift. I start with books. Usually a cookbook or some type of activity book. Then, create a gift around the book and assemble a “kit” of tools, supplies, and ingredients. After a trip to the bookstore, you can often find what you need at a supermarket or craft store (most stores also sell baking supplies). These kits are thoughtfully made and very easy to assemble.

As for wrapping, put everything in a plain brown paper bag, add some tissue paper, and tie a candy cane or green twig to the handle. If you’re lucky, you can find kit items that can also be used as baking sheets, large jars, or gift containers. my favorite (inexpensive) basket Things that people actually keep and reuse.

I usually choose a cookbook or craft book, but this idea can be used with *any* book if you’re creative. You can also find inspiration for your gift theme from novels, even if the theme is just “reading.” (I would love to receive this book) book light and Cute bookmark!) Or you can use the book’s setting to come up with gift ideas, such as ingredients or a gift card to a related restaurant. You can also find inspiration from reference books (think of it this way). bird watching bookis paired with binoculars and bird sounds. )

Here are some ideas to get you started.

Cookbooks are one of my favorite gifts to give and receive. Vegetarian-ish diet, longtime fan, and unofficial student Jenny Rozenstrach Cooking SchoolI love this book! It’s incredibly easy to use, with endless tips, stories, shopping lists (including the best over-the-counter “saviors”), combination charts, and “hook” chapters. Some of these recipes are already in my regular rotation and I can’t wait to add more. Wrap this book with some materials Jenny gave me and a cute dish towel. reusable wooden tray.

Gift kit items:
* Weekday vegetarianism becomes simple
* rancho gordo chickpeas
* Duca
* smoked paprika
* long spaghetti
*Caper
*artichoke hearts
*Dishcloth

I call myself an “advanced beginner” baker. Although I have no ambition to master croissants or croquembouche, I have always wanted to learn the basics of baking science. first section of siftWritten by Nicola Lamb, it’s my dream manual that tells you how and why to make basic ingredients like sugar and butter, as well as lots of technical information. For this kit, I’ve selected some of the tools Nicola recommended, as well as key ingredients from recipes that caught my eye. Her apricot and rosemary polenta cake was delicious. — and lined them up in the pot with the books.

Gift kit items:
* SIFT: Elements of great baking
* grand polenta and fresh rosemary
* pastry brush
* jelly roll bread

my own mouse town is a combination story and craft book where kids can follow the main character’s mouse all day long and learn how to recreate small scenes from the story using recycled materials. This is the book my friend and creative partner Margaret McCartney and I wanted, as we used to be obsessed with Minimouse and mice.

The crafts in this book use common materials found at home, so I like to wrap anything I have at home, such as toilet tubes, bottle caps, anchovy cans, bottle caps, corks, straws, etc. . You can combine these items into a jar and pack it with your book into a simple canvas tote bag. I love the idea that kids can start right away when they receive their activity book.

Gift kit items:
* mouse town
* tote bag
*Recycled materials: toilet tubes, bottle caps, anchovy cans
* paper straws
* craft sticks

You may already be following Darryl Chen’s Instagram. As someone who doesn’t have much luck with plants, I appreciate Darryl’s clear guidance on caring for plants. his book new plant collector It goes into detail about topics I didn’t really understand, like how to measure and understand the light in your space to find the best spot for each plant. A basket that can also be used as a planter.

Gift kit items:
* new plant collector
*Houseplants
*Basket
*Bonsai scissors
* Soft wire ties
* exposure meter (He’s using it!)

I love the idea of ​​giving kids multiple books by the same illustrator. I chose this because Christian Robinson is one of my favorites when is my birthday Written by Julia Fagliano, another (The author is Christian Robinson himself!) Someday, something Written by Amanda Gorman. I love how Christian uses collage paper with punched circles in his artwork. So this gift kit includes colored paper, recycled newspaper, round paper punches, and basic art supplies. packed into one of the these cute cardboard suitcasesMakes a great art kit holder.

Gift kit items:
*acrylic craft paint
*cardboard suitcase set
*circle punch
*glue stick
*scissors

Which book do you refer to when creating your kit? Let us know below…

Jodi Levine is a crafter, author, and former editorial director of Martha Stewart Kids. Her work can be found on her website. super make itor in publications such as New York Times for kids and the week junior. Jody lives in the lower Hudson Valley with her husband and they have two sons. follow her InstagramIf you don’t mind.

PS A complete Cup of Jo gift guide and the perfect book to have in your guest room. Also check out Jodie’s costume this week! (How cute is her pinafore dress?)

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(Photo provided by: Jody Levine. )