Picture stand

"Picture Perfect Teacher Appreciation Gift" from Skip to My Lou.

Such a cute gift for those teachers, friends, etc. who need something a little special to remember how much their loved. These photo frames are made by cutting a slit in a wooden ball doorknob.

Great baby ideas

"Something Free + Five Lifesavers" from Young House Love.

Lots of wonderful baby ideas from this one post from Sherry and John. A DIY baby book--> would be cool to use their download as a start, but actually create a Blurb book to write in as a journal.

I also love their weekly photo series with baby Clara. They take a photo of her laying on a scrap of patterned fabric each week (thanks to $1 deals at the fabric store, as well as patterns they have around the house). They dress her in a simple white onesie, and then photoshop the week icon on her chest. What a great Blurb book to chronicle a baby's growth through the year.

Father's Day signs

"Father's Day signs" from lovelydesign.

I so admire the projects that Sharilyn plans with her daughter. Using pieces of her daughter's abstract art, she created some awesome Father's Day signs for the fathers in their lives. You could also use your child's name or inspirational words, like "hope" or "love."

What else?

Create a music party!

"Create a Music Party!" from Liz Stanley on Momtastic.

Although I wasn't gifted with my sister's musical talent and interest, I hope that I am able to encourage music appreciation in my own family. I love the idea of a music party for toddlers and/or young children.

Other activities that match the theme:

• parade playing musical instruments
• custom cd party favors
• musical chairs
• "Strike up the band ______'s is 1/2/3/...!"
• karaoke
• musical note cookie cutters as favors

Backyard Scrabble

"Backyard Scrabble" from Sunset.

My family loves a good word game. And, big tile Scrabble would rank high on that list. This actually doesn't seem too difficult to implement. Perhaps when we finally attempt our backyard remodel.

The game is made with stained concrete and tiles cut from baseboard. But it would also be cute with colored tiles.

Dad Rocks paperweight

"Dad Rocks Paperweight" from Crafts by Amanda.

I always struggle with craft gifts for guys, so I definitely want to remember this. It would be super cute as a garden stepping stone, too!

Kitchen playset

"HOW-TO BUILD A KITCHEN PLAY SET" by Miranda Walker of Narrating Life found via Marta Writes

My mom and dad built my sister and I a great kitchen playset one year for Christmas, and it was one of the greatest gifts we ever received. Ours was actually two-sided, so that we could each have our own APT to play in.

I can't wait to give my own children such a wonderful place to imagine. And the cheapo plastic versions just don't do it for me. I love this post from Marta's how-to series.