Journal Gifts

This year I had a total of 15 (yes, 15) teacher gifts to give.  With all those teachers, you might think I have a whole mess of kids.  You'd be right, if you think two kids = a whole mess of kids.  I just didn't want to leave anyone out.  I also didn't want to spend my usual $25-30 per teacher this year, since I'd like to keep my husband's head from exploding when he gets the bank statement.  So I came up with something I thought was pretty cute instead.

First I printed out guided journal pages I found at Grace is Overrated. They're free to print, and they're all so cute and insightful. Since I had so many to make, I took them to be copied at the local office supply store.


You can print them with or without the borders, and with or without the color.  I chose borders with no color so they'd be pretty and the recipient can color them in if they like.

I included this birthday page.

This was followed by a couple of blank pages of card stock for photographs (or whatever).

(I have since found this Day in the Life page and regret that I didn't include it in my gifts, but if I do this project again, this will go in too.)


Each section began with a blank sheet of card stock.

The first batch I made, I had them spiral bound at said office supply store.
The second batch I did, I used the Zutter Bind-it-All and did it myself.

After they were bound, I printed out the words "Journal," "Birthday," and "Photographs."  I cut them out and adhered them to each dividing sheet of card stock.  Then it was time to decorate the covers.  Since I used solid colors for the covers, I just kind of winged it with the decorations.  I cut out a coordinating paper to fit as a stripe along the side.  I inked the edges of the paper, and adhered it to the cover.  Then I added an embellishment or two, wrapped them up, and gave them out!

These would be great for teacher's gifts, a little extra for yourself, stocking stuffers, or just-because gifts for a friend or family member.  Have fun!

5-Year Journal

Early in March, I purchased "A Thought a Day Five-Year Journal."  The cool thing about this journal is that it does not require you to journal every thought, feeling, and activity you did each day.  You can put in a little phrase, draw a picture, write a couple of sentences, or even just a single word -- whatever gets your thought across.  It's hard to find an excuse not to write such a small tidbit every day.  Each page shows the same date for five years.  For example, today's page shows April 17 for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.  (You fill in the year yourself, so if you don't start until next year, that's okay!)

I think it will be fun to see how things have changed over the years.  I've written in mine every day for about five weeks now.  I just keep it on my nightstand and jot down something quickly each night before I go to go sleep.  So far this is the most convenient and consistent way for me to journal.  I highly recommend this journal to anyone, especially those of us who have a hard time committing to long journal entries.