Greek Life Gift for Under $5!

So with most fall rushes over, I'm feeling super nostalgic for my own sorority roots (SDT's the one for me!).  Lucky me, my cousin just started her own Greek life adventure, so I wanted to make something special for her.  I must say, I was always really good at making baskets/gifts for Big/Little week and I think I have a knack for personalizing tchotchkes.  It can really add up though, so I took a trip to my local dollar store to see what I could come up with. Dollar Store was always my secret to not blowing a ton of money on these things-- simple items personalized with some Greek letters or sorority names look like you spent 5x more than you really did!  I remembered the Sharpie Mug DIY that has been floating over Pinterest, so I decided to incorporate that in too.  Know anyone newly Greek?  Follow the steps below to make them something special!

^^Like I said, I tried to get as much from the dollar store as possible!  I had the paint pen (& black sharpie) at home so my total was 4 dollars and change^^

^^Practice sketching your ideas out first.  While this may not seem important, you will be drawing on a curved surface, so a little practice never hurt anyone!

 

^^Draw it out with your permanent marker!  I stuck with the sorority name and their mascot (a panda!) to keep it thematic yet simple^^

^^Put that mug in the oven!  350 degrees for 30 minutes should seal them right in^^

^^While the mug is baking, I took the paint pen and drew the greek letters on the pail with some little bubbles at the end.  I think the bubbles add the perfect touch and makes them look more professional^^

^^When the mug's out of the oven and cooled, stuff that paper shred in and top off with the mug.  I guarantee your new sorority girl will love it!^^

Now my secret's out!  I always love to go to the Dollar Store for events and small gifts like these alike.  When a venue wouldn't allow real flower petals last year, I told the bride to grab a few packs of petals (300 for $1).  $24 and some sprinkling later, we had this:

Jill & Will via K&K Photography

which eventually led to this:

Jill & Will via K&K Photography

A lot of impact for not too much money!  Now go raid your local Dollar Store--

unless it's the ones near me :)  Until next time!

xo, Elissa