Category: Holiday

Fall Cookies & Gift Idea

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I was at Target the other day (dangerous, I know!) and stumbled across the cutest Halloween containers , you know the kind that practically beg to be filled with something sweet? I instantly knew I needed to whip up a festive fall treat to match their cuteness.

And since it’s officially pumpkin spice season, what better excuse to grab the Betty Crocker Pumpkin Spice Cookie Mix? It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. But of course, I had to take it up a notch. Cue the candy melts and Halloween sprinkles, because we’re all about those spooky vibes!

These treats turned out adorably cute and added a fun twist to a simple cookie. Want to make your own? Here’s how:

Materials:

How to make them:

  1. Bake the cookies according to the package directions (usually 375°F for 10–12 minutes).
  2. While the cookies are cooling, melt the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth.
  3. Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip half of each cookie into the melted candy.
  4. Immediately dip the candy-coated part into a bowl of Halloween sprinkles.
  5. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined tray to set. You can pop them in the fridge to speed it up!
  6. Once set, place them in your festive containers, tie with ribbon, and don’t forget to add a cute gift tag.

These cookies are the perfect combo of fall flavor and Halloween fun. Ideal for gifting, parties, or a sweet surprise for a friend.

If you try them, tag me. I’d love to see your spooky cookie creations!

Download the Free “Trick or Treat” gift tag

Spooky Vibes DIY Shirt

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I recently made Halloween shirts for my boys’ boo baskets, and of course, I couldn’t leave my daughter out! She’s all about anything cute, sparkly, and colorful, so I went on a mission to find the prettiest Halloween colors I could at Hobby Lobby. With a quick design thrown together on Canva, I was ready to bring some spooky magic to life.

Since I don’t have a Canva Pro account, getting the design into Cricut Design Space took a few extra steps. It’s still totally doable, just a little more time-consuming, but definitely worth it for a custom, glittery Halloween shirt she’ll love!

Here’s What I Used:

How I Uploaded My Canva Design into Cricut Design Space (Without Pro)

To cut each part of the design in different colors, I had to save each element separately as a PNG file. Here’s exactly how I did it:

  1. In Canva:
    • I created the design and saved the graphics and text as individual PNG files (with transparent backgrounds if possible).
  2. In Cricut Design Space:
    • Upload the PNG file.
    • On the next screen, you’ll see options to clean up the image.
    • Under the “Manual” section, click “Select”, then click on the white background in the preview to remove it.
    • Repeat this for all files you plan to cut.
    • Click “Apply & Continue.”
  3. Choose Your Upload Type:
    • Select “Cut Image” (Single Layer) on the next page.
    • Hit “Continue” and then “Upload”.
  4. Design Time!
    Now you’re ready to arrange your design, resize elements, and assign them to different vinyl colors as needed before cutting.

How to Make Your Own “Spooky Vibes” Shirt:

Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring your design to life:

  1. Upload the Design
    • Upload your “Spooky Vibes” PNG files into Cricut Design Space.
    • Arrange the graphics and text just how you want them.
  2. Set Up Your Cricut Machine
    • Set your Cricut machine to the “Iron-On” setting.
    • Important: Make sure to mirror your image before cutting. (This is a must for iron-on vinyl!)
  3. Load and Cut Vinyl
    • Place your iron-on vinyl shiny side down on the Standard Grip Mat.
    • Load the mat into your Cricut and begin the cut.
  4. Weed the Design
    • Use a weeding tool to carefully remove all excess vinyl, leaving just your design.
    • Once weeded, cut around the letters and graphics as closely as possible, this makes pressing easier and more precise.
  5. Prep the Shirt
    • Lay your black t-shirt on the Cricut EasyPress Mat.
    • Use a lint roller to remove dust, lint, or fuzz.
    • Preheat the shirt with your EasyPress for a few seconds to smooth it out and prep the fabric.
  6. Apply The Design
    • Place your weeded design onto the shirt, making sure it’s centered and straight.
    • Press with the Cricut EasyPress, following the temperature and time recommended for your type of vinyl.
    • Use the built-in timer to ensure even, consistent pressure.
  7. Peel and Reveal
    • Check your vinyl’s instructions to see whether to peel warm or cool.
    • Carefully remove the carrier sheet and admire your finished shirt!

DIY ‘Trick Or Yeet’ Shirt

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My boys are completely obsessed with WWE wrestling right now. While I can’t say I share the same enthusiasm, they absolutely live for it these days, thanks to their dad. At 11 and 14, they’ve officially entered that era where body slams and catchphrases reign supreme.

This year, I’m putting together “Boo Baskets” for each of them, fun little Halloween tradition with treats, jammies, and a few surprises. I wanted to include something special and personalized, and that’s when inspiration struck.

One of their favorite wrestlers right now is Jey Uso, whose catchphrase is the (totally silly but catchy) “YEET!” So for my 11-year-old, I decided to create a custom shirt that says:
👉 “Trick or YEET” 👈
It’s the perfect mix of Halloween and WWE fun and I love how it turned out!

Here’s What I Used:

How to Make Your Own “Trick or Yeet” Shirt:

  1. Download the Design
    First, grab the SVG file for the “Trick or Yeet” design.
  2. Upload to Cricut Design Space
    Open Cricut Design Space and upload your SVG file.
  3. Prepare Your Settings
    • Set your Cricut machine to the “Iron-On” setting.
    • Don’t forget to mirror your image before cutting, this is super important when using iron-on vinyl!
  4. Load and Cut
    • Place your glow-in-the-dark vinyl shiny side down on the cutting mat.
    • Load the mat and let the Cricut work its magic.
  5. Weed the Design
    Use your weeding tool to carefully remove all the excess vinyl, leaving only your design behind.
  6. Prep the Shirt
    • Lay your black shirt on the Cricut EasyPress mat.
    • Use a lint roller to remove any fuzz or dust.
    • Preheat the shirt using your EasyPress to get rid of wrinkles and prep the fabric.
  7. Apply the Design
    • Place your design onto the shirt, centered.
    • Press with the EasyPress (refer to your vinyl’s instructions for temp & time).
    • Use the built-in Cricut timer for even pressure.
  8. Peel and Reveal!
    • Check your vinyl’s instructions to see whether you should peel the plastic carrier sheet while warm or cool.
    • Carefully remove the backing and you’re done!

I’m seriously loving how this shirt came out, especially with the glow-in-the-dark vinyl! It’s going to look so cute paired with his Halloween pajamas. The “Trick or YEET” theme is such a fun nod to something he’s currently obsessed with, and I know it’ll make his Boo Basket even more exciting.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy Halloween Cricut project that your WWE-loving kid will go nuts for, this is it.

Happy Crafting & Happy Halloween!

Glow Up Your Home with These Spooky-Cute Pumpkins

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Send all the cute Jack-O’-Lanterns my way, because I am officially obsessed! These affordable Walmart pumpkins are the perfect touch of spooky charm for your Halloween decor, and the best part? They’re super cute without breaking the bank!

Whether you’re decorating your kitchen counter, setting a festive table centerpiece, or styling your shelves, these little jack-o’-lanterns fit right in. I love how versatile they are and they instantly make any space feel cozy and Halloween-ready.

Drop a tealight candle inside and watch them glow! The flicker adds the perfect spooky vibe for Halloween night (or just a fun October evening at home).

Favorite Jack-O-Lantern finds:

  1. Clay Jack-O-Lantern
  2. Stacked Pumpkins
  3. Clay Jack-O-Lantern Black
  4. Ceramic Pumpkin
  5. Hallowmas Handcrafted Pumpkin
  6. Clay Jack-O-Lantern Gray
  7. Clay Jack-O-Lantern Tabletop Black
  8. Tealight LED Candles

Halloween Gift Tags – Free Printable

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I’m so excited that Halloween season is finally here! From cute kitchen towels to pumpkin scented soaps, stores are absolutely bursting with fun seasonal goodies. Whether you’re decorating your home or just looking for small ways to celebrate, there’s no shortage of spooky inspiration out there.

If you love putting together Boo Baskets or just enjoy spreading a little seasonal cheer, I’ve got a super simple and affordable gift idea that’s perfect for a friend, teacher, neighbor, or co-worker!

I found the cutest Halloween hand towels at Target the other day (seriously, I wanted to buy them all) and immediately thought these would make adorable little gifts! Paired with a themed soap and wrapped with a festive ribbon, this is a thoughtful surprise that feels fun and festive without breaking the bank.

What You’ll Need:

How to Put It Together:

  1. Lay the towel flat and place the soap in the center.
  2. Fold or roll the towel around the soap.
  3. Tie it all together with a ribbon or piece of tulle.
  4. Attach your gift tag to the ribbon

That’s it! Super easy, totally customizable, and absolutely adorable! Whether you’re leaving one on a co-worker’s desk or sneaking it into a friend’s mailbox, it’s the kind of small surprise that makes someone’s day.

Halloween Kitchen Finds

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The cutest selection of spooky, at spooky good prices!

If you’re looking to add some festive flair to your kitchen this Halloween, look no further than Walmart. They’ve seriously stepped up their seasonal home game this year with the cutest, creepiest, and most affordable Halloween kitchen decor and essentials.

Here are a few of my favorite finds:

  1. Ghost Mugs
  2. Pumpkin Mugs
  3. Skeleton Tray
  4. Ghost Cup
  5. Ghost Bowls
  6. Glass Ghost Mug
  7. Pumpkin Tumbler

Walmart’s Halloween kitchen line combines affordability with adorable style. You can grab a few statement pieces without blowing your budget, which means more treats (and maybe a few tricks) for you!

Free 4th of July Printable

Celebrate America’s birthday with a festive flair! Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, decorating your home, or just love a good printable, here’s something fun to share: a FREE 4th of July printable designed to add a patriotic pop to your celebration. Simply print out and place it in a frame to decorate a table top with food or an entry way.

Choose between the 5x7in or 8×10 in design. For best results, simply print out on a 8.5×11 in piece of paper and use a paper trimmer or scissors for clean edges.

Download 4th of July Printable

Tag us! If you use these printables, I’d love to see how you styled them. Share on Instagram and tag @shortstopdesigns so I can feature your 4th of July setup!

Wishing you a festive and fun Independence Day!

Memorial Day – Amazon Finds

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Memorial is around the corner and if you’re hosting, you’re going to need some party essentials! Decoration is key to bringing the theme of the party to life. If you love hosting parties, these are decorations you can use throughout the summer! Here are some of my favorites.

Outdoor Decorations

I love the yard decorations on the neighbors front lawn! It helps give a warm welcome to guests coming to your house. Wreaths add another touch of beauty and aesthetic to the outside of your home. The best part is both of these decorations can stay up all summer long! If you’re hosting the party outside, you’re definitely going to need an ice cooler to keep those drinks nice and cold!

Decorations

The table is the focal point of the party, and where most people gather to eat and chat. A table runner adds a simple, yet festive look to your dining room. Add these faux flowers in mason jars as a centerpiece to add another level of decor to complete the look.

Serving Area

Serving food on decorative trays keeps the theme of the party going. I’m always on the look out for serving trays for every holiday, even if we’re not hosting. It just ads some fun to our holidays and the kids like to help pick them out. Add a banner over the serving area and a fun two-tiered decorative tray to tie it all together!

Hope you enjoy the summer!

Christmas Hand Soap Printable Gift Tag

Soap can be a perfect gift for friends, neighbors and teachers! Add these Christmas Hand Soap printable gift tags to make it extra special!

If you know me, you know that I have a crazy obsession with Bath & Body Works! If you shop their sales, you always feel like you’ve shopped your way into a good deal. With the holidays quickly approaching, one of my favorite gifts to give is their Bath & Body Works soaps. Whenever there’s a deal on their soaps (which happens at least twice a month), I always try to snag a few more knowing that I’ll be gifting them down the road.

While their soaps already have cute designs that go with the seasons, I wanted to create a gift tag to tie around to give it a little extra “pizazz.” Print on cardstock, tie with a cute ribbon and you’ve created a thoughtful little gift!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Looking for more Christmas printables/ideas?

  1. Santa Letter Printable
  2. Christmas Photobooth Props
  3. Santa + Reindeer Gift Tags
  4. Hot Chocolate Printables
  5. Advent Christmas Calendar Printable
  6. Christmas Gift Card Printable – Shop
  7. Whimsical Hot Chocolate Bar Printables – Shop
  8. Christmas Gift Tags – Shop

Christmas Photobooth Props

Having a photobooth this year for your holiday party? These Christmas photobooth props are the perfect way to add a little silliness to your photos. There are 7 different designs to print out and use. Looking for more matching props, click here to view them in the shop.

Here’s what you’ll need to create these props:

  1. Colored Printer
  2. Cardstock Paper
  3. Christmas Photobooth Props Printable
  4. Wooden Dowels
  5. Scissors
  6. Hot Glue Gun or Tape

Christmas Photobooth Props – Download Here

Buy the full set in the shop: