Things to do together book – present idea!

I thought I’d put this post up again, as it was quite popular, and it’s always good to have some timeless, inexpensive, thoughtful Christmas present ideas. I’ll be adding to mine….

Do you get stuck for ideas when it comes to presents for your loved one? I do, and aiming for a present that is both meaningful and desirable, it can get quite difficult.

Like lots of other busy people, when Paul and I finally get some quiet time together we can never seem to remember the amazing restaurant we wanted to go to, or the exhibition that’s on with fantastic reviews…So came the creation of a ‘things to do together’ book, also known as ‘date night book’ or the ‘down time book’. Not to sound like a cheapskate but this was also a very cost effective present too!

The original idea for the book was taken from a Leisure Book Project from Jordan Ferney’s Oh Happy Day. I adapted the idea slightly, made it even more cheaply and filled it with things I think Paul would love. I bought a A5 paperback sketchbook from an Art Supplies shop for £2 and I bought some kraft paper luggage tags from an online supplier for less than a pound. I divided the book up into sections and sewed in the kraft paper luggage tags to mark each section using my sewing machine. Then I did loads of research online, added the ideas I’d been saving up for a while and asked friends for suggestions.

The end result was a mini compendium of culture, personally profiled for Paul (what a mouthful). With ideas for great places to have brunch, picturesque walks along the Thames,  exhibitions we didn’t want to miss and films we’ve always wanted to see. I have to say the response to this present was very positive and I was told that it more than adequately covered both the meaningful and desirable! Plus the beauty of it is that you can add to it whenever you hear about something new.

I would love to hear if anyone has tried to make one of these!

All images are my own.