Semi-DIY Gift Idea: Tray-Chic!

Yes, I know it’s actually spelled tres chic (with an accent mark I don’t know how to make), but I couldn’t resist a little play on words.  Please forgive me.

As you may know, my daughter has some feeding issues as a result of an injury at birth.  We’re trying new and inventive ways to get her to eat.  I thought maybe a lap tray would bring the meal down to her level and give her a fun place to eat.  It could also be used for crafts, reading, or breakfast in bed when she gets older. 

She had other ideas.

I actually made this as a Christmas gift for her but she got to it while I was snapping photos for the blog.  Maybe in 17 days she’ll use it as a tray?

This was very easy to make and extremely budget friendly.  The only materials you need are a plastic lap tray (I found this one at Michaels, and with a coupon it was about $4).  The paint pens were the most expensive part at $4.25 each, but a good investment because they can be used over and over again.  I kept it simple with just 3 colors.

1.  Choose a few paint pen colors to match the lap tray.  If you don’t have an idea of what you’d like to paint, browse images and fonts online and come up with a plan.  {note: I didn’t really have a plan; I just made it up as I went and was still pretty happy about it!  You don’t always know what will look good until you try it.}

2.  Use a pencil or piece of chalk to mark the outline of the name.  I made a few marks as to where I wanted each letter to be so I didn’t run out of room, and then freehanded it.  Paint pens are very forgiving (in my opinion) and make great lines.  Then, go ahead and paint.  The fumes are pretty noxious, so be sure to do this in a ventilated area.  When finished with the name, I added polka dots and surrounded it with  swirls as a decoration.  Hint: don’t aim for perfection.  Remember that this is handmade; it looks better if some of the letters are tilted and the dots are different sizes!

3.  Let it dry.  It’s THAT easy!  It only took about 20 minutes to paint.

What I like so much about this project was that the trays come in a variety of colors and I’m excited to see what I can come up with for all the kiddos in my life.  You can really customize them to the child.  Heck, I want one to hold my laptop and popcorn!

Thought I’d share this quick and easy (and cheap!) project in case you are looking for gift ideas to quickly finish before Christmas.  Let me know if you’ve completed a similar project or if you make this one.   I’d love to see photos.  And if you have any other DIY gift ideas, feel free to link them up in the comments!


I’ve linked this to the Funky Junk Interiors Saturday Nite Special. So much amazingness going on over there– if you love to DIY, check it out!

Speaking of personalization, have you entered our giveaway for a custom frame/sign/monogram of your choice from Danielson Designs???  No?  Head over and enter today!

Meet Carrie Higgins

Dreamer, thinker, + lemon squeezer; you'll usually find me clutching a mug of coffee, glue gun, fandeck of paint colors, and a child at any given time. This mom of two (and wife to one) loves to share freshly squeezed ideas for home and family. Join the adventure as we learn most lemons can indeed become lemonade-- with generous amounts of sweetness, perspective, and love.

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