Birthday ideas for my girlfriend!

Hey everyone. I am very, very new to scrap booking. In fact, I don't know if it is spelled "scrapbooking" or "scrap booking." Anyway, I am looking for some answers/ideas because my wonderful girlfriend has been wanting to get into scrap booking lately and, it just so happens that her 20th birthday is on the 29th! So, I have a few requests for this thread.

1. I want to buy her a scrap booking idea book for her birthday. What would be a good scrap booking idea book for a 20 year old girl who likes to scrapbook with mostly pictures and memories of her friends and family? (and maybe of me if I am lucky : ) )

2. I also want to get her some scrap booking materials. (I have no clue where to start or what to look for) I think it would also be fun to get her a nice new scrapbook and maybe make one or two pages of pictures and memories of herself and I. Any advise would be GREAT!

3. Third, and most importantly, I would love to have input from anyone who wants to suggest ideas for themes or anything. I think it would be a perfect end to her birthday if I could introduce her to this specific discussion so she can see everyone's scrapbooking ideas and input for her!!


My girlfriend is absolutely wonderful. She does so much for me and I can never thank her enough. It would mean so much to me if I can get as much input on the three topics I mentioned!

THANKS FOR READING AND GOD BLESS!

~Hunter

I think the best starting gift would be a nice page kit like they sell at Hobby Lobby or Michael's that comes complete with stickers and embellishments, an album, and pictures.

You could also go to a local scrapbook store with some pictures of the both of you get help there. The gals(and sometimes guys) are really nice and usually love to help and share ideas. They may even help put together a gift...

Page Maps by Becky Fleck is a great book for ideas....and I'd def go to the LSS (local scrap store) for advice. Maybe a gift cert would be best appreciated so she can pick out what interests her. And anything 'Prima" is always good!!!! What a nice idea....good luck!

This is the sweetest thing you're doing!

1. I agree with the Page Maps idea, it's a great book with lots of ideas and sketches in it. There is 2 of those books and both are really good!

2. Adhesive is VERY important. Without it, she can't do anything, so put that at the top of your shopping list! Paper is also important, pick up a variety of colors to start with, you can even buy those in packs. Maybe a few page kits on family and/or friends since that is what her pictures are. Those can either be sold separately or with an actual scrapbook.

3. Definitely bring her here! There are tons of people that would love to help her, both beginners and advanced scrappers.

Like everyone else mentioned, I suggest going to a local scrapbook store or Michaels or Hobby Lobby. It can be a bit overwhelming to a newby so ask for help!! And I'm sure by you doing this for her, you'll be in her scrapbook soon!!!

I agree that buying her a complete kit is a great place to start. I've seen boxed kits at Michael's with an album, papers and embellishments all included. All she would need is adhesive(I started with glue sticks I bought in a three pack at the dollar store, and craft glue I already had). A good pair of scissors that is sharp right to the tip is pretty important also.
I use this site for inspiration and to ask questions. So definitely refer her here!I'm pretty new to this and everyone here has been wonderful with help!

Page Maps is definitely a wonderful book that will give her tons of sketches, ideas, inspiration....

I also agree with the others who mentioned the kits that they sell...they have some really nice ones with nice embellishments at Michaels and Hobby Lobby...but like Mandy said, don't forget the adhesive....

You are such a sweet guy!!! You should definitely introduce her to scrapbook.com....its an awesome site and lots of help and inspiration...

when you bring her, bring some pics. that way you both can select paper and other embellishments (brads, ribbon, etc) that will match. that way you wont spend a lot of money on items you may not use.

maybe check out the 'locations' section here, or meetup.com and other local sites for other scrappers. She can attend a crop (scrapper gathering) or something. those are fun and she can see firsthand what products other people use.

pre-happy b-day to her too.

a subscriptinon to Scrapbooks Etc. magazine would be awesome too. This way she can get new ideas and sketches as well as product info.

If you have a Hobby Lobby nearby they have the best deals. Sign up for their weekly newsletter and get 40% off coupons.

Ohhhh I have an idea!!! Do you have an Archivers or other scrapbook store near you? Michaels may even do this. If so, you could always set her up with a scrapbook class. That way she can both learn hands on and get to know new people!

Well My husband actually got me started with scrapbooking. I was pregnant with our first at the time and really wanted to make a scrapbook, but had no idea what to do.. he totally shocked me! He bought me a scrapbook as well as Papers and stickers that matched all boy themed and he even got me adhesive, scissors and some ribbon. It was really easy to get started and I was so happy that he got it all for me. It was so thoughtful and everything went together but I had the freedom to do what I wanted.

the only thing I wish I would have done was found out about this place sooner. I really didn't use acid free papers or glue after I ran out of what he bought me and a lot of my stuff started looking bad or messed up. I liked not having an idea book when i first started because I really had fun with it and didn't feel like I had to follow any rules.. however I would suggest pagemaps if you get one.


Also my advice to her would be to only buy what she needs for a project and keep a small stash, buying too much can lead to problems down the road.. I wanted a stash so bad when I finally got on sb.com (and saw the other lasies rooms/pages) I just bought what was on sale or was cute with no purpose and now I regret it.. you will always want new/ more things so start small and try to keep your stash to things you know you will be able to use soon. Oh and HAVE FUN!!

That is such a sweet idea! I would suggest a subscription to Scrapbooks, Etc. magazine - I like looking through that way more than any book I've ever found!

As far as supplies, I think it would be a great idea for you to take her shopping! This way you can let her pick what stores she wants to go to, and she can pick her supplies out - I'm willing to bet if she's interested, she's been looking at supplies online and has a few ideas of what she wants! I'm sure she would love your input, and she would love your patience shopping with her, because not many guys will do that.

I hope this helps! Good luck!

I agree with the magazine subscription! lots of fun ideas and inspiration in either Creating Keepsakes magazine or Scrapbooks Etc.

You can also see a bunch of the different kits here:
http://store.scrapbook.com/sub-cat/album+kits-ki ts.html

I'm giving you some links to products here. Venturing to the craft store is pretty confusing/intimidating for the uninitiated (at least, that is what my husband says... he requests I send him links for crafty stuff!). Even if you are braver than he is and go to the store, at least you'll have an idea of what this stuff looks like

I suggest an album kit, a paper trimmer (so she can cut straight lines!), a dry adhesive glue runner, and some small detail cutting scissors. That is all she'll need to get started! Good luck

Don't forget a 12 inch trimmer!!!!! It doesn't have to be expensive to start, but you can't do much without one (although some people manage it, I think they must be very talented with a ruler and an exacto knife!)

And don't forget the most important part...either ink for printing at home or a gift card to a photo processeing place!