*This post is in partnership with Cricut, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

When it comes to gift-giving there are always a few people on my list who seem impossible to buy for. This is why I am obsessed with my Cricut machine, it helps me create all kinds of personalized gifts that are meaningful and from the heart. Plus, because you can create one of a kind gifts you don’t have to worry about it being something they already own.

For example, Olivia has three different teachers that have been helping us virtually this year. We wanted to surprise them with a bunch of gift cards to local restaurants and coffee shops in our town. But, I couldn’t figure out a fun way to wrap them. Then one Liv’s zoom class one of her teachers mentioned how much she loves coffee and so I had an idea.

I created one of a kind mugs for each of the three teachers based on their personalities. Then I stuffed all of the gift cards inside the mugs and topped them with tissue paper. I love the way they turned out. 

A Cricut Newbie

I was a total newbie before getting my Cricut Joy, but I had a friend that made the coolest things with hers and so I figured I would give it a shot. Turns out it is incredibly easy to make all kinds of amazing custom items. 

I have made everything from labels, to shirts, birthday cards, mugs, car decals and more! My teen son has even gotten involved borrowing my Cricut Joy to create his own clothing items, surfboard decals and stickers for his hydroflask. 

I feel like the Cricut Joy is a fantastic machine to start out on. The Smart vinyl, iron-on and papers are incredibly easy to work with and Cricut Design Space makes it easy to create your dream projects- even if you are a total newbie like me.

How to Make a Personalized Mug With A Cricut Joy

To create your mug you first need to gather your supplies. You will need plain mugs, Cricut Joy™ Smart Vinyl™ – Permanent, Cricut Joy™ Transfer Tape, and a Starter Tool Set.

Next you need to pick a design. You can create your own design, look for one on Cricut Design Space, or purchase a premade design on Etsy. 

Once you have your design you upload it on Cricut Design. Then you measure your mug to figure out how large you would like the design. Finally, you resize your image and click continue.

Cricut Design Space then links to your Cricut Joy and you follow the prompts to print your design.

Once you have your design you use your starter kit tools to peel the excess vinyl from the paper. Then you apply the transfer tape and transfer the design to that. Lastly, you apply the transfer tape with your design directly to your mug using the scraper tool to ensure the design is fully applied. Then you peel off the clear transfer tape carefully, and bam you have a gorgeous custom mug.

The process is very similar for making decals, labels, iron-on designs for shirts and more! Below is a list of items you could personalize for your special someone on your list.

• Mugs
• Packing Cubes
• Make-Up Bag
• Catch All 
• Monogrammed Ornament
• Luggage 
• Custom Shirts
• Custom Kitchen Towels
• Custom Signs
• Custom Wine Label

Or Give The Gift That Keeps On Giving- A Cricut Joy

If you have a creative or crafty person on your list the Cricut Joy makes an amazing gift. As I mentioned previously even my 18-year-old son loves to use it!

Not only does the person you give the Cricut Joy to get an amazing tool that allows them create all kinds of fun personalized and custom projects but it also gives them the ability to make those things for their friends and family too! The joy I get out of gifting unique things I make with my own Cricut Joy brings me so much joy!

If you do choose to purchase a Cricut Joy for someone here are a few items that I think would create the perfect holiday bundle.

• Cricut Joy™ Smart Vinyl™ – Permanent (a few colors would be great!)
• Cricut Joy™ Smart Iron-On™ (a few colors again here)
• Cricut Joy™ Transfer Tape
• Starter Tool Set
• Cricut Joy™ Tote

Have questions about this craft idea or gifting someone a Cricut Joy this holiday season? Leave them in the comments and I will be sure to get back to you.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Mama Munchkin

Amber is not only the dynamic CEO and founder of our team but also a dedicated mother of six and savvy entrepreneur. Her extensive travels with her family have not only created lasting memories but have also led to their tight-knit bonds. Helping you bring your family closer together and finding community with all of you is what gets her out of bed everyday (although her toddler plays a role in this as well).

Latest posts by Mama Munchkin (see all)

• 7 Best Rides at Epcot for When You Aren’t Eating Your Way Through the Park - November 15, 2024
• 11 of the Best Rides at Magic Kingdom - November 7, 2024
• Disneyland Christmas 2024! Complete Guide + Tips To Have the Merriest of Times! - November 6, 2024