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Home Decor, DIY Projects and Renovations

Home » From the Blog » The Best Gift Ever

The Best Gift Ever

by Regina 29 Comments

Last holiday season was different in so many ways because of Covid. Realizing what most of us really missed was being with family, the thought of dropping off an outfit, toy or book just didn’t seem to fit the bill. Yes, it had to be different. Enter – The Best Gift Ever.

THE BEST GIFT EVER

Table of Contents

    • WHY A PLAYHOUSE AS THE BEST GIFT EVER?
    • AND SO IT BEGINS
    • MAKING GOOD PROGRESS
    • NOW FOR THE FUN PART – DECORATING!
    • GOODBYE MARYLAND – HELLO NEW JERSEY
    • TIME TO DELIVER THE BEST GIFT EVER
    • IT’S NEW HOME
  • IT’S A WRAP
  • MERRY CHRISTMAS!

WHY A PLAYHOUSE AS THE BEST GIFT EVER?

The younger grandchildren asked for a playhouse, and Carmine aka Pop said he would build one. After being shown a few playhouses on Pinterest by his daughter, he had a picture in his head and the work began.

It was built in our driveway with no written plans or measurements. I guess that’s what happens when you live with someone crazy handy.

BEST GIFT EVER

One minor detail was that it was built in MD, then had to be disassembled and moved to NJ. As if that wasn’t enough, then it had be be put back together and moved to it’s new home in the backyard.

This labor of love became Carmine’s obsession, nights, weekends, early mornings, with spotlights and propane heaters.

We took trips to specialty hardware stores for the perfect shingles. It would have custom designed barn doors, windows that open, a front porch, a fireplace and mantel. It was so amazing to watch it come to life.

Come along for the journey of The Best Gift Ever.

AND SO IT BEGINS

This is the beginning, the framing and placement of these little bitty real windows!

FRAMING OF BEST GIFT EVER
FRAMING OUT THE BEST GIFT EVER

If you are anything like me, you follow recipes to a T. If you are like Carmine, you just go with your senses. That my friends is a gift I do not have.

Actually the first part of the Best Gift Ever was making the custom barn doors. The doors were made with plexiglass for safety. After they were assembled they then were clamped to dry.

Barn doors being made
BARN DOORS IN PROGRESS FOR THE BEST GIFT EVER

After the doors and framing and window were put in, then work on the walls began.

Then the roof, then the porch.

PROGRESS PICTURES

MAKING GOOD PROGRESS

The siding was cedar and the shingles were a special rubber that looked like slate.

DORMER IS IN, NOW TO MAKE THE WINDOW

Putting in the dormer seemed to be the only challenge. The front porch was made of Trex. We don’t even have that on our deck or porch!

The big secret to building with the intent of taking it back apart was to paint all the screws that needed to come back out in red. That way Carmine would know what needed to be unscrewed when it was to be dissembled.

After the interior was done, I sliced up a few birch logs to create a mock wood stack in the fireplace. I painted the back of the mantel black then used Liquid Nails to glue the wood slices down.

WORKING ON THE MANTEL

Here it is all done and ready for me to decorate, just in time to be taken back apart. All together it had the windows on the barn doors, one on either side of the doors. Inside there were windows on each side and a long plexiglass window over the mantel. So much light!

ALMOST DONE AND DECORATED

NOW FOR THE FUN PART – DECORATING!

I made little fresh greens wreaths for the barn doors, bought the wooden banner and covered it in buffalo check wrapping paper and covered with Mod Podge.

Another touch was the little cloth container placed outside of the door with a small Christmas tree inside.

I got a festive holiday doormat for the entry, and added a large cardboard Christmas box that had buffalo plaid trim.

We ordered 3 little rocking chairs that I was able to put together to have on the porch and inside.

THE ROCKERS ALL PUT TOGETHER – I GOT THE LITTLE STUFF!

Pink trees and the girls initials were made on the Cricut then ironed on little stockings to hang on the mantel too.

TINY PERSONALIZED STOCKINGS

GOODBYE MARYLAND – HELLO NEW JERSEY

When it was time to take it apart and load it up on the trailer we rounded up friends and neighbors to help. I was giving out bottles of wine and gift cards as a thank you for the help.

WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL MY HARD WORK?!
TAKEN APART AND LOADED UP – HEADING TO NJ

This part was so hard. It was so much work and so beautiful, then to have it taken apart and loaded on a flatbed trailer it looked so sad. We followed for a little bit to make sure nothing fell off.

Once in NJ, it lived for a week or two in a warehouse. Another large group consisting of lots of family and friends gathered over a weekend to put it back together and obviously touch up a few dents and dings.

Talk about making memories – this truly was THE BEST GIFT EVER.

THE ROOF THE ROOF THE ROOF IS ON THE FLOOR
REASSEMBLED IN THE WAREHOUSE
POP AND PAIGE WORKING IN THE WAREHOUSE
MANY HANDS MAKE FOR LIGHT WORK
PAIGE AND NICK – A FAMILY AFFAIR

TIME TO DELIVER THE BEST GIFT EVER

Between the trip to NJ and the reassembly work, we had several inches of snow. The warehouse was chilly and the parking lot was covered in ice. I drove up to join in the festivities of the two mile road trip to the house.

LOADING HER UP
THIS WAS JUST TOO FUN
HE TURNED AROUND AT THE END, THE WHOLE TRIP WAS BACKWARDS!

The girls were out so the plan was to get it in place and be done by the time they arrived home. It was something that could not be hidden until Christmas, so we worked fast and furious to get it ready.

The playhouse went down the road about two miles backwards on this little forklift. Carmine and his son walked along side, one son in law drove the lead vehicle and the girls dad drove the forklift. It felt like we were in a parade. It was scary every time there was a curb or bump or hill.

I have a saying when someone has a crazy idea – I just say “helmet,” sort of like “you must have bumped your head.” This was definitely a “helmet” worthy idea.

IT’S NEW HOME

THE SNOW WAS CLEARED THE BEST GIFT EVER WAS HOME

When the girls arrived home they were wide eyed and wondered what in the world was going on in their backyard and why was Pop and everyone there?

A PEAK INSIDE THE HOUSE – CHECK OUT THE BEAD BOARD AND FLOOR!

I had so much fun putting the decorations back up and getting ready to welcome the girls to their new playhouse. This house was made better than our house or at least with better materials!

A few more pictures before they arrived.

ALMOST READY TO GREET THE GIRLS
POP AND THE LITTLE GIRLS

This is why we did it. You have to watch til the absolute end. Priceless.

IT’S A WRAP

Thanks for coming along on the journey of how the BEST GIFT EVER was built, taken apart, driven to NJ, put back together and delivered to it’s new home.

This was a time consuming but a total feel good gift for the girls. One they won’t forget, but I did have a little plaque made so they couldn’t. The neat part is their mom sends me pictures every holiday of how she decorates it, Easter, Valentines, July 4th – it’s wonderful!

THE LITTLE PLAQUE

It was quite the conversation piece in our driveway. All the dog walkers and neighbors would ask about it. Everyone was eager to know if the kids liked it.

Several people have asked if he would make one for them. The answer was a huge “heck no.” It was definitely one of the bright spots of quarantine, not having a commute allowed for more time to work on this special project.

I hope you enjoyed seeing the playhouse story and are thinking about how you can make memories for your holiday, because memories are the best things to make.

Not everyone has the time or skills to build such a gift. If you don’t, you can find several options to purchase. Below I included links to two available from Home Depot you could check out. These are super cute too!

COZY CABIN PLAYHOUSE

VICTORIAN PLAYHOUSE

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

If you are ready for Christmas then yay! If you need ideas for wrapping – see my post on Cozy & Creative Wrapping Ideas.

I love Christmas. I love the lights, the music, the story, the smiles and the time with family and friends. Oh and that it’s my birthday too. Growing up I shared my birthday with an aunt and I thought that it was pretty special to share the same birthday with her, especially since it was Christmas.

So Happy Birthday to me and Merry Christmas to you! Whether you spend the day surrounded by family, friends or furry paws – I wish you peace.

XO, Regina

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Filed Under: DIY , Event Inspiration Tagged With: best gift ever, Christmas, DIY, holiday

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Comments

  1. Cindy says

    December 21, 2021 at 11:38 AM

    Beautiful and such a great gift. We live in NJ and I’m want COVID to go away.

    We were going to host Christmas day at our home. First time in 2.5 years.

    And what happens COVID again.

    Merry Christmas

    Reply
  2. Susan Burket says

    December 21, 2021 at 12:54 PM

    This is the most wonderful story!

    A Christmas story, but also one of family and love and teamwork. I’m beyond impressed by the amazing skill and talents of Carmine, who imagined, created and built this house! And also the creativity and skills of Regina for decorating it. How fun that the family celebrates so many other holidays by (re)decorating the house!

    Merry Christmas, Carmine and Regina!
    And Happy Birthday, Regina!

    Reply
    • Regina says

      December 21, 2021 at 3:24 PM

      Thanks Susan – yes he is very talented. He looks at a picture and ends up with a house. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  3. Denise says

    December 21, 2021 at 1:28 PM

    Incredible! What a journey! Built and delivered with love! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Regina says

      December 21, 2021 at 3:24 PM

      Thanks Der – it was so fun to be a small part of it.

      Reply
  4. Dee says

    December 21, 2021 at 3:45 PM

    Oh my goodness Regina what an act of love! I am so impressed!! The amount of work and effort that went into this project, the transferring it and traveling and reassembling I’m so amazed! I know the girls will treasure it for years and years to come that is really special. Also, how wonderful that is that you were born on Christmas day! You share your birthday with your Aunt, and Jesus! Merry Christmas and thanks again for sharing! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  5. Larry Stewart says

    December 21, 2021 at 6:07 PM

    Absolutely amazing story, project and result. Congratulations Carmine. Such a beautiful gift

    Reply
    • Regina says

      December 21, 2021 at 9:11 PM

      Awe – thanks for visiting! I passed it along to Carmine. Hugs!

      Reply
  6. Leslie Watkins says

    December 22, 2021 at 12:58 AM

    Happy Birthday, Regina! What a beautiful gift! And that sweet video of “my house” with the little one—precious. Well done!!!

    Reply
    • Regina says

      December 22, 2021 at 8:23 AM

      Thank you Leslie and Merry Christmas to you and your family. I know that video, melts my heart 🙂

      Reply
  7. J. Neal says

    December 22, 2021 at 8:19 AM

    This brought back great memories for me. When my brother and his friends built tree forts in the woods at the top of the hill by our house, I so wanted one, too. My dad, who was a carpenter, was happy to build me a fort of my own. He designed a triangular tree fort that was anchored between three trees at the edge of the woods. It was about seven feet off the ground, and was accessed via a ladder. The yard-high sides were topped with a railing you could lean on. Because the fort was at the edge of the bluff that overlooked the neighborhood, it had a great view. My dad had made it open like that purposely with a suspended roof over it. He even painted the fort pink. I loved it! A neighbor, however, did not, because he could see it from his backyard, and one day tore it down. I cried my heart out. So my dad channeled his anger into building a replacement for me, but as a playhouse in our own backyard where no one would be able to tear it down. It was amazing! He gave it a foundation, a pitched roof with green shingles, real siding he painted white, and a front door complete with a screen door he made himself. Somewhere my dad acquired triple-track window display samples, complete with storms and screens, so the playhouse had windows on the front and either side. making it weather-tight. Though it didn’t have heat, it was fully insulated, so it was dry and relatively cozy in cooler weather, and in the summer the windows slid up and the screens slid down, so there was good ventilation on hot days. It didn’t have a porch, but my dad made a patio on one side, putting down flagstone pavers, and made supports with a canvas awning for shade. He built a couple benches for the patio and put window boxes at the front windows. Inside he even installed a linoleum floor, made a little built-in cupboard and shelves, and a gate-leg table and four chairs. It was a dream of a playhouse. I spent many hours playing there with friends. When I eventually “outgrew” it as a playhouse, it was repurposed as a garden shed. But in my mind’s eye, I can still picture what it looked like after I was grown up, its front door always decorated with a pretty wreath at Christmastime by my mom and dad.

    Reply
    • Regina says

      December 22, 2021 at 8:24 AM

      Awe – thanks for sharing! Boo for the mean man but the replacement playhouse sounds perfect. I could envision every detail as I read your comments. Merriest of Christmases to you!

      Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    December 22, 2021 at 8:37 AM

    What a wonderful surprise for your grandchildren. You guys did an amazing job on this play house.

    Reply
    • Regina says

      December 22, 2021 at 11:39 AM

      Paula – thanks! I played a small part but at least I documented it! Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  9. Jo Ann says

    December 22, 2021 at 9:11 AM

    Thanks for sharing! Such a great gift for the grandkids! And I loved how you decorated it!!!

    Reply
    • Regina says

      December 22, 2021 at 11:38 AM

      Thanks JoAnn. You know it was out there a LONG time! But so worth it. Tell Jim to get moving! Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  10. Tammy says

    December 22, 2021 at 10:38 AM

    What a wonderful gift for the girls. It is so beautiful and know they will enjoy it for many years. What wonderful memories made.

    Reply
    • Regina says

      December 22, 2021 at 11:38 AM

      Thank you Tammy! Enjoy your gorgeous home over the holidays! Merriest of Christmases to you!

      Reply
  11. Rosemary Palmer says

    December 23, 2021 at 7:58 AM

    Oh my – yes it is the greatest gift. Childhood gifts are the best – I still have my baby doll and original Easy Bake Oven. Fond memories. Great job.

    Reply
    • Regina says

      December 23, 2021 at 8:04 AM

      Thanks so much Rosemary! I received a roller skating monkey named Clancy when I was four – yep, still have it. Jealous on the Easy Bake Oven. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  12. [email protected] says

    December 23, 2021 at 9:31 AM

    THIS IS THE BEST GIFT EVER! A labor of love for the sweetest little grandkids! Regina what a wonderful gift that you made, I love all of your lovely touches.

    Reply
  13. Michelle says

    December 26, 2021 at 12:35 PM

    OMG! This is so totally awesome! Carmine is such a talented guy. I can imagine the girls’ surprise and glee. And you decorated it so wonderfully.

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    Reply
    • Regina says

      December 28, 2021 at 8:02 PM

      Michelle – thanks! You are too sweet but yes he is super talented. I’m lucky!
      Happy New Year!

      Reply
  14. Rachel - Tea and Forget-me-nots says

    December 28, 2021 at 7:03 AM

    What an unbelievable gift, that will be so special for the whole family.

    Reply
    • Regina says

      December 28, 2021 at 8:02 PM

      Thank you! It was definitely a family affair. Happiest of New Year’s to you!

      Reply
  15. [email protected] says

    December 28, 2021 at 11:06 AM

    This is the most adorable playhouse ever.

    Reply
    • Regina says

      December 28, 2021 at 8:01 PM

      Thanks Paula – it’s pretty special.

      Reply
  16. melba / Cocoon Raw says

    December 29, 2021 at 10:31 AM

    What an amazing gift of love!

    Reply
    • Regina says

      January 1, 2022 at 9:42 PM

      Thanks Melba. Happiest of New Year’s to you!

      Reply

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Hi there!

I’m Regina, I have a passion for DIY, Home Decor, Entertaining and Party Planning! One project at a time I am transforming my home into one that makes my heart happy.

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