Easy Cricut Vinyl Gift Idea for Kids – Personalised Pencil Cases Using My Favourite Tools

Looking for a quick, easy Cricut gift idea that’s actually useful? These DIY personalised pencil cases were a fun little project I whipped up for my cousins Ava & Maisie. If you’ve got scraps of vinyl, a Cricut machine, and a few must-have tools, this is a perfect beginner craft or last-minute gift!

I used the Craft Vinyl Weeding Tools Set (6pcs) I bought last November on Amazon, and honestly – they are better than Cricut’s own tools. No lie. The hook, tweezers, and spatula make everything smoother, quicker, and way less frustrating.

💕 Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!) if you decide to buy something I’ve recommended. I only share what I truly love – and I really love these.

🧼 Step 1: Clean Your Surface Like a Pro

Before applying any vinyl, clean your pencil case surface with Isocol or rubbing alcohol to remove oils and dust – this helps the vinyl stick properly and last longer.

✔️ Grab Isocol here
✔️ Shop my go-to vinyl tool set

💻 Step 2: Design in Cricut Design Space

I used the font BOUNCY and added a rectangle around the names – a trick I always use to make weeding faster and neater.

✔️ Need a Cricut? Shop machines here

✂️ Step 3: Prep Your Vinyl and Cutting Mat

I used HTVRont permanent vinyl, which cuts beautifully. I rolled it down with my vinyl roller (brayer) before loading it into my Cricut Maker.

✔️ Get HTVRont vinyl here – it’s my favourite
✔️ Vinyl roller (brayer) tool – game changer
✔️ Shop the Cricut Maker 4

🎨 Step 4: Cut Your Design

Load the mat into your machine and let Cricut do its thing! This part never gets old.

You don't need the Cricut brand mats, I personally use these ones (HTVRont again!):

✔️HTVRont Cricut cutting mats

🛠️ Step 5: My Favourite Weeding Tool

Here’s the weeding tool I always grab – from this 6-piece tool set. It’s sharper and more comfortable than the Cricut brand hook.

🛒 Pro tip: This whole set costs less than a single branded tool!

🌿 Step 6: Weed Your Design

Thanks to the rectangle trick and HTVRont vinyl, weeding was quick and satisfying. Zero tearing. Love it.

➡️ Shop HTVRont vinyl on Amazon

✂️ Step 7: Cut Down the Names

Cut each weeded name into individual pieces so they’re ready for transfer.

🧵 Step 8: Use Your Scrap Stash

This was a tiny project, so I used vinyl scraps stored in my labelled craft drawers. I even made the labels with my Cricut!

➡️ Looking for craft storage? Here's the exact one I bought for less than $100!
➡️ Label vinyl here

🔄 Step 9: Apply Transfer Tape

Place transfer tape over the name and use the scraper to press it firmly.

➡️ My favourite transfer tape – no bubbles (you guessed it, HTVRont!)
➡️ This scraper is part of the same 6pc tool set

🔁 Step 10: Peel the Backing

Flip it over and slowly roll the backing paper away – not the tape – so the vinyl sticks perfectly.

🖐️ Step 11: Transfer to the Pencil Case

Line up your name and use the scraper to smooth it down carefully.

🎁 Step 12: Done – and SO Cute!

Two finished, personalised pencil cases for Ava & Maisie! Handmade gifts with love 💕 – and no Cricut chaos thanks to these tools.

🛍️ Tools & Products I Used:

All available on Amazon:

• Craft Vinyl Weeding Tools Set (6pcs) ← My fave!

• HTVRont Permanent Vinyl

• Cricut Maker

• Isocol for surface prep

• Vinyl roller (brayer) tool

• Transfer tape

• Scraper tool (part of kit)

• Craft storage drawers

• Label vinyl

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