DIY Chalkboard Lap Desk for Under $2

My son loves chalk, magnets and playing. So I wanted to put together something that combined these three things.

Since everything chalkboard is all the rage, I thought I would share with you guys how I put together this DIY chalkboard lap desk. 

It cost me less than $2 and took just minutes to make. 

Here is a video tutorial. 

Clearly it was a hit with my toddler. Ry LOVES it. (Although I have had to convince him not to stand on it.) 

What you'll need:

1 metal tv dinner tray (I purchased mine at the thrift store for $1.50 each.)

a little chalkboard paint. 

Clean off your tray with a rag. 

Crack open your paint.

Cover with a couple coats of chalkboard paint. Let them dry in between. (It looks like a lot of paint in the picture. I assure you it looks like more than it was.)

Disclosure: I didn't totally factor in the cost of pain because I bought a can of chalkboard paint almost 2 years ago for about $9 and I still haven't used the entire can. I have more than half of it left and I have painted EVERYTHING with chalkboard paint. 

This is a great, inexpensive gift for a child or toddler and it is very simple to put together. 

What are some DIY gifts you've made recently? 

Today I am hopping at Romance on a Dime. Come check out Betsy and all her great ideas.