Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas for 2012

[bababear_50]

"Candy Cane Soup"

Just sharing an idea
When you have a large group to buy for and want something small to give --- these are a cute idea.
I have made them before but added google eyes and a red gum drops(wrapped in saran wrap and put in the tip of the bag) and brown chenille antlers.
"Rudolph"



Here is a link


http://christmas.organizedhome.com/crafts/christmas/candy-cane-soup

 

[AngieMouse86]

Anybody have any recipes for the ingredients-in-a-jar gifts? Cookies, cakes or soups, I'm open to all ideas!

I know there's a lot of these posted around the web, but I'm looking for some that are 'tried and true'! Thanks.

 

[bas71873]

Anybody have any recipes for the ingredients-in-a-jar gifts? Cookies, cakes or soups, I'm open to all ideas!

I know there's a lot of these posted around the web, but I'm looking for some that are 'tried and true'! Thanks.

I found one on pinterest that I'm using to give to DD's 3 dance teachers, my teenage cousin and DD's speech therapist. It's called pampering or spa in a jar. I got some of those aloe infused fuzzy sock/slipper things (about $2.00) and stuffed those in a quart sized canning jar. Then I hit Bath & Body Works and they had thier mini stuff 3 for $10 and their "spa" minis 3 for $12, so I got foot scrub & foot cream for each of them and I'm going to add in a small pumice stone (IF I can find them cheap somewhere. I haven't looked for those yet.). I am going to use holiday cards from last year to decorate the top of the screw on lid and I'm looping a shower puff around the neck of the jar with a gift tag from DD.

I also saw ones that were mani/pedi in a jar and had cotton balls on the bottom, a travel size nail polish remover, nail clippers, toe separators and bottle of nail polish.

Really cute and I didn't want to do food for this set of people on my list.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Anybody have any recipes for the ingredients-in-a-jar gifts? Cookies, cakes or soups, I'm open to all ideas!

I know there's a lot of these posted around the web, but I'm looking for some that are 'tried and true'! Thanks.

I have a book that had a bunch of recipes in it, and the tags as well, that tell the recipient what to add, etc.

You know, nobody mentioned how the cookies, etc. turned out, so they may have terrible, I don't know.

Also, one year I did the same basic idea, but instead of glass jars, I put the ingredients in a gallon-sized ziploc, and then sewed them into a stocking made from leftover fabric. we made the stocking, then I just hand-basted across the top to keep the contents inside. It was nice, because the kids could help sew the stockings.

 

[AngieMouse86]

I found one on pinterest that I'm using to give to DD's 3 dance teachers, my teenage cousin and DD's speech therapist. It's called pampering or spa in a jar. I got some of those aloe infused fuzzy sock/slipper things (about $2.00) and stuffed those in a quart sized canning jar. Then I hit Bath & Body Works and they had thier mini stuff 3 for $10 and their "spa" minis 3 for $12, so I got foot scrub & foot cream for each of them and I'm going to add in a small pumice stone (IF I can find them cheap somewhere. I haven't looked for those yet.). I am going to use holiday cards from last year to decorate the top of the screw on lid and I'm looping a shower puff around the neck of the jar with a gift tag from DD.

I also saw ones that were mani/pedi in a jar and had cotton balls on the bottom, a travel size nail polish remover, nail clippers, toe separators and bottle of nail polish.

Really cute and I didn't want to do food for this set of people on my list.

Ooh, I love this one! Sounds like just the right thing for my female managers at work.

I have a book that had a bunch of recipes in it, and the tags as well, that tell the recipient what to add, etc.

You know, nobody mentioned how the cookies, etc. turned out, so they may have terrible, I don't know.

Also, one year I did the same basic idea, but instead of glass jars, I put the ingredients in a gallon-sized ziploc, and then sewed them into a stocking made from leftover fabric. we made the stocking, then I just hand-basted across the top to keep the contents inside. It was nice, because the kids could help sew the stockings.

The stocking idea is cute but I can barely sew buttons. May enlist my DBFs mom to help me out, lol. And I can since people don't report back I'll take my chances on a couple good-sounding recipes I've found.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

LOVE this thread!!!

Thank you all for the great ideas. I want to get my kids involved in making gifts this year and these are all such awesome ideas!!!

I typically do not 'make' things for gifts but I have had good luck with the following:

- themed baskets (not homeade items in the baskets - but you can use lots of cheap and free things!)

- Stationary/card sets - Everyone can use birthday/thank you cards to have around the house and this is a nice gift to give with some stamps too - great idea for grandparents, especially when the kids make the cards

- cookies!! - I buy tins from the $1 store and stuff with all my holiday goodies - fudge, cookies, candies, etc.

I did make soaps one year (the clear ones) and it was gross. They turned out looking fine but they did not smell really good so I won't be trying that again!

 

[Maskesa]

Paper Machie bowls. They are soooooo easy to make. The last layer can be personal to who ever the gift is for EG Cat fans, Sponge Bob fans, Disney fans, You can either use wrapping paper or print pictures and cut and arrange all over as last layer. Thinking of images of my children for grandparents., My friend loves Toy Story so lots of Toy Story pictures. We then fill the bowl with wrapped sweets, smellies or anything dry.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

If you have an Ocean State Job Lot near you, they have a lot of inexpensive stuff you could put in baskets--mostly of the gourmet food variety, but other stuff as well.

I've made the soaps, and I think I put a fragrance in them--it's been a while.

Stationery sets have a lot of possiblities, too--stamping, papercrafting, punching around the edges, etc. Even a small child could "decorate" the front with watercolors, for an abstract-art look.

 

[java]

A very special memory I have is my Uncle telling me how much he loved my cookies and if I would make him a special batch of a specific one he loved. I did. He dies shortly after that. I hold that memory so close. It's the little things in life that really matter.

Oh wanted to add that Costco has the cellophane rolls out already- they were very cute decorated ones- and solids. I didn't have extra money that day so I have to head back to buy some. I love the way it makes the homemade gifts look special!

 

[Earstou]

I was at Hobby Lobby today to pick up yarn for the pom-pom scarf. They had it on clearance marked done to $2.51 (originally $6.99). It's solid colored yarn and I saw white, black, teal and purple.
Don't know if other stores will have it, but thought I would post about the chance.
It's Yarn Bee's Bangle yarn and it was in the yarn and fabric clearance area.

 

[DisneyWalle]

I love pinterest -- found the instructions for making a waist apron and beach bag using pillowcases. So I bought two pair of pillowcases from Fred's Dollar Store for $4 and created two aprons and two beach bags for my sister and mom for Christmas. They are super cute! I'm going to fill each beach bag with two beach towels (clearanced), sunscreen and flipflops -- so once the weather warms up they just need to grab their bag and head to the beach or lake. The aprons are very sturdy and would be great for the kitchen, crafts or gardening.

 

[KelliLee702]

Sounds really cute!
This forum has really taken off.
DIS Board members are so creative!

This Holiday Season will be filled with great homemade gifts!

Thank you!

 

[missesdisney]

I generally do papercrafting (and have some of those gifts already started) but I also decided to try my hand at something new for presents - sugar scrub and some other bath items. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the scrub!

I have a $30 scrub I got at basin DTD and I think the one I made is better! It's literally just sugar and oil (I used grapeseed oil) and a little scent (I used peppermint). I dyed half red and made 'striped' in a mason jar. I LOVE IT and am making for lots of peeps!

Idea from...of course...pinterest!

 

[luvmy3]

I generally do papercrafting (and have some of those gifts already started) but I also decided to try my hand at something new for presents - sugar scrub and some other bath items. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the scrub!

I have a $30 scrub I got at basin DTD and I think the one I made is better! It's literally just sugar and oil (I used grapeseed oil) and a little scent (I used peppermint). I dyed half red and made 'striped' in a mason jar. I LOVE IT and am making for lots of peeps!

Idea from...of course...pinterest!

I found this the other day and was thinking of trying it.
http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/corries_brown_sugar_body_scrub

I love your idea of dying the sugar and making it look like a peppermint candy. Such a cute idea.

 

[missesdisney]

I found this the other day and was thinking of trying it.
http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/corries_brown_sugar_body_scrub

I love your idea of dying the sugar and making it look like a peppermint candy. Such a cute idea.

Thanks - can't take credit for it though - found it here

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJ2h4l4lzHs/TuFKMyCiS2I/AAAAAAAAEZs/6Jp5-V0Zryg/s1600/DSC_4033.jpg

It was really very easy and I really like it! I tried lotion bars tonight that I also saw on pinterest - I'll see how they turn out in the morning!

 

[Carol97]

This is not a big make it yourself project....but it's quick, easy, and inexpensive. Every year for Christmas, I buy lots of planters mixed peanuts and the holiday peanut m&m's. I mix like 3/4 nuts with about 1/4 m&m's and put in a small Christmas type of Tupperware container. I give this to all my coworkers and they snack on it all week after the holidays. It's just a great snack and they get to keep the container. Everyone seems to enjoy it!!

 

[pegrad1]

I found the perfect gift for families, nieces & nephews on Pinterest.com. Names with each letter made from a picture.
(example: The letter A might be an orange/white street barrier so it looks like an "A" or the @ symbol or maybe the "A" from California Angels) You get the idea.
You have the option of making this with a baseboard type of thing to place on a counter or shelf or a thinner wood backing to hang on the wall. Spray paint the base piece maybe their fave color or living room colors. Purchase wooden 4x6 frames from Dollar Tree. (you can also go online with them to buy in bulk). I needed 50 of them so it was easier to find them online. It gives you the link for the letters. (flickr.com) Of course print off the letters you need.
Pop the glass out, take the back stand piece of the frame off (easy to do) & spray the frames the second color. For my daughter who's favorite colors are pink/white I made the support pink & the frames white. It's beautiful!
Let them dry, put the glass back in, put in your letters, measure so you have equal distance apart & I prefer to wood glue them in. It called for hot glue but I wouldn't trust that to stay.
Check out Pinterest for the exact measurements of the wood which they can cut for you at Home Depot or any Home store.
Good luck & hope you are finding what you are looking for!
I'm not the most crafty & I could easily handle this!

 

[bas71873]

I found the perfect gift for families, nieces & nephews on Pinterest.com. Names with each letter made from a picture.
(example: The letter A might be an orange/white street barrier so it looks like an "A" or the @ symbol or maybe the "A" from California Angels) You get the idea.
You have the option of making this with a baseboard type of thing to place on a counter or shelf or a thinner wood backing to hang on the wall. Spray paint the base piece maybe their fave color or living room colors. Purchase wooden 4x6 frames from Dollar Tree. (you can also go online with them to buy in bulk). I needed 50 of them so it was easier to find them online. It gives you the link for the letters. (flickr.com) Of course print off the letters you need.
Pop the glass out, take the back stand piece of the frame off (easy to do) & spray the frames the second color. For my daughter who's favorite colors are pink/white I made the support pink & the frames white. It's beautiful!
Let them dry, put the glass back in, put in your letters, measure so you have equal distance apart & I prefer to wood glue them in. It called for hot glue but I wouldn't trust that to stay.
Check out Pinterest for the exact measurements of the wood which they can cut for you at Home Depot or any Home store.
Good luck & hope you are finding what you are looking for!
I'm not the most crafty & I could easily handle this!

Can we see a picture please

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I found the perfect gift for families, nieces & nephews on Pinterest.com. Names with each letter made from a picture.
(example: The letter A might be an orange/white street barrier so it looks like an "A" or the @ symbol or maybe the "A" from California Angels) You get the idea.
You have the option of making this with a baseboard type of thing to place on a counter or shelf or a thinner wood backing to hang on the wall. Spray paint the base piece maybe their fave color or living room colors. Purchase wooden 4x6 frames from Dollar Tree. (you can also go online with them to buy in bulk). I needed 50 of them so it was easier to find them online. It gives you the link for the letters. (flickr.com) Of course print off the letters you need.
Pop the glass out, take the back stand piece of the frame off (easy to do) & spray the frames the second color. For my daughter who's favorite colors are pink/white I made the support pink & the frames white. It's beautiful!
Let them dry, put the glass back in, put in your letters, measure so you have equal distance apart & I prefer to wood glue them in. It called for hot glue but I wouldn't trust that to stay.
Check out Pinterest for the exact measurements of the wood which they can cut for you at Home Depot or any Home store.
Good luck & hope you are finding what you are looking for!
I'm not the most crafty & I could easily handle this!

I like this idea--it sounds easy and clever. I'd love a photo or a link.

BTW, my DD17 is a HS senior--one college sent her a brochure with her (DD's) name on the cover, made from a photo collage of the university. I think she tossed the brochure, but she cut out her name and put it up on her door!

 

[Granny square]

I love pinterest -- found the instructions for making a waist apron and beach bag using pillowcases. So I bought two pair of pillowcases from Fred's Dollar Store for $4 and created two aprons and two beach bags for my sister and mom for Christmas. They are super cute! I'm going to fill each beach bag with two beach towels (clearanced), sunscreen and flipflops -- so once the weather warms up they just need to grab their bag and head to the beach or lake. The aprons are very sturdy and would be great for the kitchen, crafts or gardening.

My sister loves aprons. Do you have a link?