Homemade Holiday Presents! Lets help each other! Ideas WANTED!

[pixidust princess]

This is a great thread. I have gotten tons of wonderful ideas. Keep up the good work everyone!

 

[cheriemek]

Thanks for all of the great ideas. I am now inspired.

 

[Perditamarie]

What an awesome thread -- should have started it in July to give us all a head start for all this inspiration!!! Here is a neat idea I got from organizedchristmas.com that I am going to try.

It is kind of like "I Spy" in a jar and is a pirate puzzle jar. Fill a jar w/40 small items and millet (bird seed)...leave a little space between top of jar and fill. Glue the lid shut and decorate w/a pirate theme. Make a checklist of the items in the jar and laminate. Attach list to jar with dry erase pen and the following instructions:

Some pirates got all mixed up
and did things the wrong way round
they put their treasures in the jar
and buried the map in the ground
their treasure was some silly stuff
like nuts and screws and beads
then dearl old polly parrot added all her extra seeds
so find the 40 items here
no two are quite the same
don't open up the jar though
as that would spoil the game

Can also make w/rice or sand and special themes, like Halloween, Christmas, Disney, beach, baby, back to school, etc.

This would be a fun coffee table item, rainy day project, boo gift, etc. I am looking forward to hunting down all the little items for this.

 

[shortbun]

I love these ideas! Now, any ideas how to transport some of these on a plane? We will have to fly home for Christmas.

UPS!!

 

[kaw1218]

What an awesome thread -- should have started it in July to give us all a head start for all this inspiration!!! Here is a neat idea I got from organizedchristmas.com that I am going to try.

It is kind of like "I Spy" in a jar and is a pirate puzzle jar. Fill a jar w/40 small items and millet (bird seed)...leave a little space between top of jar and fill. Glue the lid shut and decorate w/a pirate theme. Make a checklist of the items in the jar and laminate. Attach list to jar with dry erase pen and the following instructions:

Some pirates got all mixed up
and did things the wrong way round
they put their treasures in the jar
and buried the map in the ground
their treasure was some silly stuff
like nuts and screws and beads
then dearl old polly parrot added all her extra seeds
so find the 40 items here
no two are quite the same
don't open up the jar though
as that would spoil the game

Can also make w/rice or sand and special themes, like Halloween, Christmas, Disney, beach, baby, back to school, etc.

This would be a fun coffee table item, rainy day project, boo gift, etc. I am looking forward to hunting down all the little items for this.

I like this one!!!

 

[msmouse]

Wanted To Share What I Think Is An

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

inexpensive and useful Christmas gift.

I needed something to give to the girls in the office. It's a cookie scoop (bottom flexible so that you can "punch" out the cookie dough) that I purchased at Bed, Bath & Beyond for under $4. I bought card stock at Michaels and some snowflake stamps with gold ink pad. I bought some ribbon and put it all together with a nice note at the bottom of the card. I think they came out cute if I do say so myself.

[/IMG]

 

[rcpae]

msmouse: Those are very nice!! They look so professional and elegant.

 

[MNFootballMommy]

What an awesome thread -- should have started it in July to give us all a head start for all this inspiration!!! Here is a neat idea I got from organizedchristmas.com that I am going to try.

It is kind of like "I Spy" in a jar and is a pirate puzzle jar. Fill a jar w/40 small items and millet (bird seed)...leave a little space between top of jar and fill. Glue the lid shut and decorate w/a pirate theme. Make a checklist of the items in the jar and laminate. Attach list to jar with dry erase pen and the following instructions:

Some pirates got all mixed up
and did things the wrong way round
they put their treasures in the jar
and buried the map in the ground
their treasure was some silly stuff
like nuts and screws and beads
then dearl old polly parrot added all her extra seeds
so find the 40 items here
no two are quite the same
don't open up the jar though
as that would spoil the game

Can also make w/rice or sand and special themes, like Halloween, Christmas, Disney, beach, baby, back to school, etc.

This would be a fun coffee table item, rainy day project, boo gift, etc. I am looking forward to hunting down all the little items for this.

I have seen these made into pillows! Instead of a jar, the person used felt and clear plastic sheeting to create a window. She used 'something else' as filler (not sure what it was, but was bead-like) and then actually attached the list of what was in there on the back. It would be great for church or other quiet times. I am not a sewer, so we don't have one or I woulp post a pic!

 

[NATALIEBELLESmom]

Here is a picture of the picture frames that I am currently working on. The frames are a $1.00 at Micheals and the painted wooden animals run anywhere from .59 to .99 for them . They also come in other shapes and items besides animals. Anyway all I do is paint the frame the color I want add some ribbon and decorations ( stickers , painted wooden item or embelishments) I use a hot glue gun to make sure all items are secure and give it a quick clear coat to seal it all and I am down. They normally run me about $2.50 to make.

 

[snowwhite84]

I went to the organized christmas site mentioned earlier and found lots of great ideas and tips! Here is a link to a cute gift idea:

http://organizedchristmas.com/whisk-you-merry-kissmas

It's called Whisk you a Merry Kiss-mas. There are free printable tags to go with the gift.

 

[NemoMOm]

Here is a picture of the picture frames that I am currently working on. The frames are a $1.00 at Micheals and the painted wooden animals run anywhere from .59 to .99 for them . They also come in other shapes and items besides animals. Anyway all I do is paint the frame the color I want add some ribbon and decorations ( stickers , painted wooden item or embelishments) I use a hot glue gun to make sure all items are secure and give it a quick clear coat to seal it all and I am down. They normally run me about $2.50 to make.

I love this idea!!!

 

[NemoMOm]

oH! We also take all the cookies we make and deliver them to the neighboors on Christmas morning, along with hot sticky cinnimon rollls I stir together the night befor.... I put them in when we get up at 4-5 am!

I have more, but will have to remember them all...

Great thread! Thanks for sharing all the ideas!

Could you share your recipe for the rolls?

 

[WendyisDarling]

Does anyone know how to make this one?
IMO, the mixes in a jar gift is a little tired, but I read about this one and thought, I'd like someone to give me that as a gift. So, if that's my thought I'm hoping others may like it...IF I can I figure out how to make it

I read about it in a magazine. One of the editors wrote that she likes to give coffee cake in a jar mix as Christmas gifts. The only further explanation was the receiver mixes it up on Christmas eve and puts it in the fridge. In the morning, pop it in the oven.

Anyone know how to make this one?

Apologies if this is mentioned earlier in the thread. It is getting SO long. I couldn't read it all.

 

[snowwhite84]

Cinnamon-Nut Coffee Cake Mix

2 cups self-rising flour
1 cup brown sugar, packed -- firmly
1/3 cup quick-cooking oats -- uncooked
3 tablespoons buttermilk powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup shortening -- butter flavored
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Combine flour and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Spoon into a zip-top plastic bag; seal and label as cake mix.

I found this recipe for Cinnamon Nut Coffee Cake in a jar:




Combine cracker crumbs and next 3 ingredients in a zip-top plastic bag, shaking to mix; seal and label as topping mix.

Store mix in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator up to 6 weeks. Include storage suggestions on the gift card. If this gift is not quite enough, present it with a holiday serving dish.

Present 1 package cake mix and 1 package topping mix with recipe for Cinnamon-Nut Coffeecake. Makes 1 gift package.

Cinnamon-Nut Coffeecake

1 package cake mix
2 large eggs
1 cup water
1 package topping mix

Combine first 3 ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 9-inch square pan. Sprinkle evenly with topping mix. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Makes 12 servings.

Self-Rising Flour

For each cup of flour add 1-cup plain flour, 1/2-teaspoon salt, 1 1/2-teaspoon baking powder. Sift together twice. Use in any recipe calling for self-rising flour.

 

[WendyisDarling]

thanks

 

[idofabric]

Could you share your recipe for the rolls?

I could try, but I have made them for so many years that I don't use a written one now... I just kinda fake it all...
However, Alton Brown has a few good ones. And any sweet yeast roll reciept works. The difference is that I take equal parts of heavy cream and dark brown sugar and a drop of vanilla and stir it together on the bottom of the (desposible.. for friends, reg for us), pans that I bake the rolls in.
I stir the cream/brown sugar/vanilla, from 3/4 cup to 1 1/4 of each for each pan. The lesser amount would be for a small pan that only would hold 4 to 6 rolls, one of the small oval disposible ones, about 8" long x 5" wide. The most would be for the size pan you cook a sheet cake in, and would hold about 12 lg to 18 sm rolls.
You roll out the yeast dough after the required rising, about 1/4 in thin. I then spread it with a butter/sugar/cinnamon mix- a stick or 2 of butter, lots of sugar and cinnamon- to taste.... It makes a thick paste that I spread with my fingers. I roll it all up and then cut the rolls about 3/4" thick each. I have about 30 to 38 from a single reciept that makes 20-24 rolls. I also have a layer of the cinnamon sugar that is 1/2 as thick as the yeast dough... or a little more!
I plop the cut rolls into the pan on top of the cream/sugar stuff, leaving a good 3/4 to 1+ inch between them. You need raising room, and room for the topping to carmalize, and not overflow the pan when you cook it. Cover with plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge overnight.
Early in the morning I take it out,remove the plastic wrap, and put it into the over, what eved degree the yeast bread said to cook it at.
I cook it for about 25 min.
Now comes the fun part...
Take the very hot, hopefully sloppy rolls out. Cover a large cutting board with foil.
Place the foiled board on top of the hot/sloppy roll pan.
QUICKLY flip it all over. The cream/sugar has made a very carmel style topping. I then put them back, topping side up in the same pan.
I cove it with a clean piece of tin foil and take it warm to the neighboors.

Thats about it.
I tend to use more cream/sugar then is really ness, cause I like the topping lots. And I am a heavy hand also with the cinnamon, same reason...

Beware.... if you make a large pan and use lots of cream/sugar, (like 2 cups of each...), you need to make rolled "sides" with the tin foil on the board you flipp the rolls onto. Cause if you don't the whole think will drip sweetness every where and you won't be dreamin' of sugarplums! It is a mess to clean up!!!

These also heat up if there are any left over. We never seem to have any... the kids friends come over and nosh on them and the cookies all day.

The other thing we make is the Breakfast-Saugage-Bread-cheese-cassaroll stuff. Got that one from a great-great aunt. But have found it also in several mags. every year. It is also made the night before..... sometimes the sausage is stuff we have cooked up and had a patty left and I crumble it into a plastic container for a few weeks before I make it all up. Or I just cook the sausage up a week before.

Hope this helped!

 

[lazydazy8]

I like the idea of the movie baskets.

Now my dilemna: I need to do 10. So, I would like to include 2 movies in each basket. The movies need to be Disney or some other "Family" style.

Ideally, I would like to include 1 Disney and 1 other "Family" movie in each basket.

Where do you find these cheap -- especially the Disney ones?

I would buy certificates for rentals instead.... That way, they can pick out whatever they want and get to see more movies for the buck!

 

[It's A Happy Day]

I could try, but I have made them for so many years that I don't use a written one now... I just kinda fake it all...
However, Alton Brown has a few good ones. And any sweet yeast roll reciept works. The difference is that I take equal parts of heavy cream and dark brown sugar and a drop of vanilla and stir it together on the bottom of the (desposible.. for friends, reg for us), pans that I bake the rolls in.
I stir the cream/brown sugar/vanilla, from 3/4 cup to 1 1/4 of each for each pan. The lesser amount would be for a small pan that only would hold 4 to 6 rolls, one of the small oval disposible ones, about 8" long x 5" wide. The most would be for the size pan you cook a sheet cake in, and would hold about 12 lg to 18 sm rolls.
You roll out the yeast dough after the required rising, about 1/4 in thin. I then spread it with a butter/sugar/cinnamon mix- a stick or 2 of butter, lots of sugar and cinnamon- to taste.... It makes a thick paste that I spread with my fingers. I roll it all up and then cut the rolls about 3/4" thick each. I have about 30 to 38 from a single reciept that makes 20-24 rolls. I also have a layer of the cinnamon sugar that is 1/2 as thick as the yeast dough... or a little more!
I plop the cut rolls into the pan on top of the cream/sugar stuff, leaving a good 3/4 to 1+ inch between them. You need raising room, and room for the topping to carmalize, and not overflow the pan when you cook it. Cover with plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge overnight.
Early in the morning I take it out,remove the plastic wrap, and put it into the over, what eved degree the yeast bread said to cook it at.
I cook it for about 25 min.
Now comes the fun part...
Take the very hot, hopefully sloppy rolls out. Cover a large cutting board with foil.
Place the foiled board on top of the hot/sloppy roll pan.
QUICKLY flip it all over. The cream/sugar has made a very carmel style topping. I then put them back, topping side up in the same pan.
I cove it with a clean piece of tin foil and take it warm to the neighboors.

Thats about it.
I tend to use more cream/sugar then is really ness, cause I like the topping lots. And I am a heavy hand also with the cinnamon, same reason...

Beware.... if you make a large pan and use lots of cream/sugar, (like 2 cups of each...), you need to make rolled "sides" with the tin foil on the board you flipp the rolls onto. Cause if you don't the whole think will drip sweetness every where and you won't be dreamin' of sugarplums! It is a mess to clean up!!!

These also heat up if there are any left over. We never seem to have any... the kids friends come over and nosh on them and the cookies all day.

The other thing we make is the Breakfast-Saugage-Bread-cheese-cassaroll stuff. Got that one from a great-great aunt. But have found it also in several mags. every year. It is also made the night before..... sometimes the sausage is stuff we have cooked up and had a patty left and I crumble it into a plastic container for a few weeks before I make it all up. Or I just cook the sausage up a week before.

Hope this helped!

ALLRIGHT!!!! Now I'm hungry!!! oooeey gooeey cin buns mmmmmmm

 

[lazydazy8]

Two years ago I made earring screens for all my girlfriends. I did them for my mother and MIL as well.

I bought plain wooden frames and painted them. Then I deoupaged some paper and a quote to decorate the frames. Then I put eye screws in along the top of the frame to tie ribbons to. On the inside back of the frame, I used a staple gun to stick the screen in. Viola! I'll try to take a pic and post it soon, if anyone is interested.

I also took up a little bit of beading and made a pair of earrings for everyone. It was very simple!

 

[NemoMOm]

idofabrica thanks so much! I think I'll get some nice xmas plates and take them to my neighbors as well as feed to my family