{This is what I did today. Notice I took the easy way this year. Pretty boxes, NOT wrapped. The only wrapping paper I used is the “Naughty” and “Nice” packages. I also skipped ribbon this year and just slapped a bow on. So easy, so fast & I AM DONE!}
Want to see the rest of my tree? Click here to see photos on Instagram.
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I was not sure if I should write this post or not because the recipients of my homemade gifts read this blog! But, I decided to go ahead and just not be too specific with who I am giving what.
Most of the gifts I bought this year were from the store. I participated in Black Friday for the first time and I LOVED IT. I got some of the best deals and really feel excited to give away the great, quality gifts I was able to purchase. The gifts you see under the tree are for Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles; Cousins & to our own girls from ‘Santa.’
The three groups of gift recipients that are not under the tree and that will fall into the ‘homemade’ category are:
~Teachers
~My Amazing Girlfriends
~My Husbands Co-Workers
~Neighbors
~Neighbors
Here is what I have decided to make:
Festive Packages Full of Cookie Dough Balls
I am using these festive Chinese takeout type containers to hold freezer Ziploc bags full of frozen cookie dough balls. The idea is it lets the gift recipient choose when to bake the cookies instead of overloading them with homemade goodies. It also gives the gift of a home that smells like freshly baked cookies! They are bigger than the picture portrays. If it is an individual or a couple that I am giving them to, they will get just one container. If it is a larger family they will get two.
I got the idea off this pin on Pinterest:
Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub + Homemade Lip Balm
These are two of my most favorite things and I use them almost daily, so I know some special ladies in my life will love them, too. The Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub will come with a little card of directions that will tell them how to use it and and tip them off to a shaving technique for incredibly soft, silky legs. Click here to read more about that.
The Homemade Lip Balm is another fav of mine. I made my first batch back in the summer, and it made a lot and has lasted a long time! I am on my last little container, and it is just as luxurious as it was when we first made it. I like it better than any chapstick- type lip balm I have ever used. I will not buy store bought lip balm again! If you have teens in your life, they would love this as a stocking stuffer. You can add essential oils for flavor and scent, and even add a bit of color to it if you would like. Click here for directions on how to make it!
DIY Personalized Canvas
I have made one of these for myself and for a special friend, and plan on making a few more to give away at Christmas. I love how personalized you can make these, and since they are such a simple design, it goes with just about every type of decor. I plan on making one that says “Be Still” & one that has some snowflakes in the background – you can get all kinds of wooden letters, fonts, & shapes at your local craft store – and that says “Let It Snow.” The possibilities are endless! Click here for step- by- step instructions.
What about you? Are you making any homemade gifts this year? If so, please share in the comments!
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My Past Homemade Gifts:
An Awesome Collection of Homemade Gifts:
Andrea
January 1, 2013 at 12:07 pmI did sugar scrubs and they were so quick and easy!
elaine @ peace for the journey
December 4, 2012 at 3:34 pmGreat ideas as always, Amy! Jotting a few down, especially the lip balm idea. Now to find the time to do this;)
peace~elaine
Heather
December 3, 2012 at 7:31 pmI love all your ideas! I am so bummed that I just found your blog and was missing out all this time.=) Wish I were one of your “girlfriends”!=)
bellesbazaar-heather.blogspot.com