"it's the time of giving, and a homemade gift is one of the best things a person can receive. Finding the perfect present can be time consuming and expensive, so instead of frantically looking through stores, put some time and effort into making one of these truly unique gifts that your loved one will cherish.These presents are easy to make and customize, and a perfect fit for any budget."
-- Leah upton, 8th grade
It's the time of giving, and a homemade gift is one of the best things a person can receive. Finding the perfect present can be time consuming and expensive, so instead of frantically looking through stores, put some time and effort into making one of these truly unique gifts that your loved one will cherish.These presents are easy to make and customize, and a perfect fit for any budget..
- Cookie Mix in a Jar
Cookies are one of the most beloved desserts, especially during the holiday season. This mix is a fun and easy gift that results in everyone's favorite thing: Freshly baked cookies!
Start by combining 1 ¾ cup of all purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Add the flour mixture to a 1-quart jar. On top of that, add 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips or any other special treat. Add ¾ cup (packed) of brown sugar to the jar. Finish it off with ½ cup of granulated sugar.
Recipe to attach to the mix: Preheat the oven to 375° F. Beat 3/4 cup of softened butter or margarine, 1 large egg, and 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until blended. Add cookie mix and mix well, breaking up any clumps. Drop by rounded tablespoons on a sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. This should make about 2 dozen cookies.
Recipe by Very Best Baking
- Bath salts
A hot bath is a great way to relax. This homemade bath salt will be a soothing gift that any bath lover would enjoy.
Combine 1 cup of epsom salt, 1/2 cup of baking soda, 5-10 drops of essential oils, and powdered pigment or food coloring (optional). For a little something extra add 1 tablespoon of oil of choice (Coconut oil, almond oil, etc) and/or some dried spices or herbs.
Recipe by Cultured Palate
- Bath Bombs
Along with bath salts, bath bombs are also a very trendy bath accessory.
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, 1/2 cup epsom salt, and 1/2 cup cornstarch. In another bowl, add 2 1/2 tablespoons almond oil or melted coconut oil. 3/4 tablespoon water, 12-15 drops essential oil and food coloring or powdered pigment (optional). Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir thoroughly. Pack the combined mixture into a bath bomb mold (you could even use a silicone ice cube tray). Let the mixture dry for 24 hours before taking it out of its mold.
Recipe by Inspired by Charm
- Hot Chocolate Mix
Snuggling up with a warm cup of hot cocoa on a cold day is a comforting winter pastime. A homemade hot chocolate mix is a simple and tasty gift that will please any chocoholic.
Combine 1 1/2 cups of dry milk powder, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in a bowl, pouring them through a sieve to ensure a smooth mixture. Add the cocoa mixture to an airtight container and top with mini marshmallows.
Recipe to attach to the mix: Add 3 tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix to 8 oz of milk or water into a saucepan and stir. Simmer on medium/low heat for 2 minutes.
Recipe by Bigger Bolder Baking
- Earrings
Homemade earrings are a great inexpensive and highly customizable gift.
Simply take almost any small thing (a bead or plastic toy) and stick a wire through it. If the object doesn’t already have a hole, a needle can be heated up and carefully poked through the plastic. Once the wire is in the object, form it into a small hoop with pliers. Take an earring hook (which can be found online or at a craft store) and attach it to the wire hook. Repeat for the second earring.
- Lip Balm
Chapped lips are especially common this time of year. This lip balm will
Melt together 2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles, 2 tablespoons shea butter, and 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a double boiler (or a small glass bowl over a simmering pot of water). Once the mixture is melted, turn off heat but keep the bowl over the water. Add in as much essential oil as you like. Carefully pour the mixture into a small tin or an empty lip balm jar.
Recipe by Wellness Mama
- Painted Plant Pot
This gift is very simple and customizable. It’s perfect for someone with a green thumb.
Simply take a potted plant (succulents are great because they are low maintenance and can live inside) and paint the pot of the plant how every you’d like with acrylic paint.
Personalized, handmade gifts are a great way to show someone how much you appreciate them. They are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.
