Let’s face it – we could all walk into a store and spend all of our money buying gifts for our loved ones. With an uncertain economy, there’s never been a better time to show your creative side and add some warmth and personality to your gift. Here are some awesome ideas for the holiday season!
Mason Jar Memories:
- Fill a decorated mason jar with fun or happy memories between you and the person receiving the gift on little pieces of paper or Popsicle sticks. It’ll be a jar full of smiles for them!
Decorate Plates and Mugs with Sharpie:
- Write or draw with sharpie on plates or mugs that you can get cheap at the dollar store. Bake them for 30 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees. It’ll be permanent and a great gift!
Pretty Pendant:
- Bake marbles at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Put them directly in ice water to make them crack on the inside. Then glue end caps to them with starter rings and tie a string through.
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bread in a Jar:
- Layer dry ingredients (2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup chopped walnuts, and ½ cup chocolate chips) in a jar. Add a ribbon, some decoration, and the directions and you have a perfect gift!
o In a large bowl mix all the ingredients contained in the jar. In a smaller bowl beat 1 ½ cups buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and ¼ cup melted butter. Stir the wet ingredients in with the dry ingredients until evenly moistened (batter will be lumpy). Put into a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
Tiny Succulent Cork Planters:
- Get a few corks, a few succulent plants, dirt, and magnets from the store. Hollow out the cork; add a pinch of dirt at the bottom, then the succulent plant. Place the magnet on the back and you’ve got yourself cute planters to give someone to hang on their refrigerator or mirror!
Photo Sources:
http://bestfriendsforfrosting.com/2011/09/diy-new-years-memory-note-jar-project/
http://bubblegumpost.com/category/art/crafts/page/3/
http://www.sunset.com/food-wine/holidays-occasions/quick-bread-in-a-bottle-00400000015937/