Fun and Thoughtful Homemade Gifts

flowers2424

I was wondering if anyone had unique ideas for homemade gifts. I like to consider myself kind of crafty and artistic, but I don't like things that take forever to make. Thanks!

mrs_fish

I'm making gifts in a jar (cookie mix, pancake mix), for DH's side of the family.  They don't really exchange gifts, but I always feel like I need to give them something.  The jars don't take long to make, look really cute, and go over pretty well.

TheWop

The big on the Decorating and Renovating board right now is the ornament wreath.  I think if you check back a few pages on there, you can find quite a few posts and how to's. 

JRBSEH

Can you provide some insight on the cookies in a jar . . .I want to make them, but need some direction.

Thanks!

sweetypie

verybestbaking.com has some recipes for the jars.

 

http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/results.aspx?type=recipes&keyword=jars try this if it doesnt work type in Jars it should pull some recipes up

mrs_fish

Sure!  Lol, should have elaborated in my first response.

After some googling for "recipes," I decided to make a blueberry pancake mix in a jar, and pair it with some maple syrup for a simple gift for DH's aunts and for MIL.  For SIL's and DH's cousins, I'm making M&M cookie mix in a jar.  Both recipes I'm using are at www.giftinajarrecipes.com  

They have all kinds of recipes where you layer ingredients in a one-pint canning jar and attach instructions for the recipient as to what to add to the mix and how to prepare the goodies.  I cut a square of fabric to put over the lid, print out or handwrite the instructions on a pretty card and attach it.  I made them last year for some co-workers and they were a huge hit- they look like they take a lot of effort, (which they really don't), and the recipient likes being able to throw together some cookies or such quickly. 

The finished product looks something like this:

from www.bakerella.com

flowers2424

MrsFish, those are super cute! Thanks for sharing!

uncannycanuck

See link in siggy.

Dr.Loretta

Russian Tea mix

abvernon

DH & I make 5 varieties of cookies for family and friends. I also make truffles and chocolate covered oreos.

I got the homemade goodie list recs from uncanny (see above pp) and I will be making homemade body scrub and mexican hot chocolate.

Smtih&co

I'm making little recipe books.  I found several cheap fake-leather looking photo albums at the dollar store.  I typed up 46 of my favorite recipes and formated them to print for 4x6 cardstock.  All I have left to do is cut them out for the appropriate size and slide them in the photo album.  I saved 2 slots for the title page and a "dedications" page.

flowers2424

These are all really great ideas! Thank you all for the suggestions!

ForMeItsYou

I have in the past picked up a large box of plastic spoons and different flavored chocolate chips and make chocolate covered spoons. I paired those with hot chocolate mix and or coffee grounds and a cute mug from the dollar store. It turned out really great!

This year I plan to make jam in mini jars and I also have the gift in a jar book so I will be going through there to make some other things too.

mommy_of_2

I like the gifts in a jar! I might have to make a few of those.

ForMeItsYou

Thanks for all of the links! I didnt get the person I was hoping to get for our gift exchange, but looking through those pages I was able to find a bunch that would work perfectly!