SUPER Easy Christmas Gifts


With Christmas just one week away, I'd like to share with you some gifts we've made for our loved ones. You can make these gifts in time for Christmas day. They're easy and lots of fun to make!

But, before we go any further, here is my disclaimer (LOL!):


#1 Christmas Tree Ornaments
Star Ornament

Homemade ornaments are as old as time, but they are always cherished and were very easy to make. My kids and I made our ornaments from homemade clay using:
1/2C cornstarch
1C baking soda
3/4C water 

Dump all the ingredients in a medium pot. Put the pot on the stove on medium-low, stirring frequently. Once a clay ball is formed, remove from heat. Allow the clay to cool in a bowl, covered with a damp cloth. Once it's cool, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters. Use a straw for the hole to hang with string or ribbon. Bake in a 175 degree oven for 1hour, turning halfway through.

These can be painted or left white, which reminds me of the snow. We sprinkled glitter on our clay before we cut out the shapes. We personalized them, including the date, once they were dry.

Original Source. . .
#2 Personalized Mugs
Mug with Christmas tree

So, who knew you could by a plain, inexpensive, white coffee mug (ahem--dollar store!) and jazz it up yourself, using SHARPIE PENS!?!?! Yes, decorate the mug or put a personalized message on it, using Sharpie pens. Then bake the mug for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Then let it cool completely before touching the ink. This sets your design so it doesn't rub off. We had a lot of fun making these!

*Note: If you use a yellow Sharpie, just know that it will come out darker, like a golden, honey color.*
Original Source. . .

Source: buzzfeed.com via Stacie on Pinterest


#3 Play-Doh
Blue and red homemade "Play-Doh"

This is a tried and true gift idea for children. Kids love the stuff and it sparks imaginative play, which is great. (Playing with Play-Doh is my son's "go-to" free time activity during school!) We made this Play-Doh for the cousins for Christmas, but it's a nice gift idea for any occasion. My children don't know that later, I'm going to make more as Christmas presents for them!!! Anyway this recipe uses:
1C flour
1C water
1/4C salt
2tsp. cream of tartar
1Tbs. vegetable oil
food coloring

Dump it all in a pot and stir continuously on medium heat until a dough ball forms. Remove from heat and let it cool on wax paper. (Or, if you're impatient like me, put it in the freezer for a bit!) Once it's cool, knead it until it's nice and soft, then store it.


And guess what?! It really looks and feels like the Play-Doh in the stores. I don't think I'll be buying it any more! Especially since all of the ingredients are edible and I don't have to worry if a certain 1 year old I know decides to take a bite!

*Notes: I purchased the my storage containers on clearance at Big Lots--they were 3 for $1.80. (I think the original source reused left over applesauce cups!) Also, if you want a more vibrant color, use lots of food coloring, but keep in mind the color will become richer as the dough is heated.*
Original Source. . . 




So, there you have it--3 easy to make, inexpensive, homemade, heartfelt gifts! Have a Merry Christmas!

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Growing Home




Comments

  1. LOVE this post! I am on the hunt for cool white coffee mugs tomorrow :) Thank you for sharing. I think we will try the ornaments recipe over Christmas break as well. Awesome ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Julie! Thanks for stopping by. . .I'm glad you liked these ideas! We sure did. I hope yours turn out great!

    Merry Christmas!

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  3. I had no idea you could decorate mugs with a Sharpie! Tomorrow I'll be off to the Dollar Store to buy a few white mugs and give this a try. Thanks for the fun ideas!

    I'm a new follower via Serving Joyfully!
    Blessings to you ~ Mary

    www.marywomantowoman.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Mary! Thanks for joining me here. :)
    Yes, Sharpies!! Isn't that cool? The best part is that it isn't just a Christmas gift, but can be for any gift giving occasion!

    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mugs can really be good items to give away. This is especially ideal if they have personalised designs like you did there. Thanks for the suggestion.

    ReplyDelete

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