Now that all the Thanksgiving leftovers have been eaten, it’s time to think about holiday gift-giving ideas. If you’re like me, I love to be on the receiving end of thoughtful, sweet, homemade gifts.
And, while I enjoy holiday baking, my schedule doesn’t always allow for it. This year, I’m planning on making some super simple and sweet homemade gifts instead.
I did a quick search online and found a few ideas that are inexpensive, yet thoughtful, so let’s take a look at three for children, teens, and college students.
Candy Coins by Martha Stewart
If you don’t have a lot of time to spend on making gifts, this idea on www.marthastewart.com is sure to be a hit with the teens and college students on your list. Besides, who doesn’t like money?
Purchase a few rolls of quarters, nickels, or dimes and leave the paper wrappers on them. Cut a rectangle-sized piece of striped wrapping paper on the bias and enclose the roll of coins. Wrap the roll and use double-sided tape to secure and fold in the ends. Wrap the decorated rolls in cellophane, twist the ends, and then attach name tags with yarn. They’ll look like rolls of wrapped candy!
Homemade Playdough by I Heart Naptime
If you have many nieces and nephews to buy for or if you’re a teacher of young children, here’s a recipe for homemade playdough that won’t break your budget.
In her online article on www.iheartnaptime.net, Jamielyn Nye says this super-squishy and soft playdough takes fewer than five minutes to make, is inexpensive, and makes enough for four to six kids. She uses all-purpose flour, salt, cream of tartar, lukewarm water, vegetable or coconut oil, food coloring, and quart-sized resealable bags. Simply double, triple, or quadruple the recipe to make more.
DIY Star-Shaped Crayons by Living Well Spending Less®
What kid doesn’t like new crayons, especially if they are shaped like stars?
In her post on www.livingwellspendingless.com, Ruth Soukup shows readers how to recycle broken crayons into a fun gift or stocking stuffer. She uses a star-shaped silicone mold, but you could make any shape of crayon you like. Get creative!
Remove the paper from the crayons and divide them into piles based on color. Melt the crayon pieces in the silicone mold for about 20 minutes in a 250-degree oven or until the wax is melted. Let cool for about an hour until the new, star-shaped crayons are hardened. Pop out and wrap in cellophane paper and tie with a colorful ribbon.
I hope these ideas will inspire you to make simple, thoughtful gifts for the children, teens, and college students on your gift-giving list.
Next week, we’ll take a look at homemade gifts for adults.
Happy Holidays!