subject: Easy And Inexpensive Handmade Gift Ideas [print this page] Handmade gifts, whether cookies, candy, or a thoughtful theme basket is always welcome, and oftentimes, looked forward to from year to year. This holiday season, why not start your own special gift-giving traditions with one of these great homemade treats?
Easy and quick to make, these handmade gift ideas are perfect for anyone on your list. Inexpensive containers make decorating a breeze, you only need to add a personalized printed ribbon or a lovely name tag to make them complete.
Delicious Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
8 cups non-fat dry milk
8 ounces dry nondairy creamer
4 cups confectioner sugar
4 cups dry chocolate milk mix
Mix together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Divide the mix between 8-pint canning jars and decorate as desired. Add a bag of miniature marshmallows for fun, or substitute 2 cups of flavored instant coffee for the chocolate milk mix for a delightful mocha treat.
Instructions: Add 4 tablespoons mix to a mug and gently pour 1 cup of hot water over it while stirring.
Yummy-Spiced Mixed Nuts
6 cups shelled, unsalted mixed nuts
2 egg whites
2 tablespoons water
Dash of salt
2 teaspoons Cinnamon
2 teaspoons Nutmeg
1-cup sugar
Whisk egg whites and water together until frothy. Add nuts and coat thoroughly. In a separate bowl mix salt, sugar, and spices, then sprinkle over the nut mixture and toss to coat. Spread out on a baking sheet, bake at 300 degrees for approx. 30 min. Check, and stir frequently. Allow to cool completely, stirring occasionally, and place in 3-4 pint jars.
Homemade Bath Salts
8 cups baking soda
8 cups sea salt
8 teaspoons lavender or another essential oil
Mix together salt and soda, and then sprinkle the oil over the mix. Stir a few times and divide equally between 8-pint canning jars. Each jar holds four "baths". (Essential oils can be purchased at your local craft store.)
Instructions: Pour of the jar under hot running water for a relaxing and soothing bath.
Pine cone Fire Starters
Dried herbs, such as rosemary
Ground Cinnamon
24 Pine cones
2 cardboard egg cartons
1-2 pounds of paraffin wax (available at grocery stores in the canning section)
Cover your work area with newspapers and place 1 teaspoon dried herbs and a pinch of cinnamon, in each egg carton cup. Meanwhile, melt wax over a double boiler, using an old metal bowl. Slowly pour melted wax into each cup, filling about half way, then place pine cones in the cups, standing up. Drizzle more wax over the standing pine cones. Allow to cool and then cut the cups apart. Tie with a ribbon.
Caution: Wax is highly flammable! Do not allow flames or sparks to come in contact with paraffin.
Instructions: Place one pine cone along with kindling to start a fire.
Use canning jars for drink mixes, or drop by your local dollar store or craft outlet to pick up small baskets for the pine cone fire starters. Cover the tops of the jars with decorative foil wrap or a festive piece of cloth and attach an instruction card with ribbon; for baskets, top with a beautiful bow.
With these ideas or some of your own, you can make beautiful, delicious, and useful handmade gifts that will delight friends and family this holiday season!
Linda Bryan of http://ThirtySevenWest.com champions the small business entrepreneur. Linda's passion is to offer marketing assistance and affordable solutions in customized event items, creative packaging, and quality personalized ribbons and woven products. Keep up with her at http://facebook.com/thirtysevenw.
