Every year we go through the same old gift giving process of finding that perfect something for friends and family…It’s definitely a challenge depending on the person and gets expensive when you start adding up the list of people that you can’t skip out on. So why not make some yourself? Get creative with these DIYs for the holidays!
A step up from the normal candy cane!
Supplies:
12 oz. quality white chocolate, finely chopped
30 red-and-white-striped hard peppermint candies, coarsely crushed (about 6 ounces)
12 oz. bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 tsp. peppermint extract
Measuring cups, ?rubber spatula, ?sharp knife, ?aluminum foil?, cookie sheet
Packaging: Glass jar, ribbon, tag, ornament, etc.
Note: This recipe makes around 1-1/2 pounds.
Procedure:
1. Line the cookie sheet with a 12″ length of foil.
2. Combine bittersweet/semisweet chocolate, whipping cream, and peppermint extract in a bowl set over saucepan of barely simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water) until chocolate is melted and smooth. The chocolate will feel warm to touch. Remove from over water. Pour the chocolate onto the foil. Using the rubber spatula spread an even layer of chocolate over the foil.
3. Sprinkle half of the crushed peppermints over the chocolate. Chill in the refrigerator until set, about 20 minutes.
4. Remove the chocolate and peppermint from the refrigerator. Melt the white chocolate in a bowl set over saucepan of barely simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water) until chocolate is melted and smooth. (The chocolate will feel warm to touch.) Remove from over water. Pour all of the white chocolate over the chilled chocolate and peppermints. Using the rubber spatula spread the white chocolate in even layer. Top with the remaining crushed peppermints. Refrigerate until very cold and firm, about 25 minutes.
5. Once the bark is hardened, use your hands to break it into chunks. Allow bark to stand 15 minutes at room temperature before serving.
(Note: This recipe can be made 2 weeks ahead and chilled in an airtight container.)
For gift giving, package the peppermint bark in clean glass jars. Glue stick wrapping paper scraps to the metal lid. Attach a bow and a tag!
Holiday Cards
Supplies:
Card Stock
Old holiday cards
Glue Stick
Decorative or regular scissors
Any other embellishments you may fancy (glitter, sequins, etc)
Procedure:
Cut out interesting titles, quotes, pictures, and shapes from old holiday cards. Use the card stock as your new card base and glue on your cut out creations! Let dry and write a message to your loved ones, and you’re set to go!
Fill a box with little found or homemade goodness (magnets, stickers, stamps, pictures… you get the idea), it’s an affordable gift that will be sure to bring a smile to the receivers face.
This thoughtful idea includes a repurposed container of your choice that you fill with love (little notes, affirmations, or quotes). Decorate and give as a gift!
Supplies:
A container of your choice
Colored paper
Markers
Scissors
Procedure:
Collect quotes, and specific affirmations, and notes appropriate for the person. Type it up or write it on the colored paper. Cut it out and add it to your jar!
These make a perfect small gift or party favor. Use items around your house to create them. Customize a fortune specific to the person or fill with candy to finish it off.
Supplies:
Felt squares (you can also recycle a felted wool sweater)
Scissors
Sewing needle
Thread or embroidery floss
Circle templates (yogurt lids work well)
Scrap paper to make fortunes
Procedure:
1. Trace a circle onto your felt using a template. Cut out the circle.
2. Fold the felt circle in half – it’ll look like a small taco! Stitch the outside edge, leaving a 1/2-inch opening on each side. (You could also use a glue gun.)
3. Bend the open edges together to make the classic fortune cookie shape! Stitch into place.
4. Cut your paper into strips, write a fortune, and slide it into a cookie.
Try gifting the cookies in Chinese takeout boxes!
Something yummy that is perfect for the foodies!
Supplies:
4oz canning jars
Labels? (find labels here)
18″ of string or yarn per jar?r, oughly
8″ square piece of craft tissue
Blueberry Jam (recipe cards here)
Procedures:
1. Make jam – Click here for the jam recipe card.
2. While it’s cooling, print labels and recipe cards, cut yarn and paper to size. Once the jam is completely cool (which will take a few hours or overnight), glue the label to the top of the jar. Assemble the little package by wrapping the tissue around the jar, then wrap the yarn or string around the lid a few times and tie a bow in front.
This is a great way to get your family interacting with one another over the holidays! Find out odd facts about the fam, then tell everyone and have them guess who it is. The weirder the facts, the more far-out the trivia, the better the game!
Supplies:
1 brown paper bag
Tags
Construction paper
Scissors
Glue
Procedure:
1. Find out odd facts about the fam, then type them or write them on homemade tags that you can create on your computer or be creative and use construction paper.
2. Decorate the bag however you deem fit! Be creative; we recommend pictures of your family, or turning it into a reindeer like the picture above or add other holiday items like paper candy canes or Christmas trees.
3. Insert the tags in the paper bag when done–remember the weirder the facts, the more far-out the trivia, the better the game! Your loved ones can pull tags out of the bag and have the rest of the family guess the answers!
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The peppermint bark looks delicious- do I have to wait until Christmas to make some? Thanks for the pictures and clear easy to follow instructions.
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