Homemade/Handmade Gifts - Giving any this year?

[pricecrew]

Originally Posted by allshoppedout

For a generous gift --YOU COULD really Surprise a TEEN on your list and

use a 20 OZ. size bottle--- put an IPOD and a ITUNES gift card in it!!

-ok I will leave the thread for at least 30 minutes .....

THAT'S A GREAT IDEA!!! I have ipods for the kids this year and was already planning to get them iTunes cards, so this would be an AWESOME way to give it to them!!! Thx!

[allshoppedout]

Originally Posted by pricecrew

THAT'S A GREAT IDEA!!! I have ipods for the kids this year and was already planning to get them iTunes cards, so this would be an AWESOME way to give it to them!!! Thx!

You are welcome pricecrew & justluvem

Maybe you even want to camoflauge it more by really stuffing with tissue or shredded paper. And put like some candy bars around so that is all they see... They will be thinking they got some little trinket of a gift and it'll be a GREAT MP3 buried inside!!!!!!
.

[jbdinos]

Originally Posted by allshoppedout

You are welcome pricecrew & justluvem

Maybe you even want to camoflauge it more by really stuffing with tissue or shredded paper. And put like some candy bars around so that is all they see... They will be thinking they got some little trinket of a gift and it'll be a GREAT MP3 buried inside!!!!!!
.

This is kinda what I am doing for my niece... doing a 6 pack of the mountain dew 24 oz bottles.... getting 6 different kind of condiments that a college kid might use in the dorm room... ketchup, salt, etc.... hiding 6 gift cards in the center of each bottle so it looks like she got a 6 pack of condiments only

If you seal the Ipod good in a little ziploc bag... you could always go with m&m's as the filler around it so they will think you poured them in from the top... and then open it and start pouring them out to eat... and suddenly ... OMG.. there is an IPOD in my bottle of M&M's

[tntsmomie]

Just made and printed out my tags for the whisk gifts. Now I just need to find a store that's carrying Christmas candy so I can find the kisses.
All these cute ideas...I just get so excited about them! And what's great is that they really can be inexpensive, but you're putting your work into making them, which makes them special.

I actually made the tags myself in Office, adding our family name and a special message.
Still working on the journaling bottles for the teachers. Those are proving to be more difficult than I thought. The jars I found aren't like the jars in the examples I've seen, so I have to "decorate" the top of the jar rather than around the jar (if that makes sense). And I opted for nicer, leather-type journals (Target had for less than $8 each), so I can't decorate the covers of those. Tying the pieces together is proving to be hard!

[jenrein]

Originally Posted by AudreyNicole

I have already made journal jars and altered journals for my sons' teachers. Basically it's a spiral bound book that I got at target, which I covered with different paper, and added some ribbon to dress it up a bit. Then I bought cute glass jars, and printed off the journal questions onto bright paper & cut them into strips, added some ribbon, and stamped the lid. Quick, cheap and cute!

I also plan to make marbled tree ornaments for other school personnel. You just need some clear, glass tree balls, and some acrylic craft paint. Just drop a few drops of paint inside, and swirl it around unitl the entire inside is coated. Then decorate with ribbon and you are done. I wanted to make these so that my boys could help me with them

And I bought 4x4 tumbled marble tiles that I will stamp with rubber stamps, and seal with clear sealer to give as a set of drink coasters.

Do you have pics of how the coasters turned out? Is there a certain kind of tile that is not rough on the backside?

[tntsmomie]

Originally Posted by jenrein

Do you have pics of how the coasters turned out? Is there a certain kind of tile that is not rough on the backside?

To solve that, you can get thin pieces of felt or cork at Michael's and adhere to the back.

[amberjobryant]

I finished one of my "teachers 2 liters" today and thought I would share a picture of how it turned out, I was pleased, now just need to get another bottle empty.........

[hopeky94]

Originally Posted by jbdinos

If you seal the Ipod good in a little ziploc bag... you could always go with m&m's as the filler around it so they will think you poured them in from the top... and then open it and start pouring them out to eat... and suddenly ... OMG.. there is an IPOD in my bottle of M&M's

I like this idea too! It would work well for a gift that has to travel before being opened, since the candy would protect the ipod... but unless you have another "large" gift for the person, the problem I see is most people wouldn't start eating the M & M's immediately so they might feel a little disappointed to have only received a bottle of candy! UNLESS -- a) you add "A Prize In Every Bottle!" to the label (similar to a box of Cracker Jacks), or b) you figure out a way to have part of the ipod (maybe one or both earbuds??) "accidentally" sticking out of the bottle somehow... whatdaya think??

[hopeky94]

Originally Posted by jerica388

A few years ago I was looking for an inexpensive gift to give people in the office. One of the other moms heard me talk about it at the sitters one day and she gave me this idea (they turned out really cute!):

Buy inexpensive coffee mugs (can be solid color, seasonal, or something to match the personality of the receiver). Place one packet of instant hot chocolate mix in the mug, along with a candy cane (we added little packets of marshmallows too). They can use the candy cane to stir the drink to gift it a hint of peppermint flavor. Lay the whole thing in the center of a piece of plastic wrap. Pull the wrap up around the mug and tie at the top with a piece of ribbon.

This reminded me: in addition to (or instead of) the candy cane in these, you can also make your own "chocolate spoons"-- get clear plastic spoons and the same type chocolate(s) you'd use for dipping candy and dip the spoon into the melted chocolate to cover the "bowl" portion of it. Don't get the chocolate too hot as it won't coat as heavy! While the coating is still warm on the spoon, sprinkle it with candy sprinkles or crushed peppermint, or drizzle with a different coating (i.e. white chocolate on top of milk or dark chocolate). When cooled, wrap dipped part of spoon in plastic wrap, tied closed around the handle with twist ties or little pieces of yarn or ribbon.

The year I made these, I found a good deal on individual packets of instant coffee and use those and a couple of chocolate spoons in each mug, for the coffee-lovers in my life... So simple, yet so professional-looking!

[kak]

Originally Posted by amberjobryant

I finished one of my "teachers 2 liters" today and thought I would share a picture of how it turned out, I was pleased, now just need to get another bottle empty.........

Really cute!!

[allshoppedout]

Originally Posted by amberjobryant

I finished one of my "teachers 2 liters" today and thought I would share a picture of how it turned out, I was pleased, now just need to get another bottle empty.........

Turned out very well, thanks for showing us...

[allshoppedout]

hopeky94 love the "prize in every bottle" --great ! and

jbdinos, wow, the m & m's with the IPOD, super super idea, and wouldn't be too expensive

[AudreyNicole]

Originally Posted by jenrein

Do you have pics of how the coasters turned out? Is there a certain kind of tile that is not rough on the backside?

Originally Posted by tntsmomie

To solve that, you can get thin pieces of felt or cork at Michael's and adhere to the back.

I haven't done them yet, but will post a picture if I ever get them finished. And tntsmomie is exactly right... I will use cork or felt on the bottoms to keep them from scratching.
Here are some pics of ones that I got the inspiration from:

http://aschoss.blogspot.com/2009/07/wedding-gift.html

http://aschoss.blogspot.com/2009/03/...-coasters.html

[tntsmomie]

Originally Posted by amberjobryant

I finished one of my "teachers 2 liters" today and thought I would share a picture of how it turned out, I was pleased, now just need to get another bottle empty.........

SUPER CUTE!

I love the ribbon. Did you find that at Michaels? I saw some similar but didn't have enough time to look at all of it.

[AudreyNicole]

Originally Posted by kak

I relly like the tiles for drink coaster ideas. Are they pretty inexpensive to buy???

Yes, they are really reasonable. The pack that I bought, I got at Home Depot for $5 for a set of 9. I can make 2 sets of 4 coasters and will have one left over.

[amberjobryant]

Originally Posted by tntsmomie

SUPER CUTE!

I love the ribbon. Did you find that at Michaels? I saw some similar but didn't have enough time to look at all of it.

Thanx, I got the ribbon at the Dollar General can't beat 1.oo a roll, I have gotten alot of my holiday ribbon there and the Dollar Tree this year, most that walmart has is 5.00 for the same amount.

[jenrein]

Originally Posted by AudreyNicole

I haven't done them yet, but will post a picture if I ever get them finished. And tntsmomie is exactly right... I will use cork or felt on the bottoms to keep them from scratching.
Here are some pics of ones that I got the inspiration from:

http://aschoss.blogspot.com/2009/07/wedding-gift.html

http://aschoss.blogspot.com/2009/03/...-coasters.html

Thank you, that helps- and they are even better than I was picturing in my head!

[xfountaingrl]

I got some coasters even cheaper. I got 16 coasters for around $4 at Lowes. I'll be going back for more, but a few days ago I wanted to test it.

[tntsmomie]

I've been working on the whisk kiss gifts, and wouldn't you know it...I can't find those darn whisks anywhere. I can the fancy $10 whisks, but not even the $ store had simple wire whisks.
What's the deal??
We've checked Bed Bath & Beyond, Wal-Mart , Target (who has a 3-pack of them for $2.99, but the largest one in the set won't hold the kisses), and I've checked online at numerous places. Any ideas on where to check that I'm not thinking of?

[kselzer]

Here's a couple tutorials for doing the tile coasters:

stamped images - http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/re...tile_coasters/

photo tiles - http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/re...s/photo_tiles/

I'm going to try out the 2nd one with the photos. The tissue paper part is tricky. I bought a roll of corkboard at Michael's and used a 50% coupon, the tiles at Lowe's were like 40-50 cents. Got the spray at Hobby Lobby with a 40% coupon. The glue I also got at Michael's and was on sale 30% off. So this can be a fairly cheap gift if you make at least a few sets.

[Karmarose]

I am planning on doing a scrap book with pictures of each family member with a handwritten note from each to my DH who is deployed.

I'm also thinking about the 12 pack bottles with cars, small transformers, candy, little toys or all they would need to do a craft in each for my boys. Those are cute, I just don't know how crafty I'll be feeling when this has to be done though. lol

I love the bottle idea since we are doing $10 limit on gifts. It is a cute way to showcase an inexpensive, themed gift.

[jenrein]

Originally Posted by kselzer

Here's a couple tutorials for doing the tile coasters:

stamped images - http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/re...tile_coasters/

photo tiles - http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/re...s/photo_tiles/

I'm going to try out the 2nd one with the photos. The tissue paper part is tricky. I bought a roll of corkboard at Michael's and used a 50% coupon, the tiles at Lowe's were like 40-50 cents. Got the spray at Hobby Lobby with a 40% coupon. The glue I also got at Michael's and was on sale 30% off. So this can be a fairly cheap gift if you make at least a few sets.

Oh I LOVE the photo one- I bought a 9 pack of tiles at Home Depot for $4. I just need to replace my modge podge supply and I am ready to go! Thanks for sharing, I will post pics once I am done!

[raven20_79]

Originally Posted by tntsmomie

I've been working on the whisk kiss gifts, and wouldn't you know it...I can't find those darn whisks anywhere. I can the fancy $10 whisks, but not even the $ store had simple wire whisks.
What's the deal??
We've checked Bed Bath & Beyond, Wal-Mart , Target (who has a 3-pack of them for $2.99, but the largest one in the set won't hold the kisses), and I've checked online at numerous places. Any ideas on where to check that I'm not thinking of?

Well, I am not sure what dollare stores you have tried, but we have a few here...Simply-A-Dollar, Dollare General, and Dollar Tree. Might want to try there. Last year, around Thanksgiving time, Target sold these green plastic whisks which were really cute. Another place you may want to try is Kroger, or whatever local grocery stores you may have in your area. Or, you may even want to try on eBay .

[allshoppedout]

Originally Posted by tntsmomie

I've been working on the whisk kiss gifts, and wouldn't you know it...I can't find those darn whisks anywhere. I can the fancy $10 whisks, but not even the $ store had simple wire whisks.
What's the deal??
We've checked Bed Bath & Beyond, Wal-Mart , Target (who has a 3-pack of them for $2.99, but the largest one in the set won't hold the kisses), and I've checked online at numerous places. Any ideas on where to check that I'm not thinking of?

Sorry To hear you cannot find them.
I am wondering if MANY people are making these and causing a shortage? I know I saw them in Dollar Trees before but not consistently --and last year about 2 wk. before Christmas I saw them at Target...kind of last minute, to wait until then, I know

[Mammacash]

One year for Father's Day, I made my husband a photo box. I took pictures of the kids from when they were little and printed them on paper in a sepia tone. I cut them into little pieces and used mod podge and placed them on a paper mache box. Then I had each of them write him a note about what a great dad he is. And we placed them inside. Takes time, but is really touching and a real keeper.

[tntsmomie]

Originally Posted by raven20_79

Well, I am not sure what dollare stores you have tried, but we have a few here...Simply-A-Dollar, Dollare General, and Dollar Tree. Might want to try there. Last year, around Thanksgiving time, Target sold these green plastic whisks which were really cute. Another place you may want to try is Kroger, or whatever local grocery stores you may have in your area. Or, you may even want to try on eBay .

I checked Dollar Tree, but will have to check Dollar General. And I never thought to check Target's $ spot. I've been looking there for "fun" stuff for the kids but never thought about whisks. (btw, they had great rolls of "short" wrapping paper with a TON on there for $1. They'ver really come in handy for those smaller presents.)
I'll have to check Kroger, too. I just don't want to spend more than $2 or so per whisk. I need 6 more.

Originally Posted by allshoppedout

Sorry To hear you cannot find them.
I am wondering if MANY people are making these and causing a shortage? I know I saw them in Dollar Trees before but not consistently --and last year about 2 wk. before Christmas I saw them at Target...kind of last minute, to wait until then, I know

I thought that, too! When I couldn't find them at the dollar store...I mean, there were NO whisks, not even plastic ones...I thought that maybe others were making them and just beat me to it? There was even an empty peg on the wall with the other kitchen utensils. Makes me think! I'll have to check Target. And search for more dollar stores.

[kselzer]

do you by chance have a Big Lots near you? They may have whisks for a reasonable price there.

[tntsmomie]

Originally Posted by kselzer

do you by chance have a Big Lots near you? They may have whisks for a reasonable price there.

We sure do. I checked there when I went to get the jars for the other project. Nothing reasonable. I just can't see paying $8-$10 for a fancy whisk for 10 people!

[allshoppedout]

Originally Posted by tntsmomie

I thought that, too! When I couldn't find them at the dollar store...I mean, there were NO whisks, not even plastic ones...I thought that maybe others were making them and just beat me to it? There was even an empty peg on the wall with the other kitchen utensils. Makes me think! I'll have to check Target. And search for more dollar stores.

I bet it's other sneaky gotta dealers snatching up those whisks I am going out now, I'll let you know if I find any anywhere today.

[tntsmomie]

Originally Posted by allshoppedout

I bet it's other sneaky gotta dealers snatching up those whisks I am going out now, I'll let you know if I find any anywhere today.

Then you'll buy them all and leave people like me standing like this in the middle of the aisle. "How can there not be ANY whisks??"
That's what I get for posting my ideas.