Posted on Friday, December 13, 2024

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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson

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Homemade gifts are truly the best because they are made from the heart. Since you control what you’re making, products are of superior quality. And, when making homemade gifts in mass quantities, they can be economical to create.

Seeking a unique holiday gift to make? Looking for stocking stuffers? If so, consider one of these four great ideas:

1. Homemade everything bagel seasoning with recipe cards: To make: Combine all ingredients as described below and stir until combined. Then, place contents in a large, sealed jar or ladle into individual airtight spice containers to gift at the holidays. Recipe makes about one cup of mix.  Ingredients needed: 6 Tablespoons poppy seeds, 3 Tablespoons white sesame seeds, 3 Tablespoons black sesame seeds, 2 Tablespoons dried minced garlic, 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion, 2 teaspoons coarse salt. Along with the bagel seasoning, include recipes for homemade bagels, bread, dips and spreads using the mix.

• Homemade hot cocoa mix with directions: To make:Combine all ingredients as described below in a medium bowl and stir until combined. Then transfer mixture into airtight containers. Be sure to include in the directions that mix must be stored in a cool space and used within two months. This recipe makes about one cup of the mix. Ingredients needed: 6 Tablespoons finely chopped 60% bittersweet chocolate, ½ cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, ½ cup turbinado sugar, 3 Tablespoons powdered milk, ⅛ teaspoon salt. Include directions as follows to make the hot cocoa: Add one cup milk and 3 ½ Tablespoons of the cocoa mix to a small saucepan. Whisk and heat over medium, stirring frequently, until bubbles form around the edge. Pour hot cocoa into a mug and top with fresh whipped cream and sprinkles.

• Home-stamped tote bags: To make: Stencil designs onto plain tote bags to create one-of-a-kind gifts. Supplies needed: Plain cotton canvas tote bags, chalk to outline your designs, assorted acrylic craft paints, brushes, foam sponges, permanent fabric pens, and stencils. Tips: Be sure to place a large piece of cardboard inside the tote bag to prevent bleeding through. When covering a large area with paint, or to make the paint less likely to crack, consider mixing a fabric medium with your acrylic paint. To waterproof your design, inquire at the craft store about the best products for your fabric and paint. When making the totes, be creative. Consider personalizing them with the receiver’s name or words, pictures, or designs they will love! To learn more, watch this step-by-step guide to paint canvas tote bags as shared by Averagehippie.

• Home-made coupons: Make a stack of homemade redeemable coupons to give out as gifts – that offer favors! Examples include kitchen cleanup, a ride to the pharmacy, doing laundry, caring for a pet, watering plants, babysitting, grocery shopping assistance, etc. Supplies needed to make a coupon booklet: Paper, colorful markers, stickers, a stapler & your imagination!

Making spirits bright

Make someone happy this festive holiday season with a homemade craft. The kind gesture of making a specialized gift for someone signifies to the receiver that they are held in high regard. Knowing that you took the time to acknowledge them in such a special way during this busy holiday season reflects the true spirit of gift giving and is likely to melt hearts.

Interested in some gift giving tips? Click here.