MADE WITH LOVE:

SHOW YOUR CARE AND CREATIVITY WITH DIY GIFTS

Handmade gifts are thoughtful, meaningful and say to the receiver, “I spent time on you.” And when the gift is edible? Even better. Take a look at some of these treats you can whip up in no time. 

I made this!
GRANOLA
Even though granola is expensive to buy, it’s actually very economical to make and a healthy treat. A large container of old-fashioned rolled oats at most grocery stores is less than $2.50 and makes more than three batches of granola! You can get creative, but start with this simple recipe: mix together two cups of oats, ½ teaspoon salt and two teaspoons of cinnamon and set aside; melt ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup together with ¼ cup coconut oil, then add a half a teaspoon of vanilla; pour over the oats; mix well. Here’s where you get creative. Mix in your choice of shredded coconut, seeds, nuts or dried fruit. Lightly grease a baking sheet and spread your mixture to make a thin layer. Bake it on 300°F for 30 minutes. The granola may be slightly soft, but it will harden as it cools. Be careful not to overcook! Once it’s cool, place your granola in an airtight container that you can decorate for gift giving.

SNACK MIX
You can make it as healthy or as yummy as you want! Simply toss your favorite treats into a bowl, mix together, and pour into decorative, airtight containers. Cereal, nuts, raisins and other dried fruit, candies, pretzels, popcorn, marshmallows, crackers … the list is endless. Garlic powder, melted butter or cajun seasoning added can really elevate the mix. So easy to make and so tasty!

INFUSED VINEGARS
Infused vinegars elevate your recipes and make wonderful gifts for your foodie friends. Simply pour your vinegar selection into a mason jar and add the herbs. The herbs will start to flavor your vinegar within 24 hours and intensify within a few weeks. Strain the herbs and pour the vinegar into decorative bottles. Add custom labels for a finished touch. Some of the best vinegars to use include apple cider, rice, white, white wine or balsamic. Popular herb combinations: parsley, rosemary and sage; crushed fennel seeds and the zest of lemon, lime and orange; tarragon and garlic. Your homemade vinegar will also make delicious salad dressing.

HERB MAYONNAISE
Here’s a unique gift! Mix 1 cup of mayonnaise, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1½ teaspoons thyme, ½ teaspoon parsley and ¾ teaspoon dill. Mix well and place in a jar. Perfect for BLTs, hamburgers or just on a slice of tomato!

From the kids
Trying to teach your children that it is better to give than to receive? Here are a few ideas that will have them anxious to give presents to those they love:

PERSONALIZED TEA TOWELS
A few fabric markers and some flour sack tea towels are all it takes to create adorable keepsakes. Older children can write their favorite cookie recipes on the towels. Ambitious parents can even help the kids make the cookies and wrap them in the towels! Younger children can simply draw pictures on the towels, a useful gift that will be treasured.

SHARPIE TIE-DYE ART COASTERS
Sharpie® markers are great tools to create keepsakes. Purchase white ceramic tiles and have the children color them — the more color, the better. Spray 91 percent rubbing alcohol on the tiles to create a tie-dye look. When they are happy with their creations, let the tiles dry and then spray them with a fixative. Children will love watching as their gifts are opened!

CUPS & PLATES
Children can also draw or write sayings on inexpensive ceramic cups or plates. Parents can then bake their creations on 250ºF for two hours (no need to pre-heat). Leave the pieces in the oven until cooled. The color may dull slightly, but the designs should be permanent.

FOR FRIENDS
Kids can also make gifts for their friends! Slime is a popular option and can be made with a few ingredients you likely already have at home. A simple Google search will show you the way! Have the kids mix the ingredients and add food coloring followed by glitter, if desired. Let the creation stiffen in the bowl, knead it until it’s the right consistency, and then place it in a small jar or plastic snow globe for a festive touch. Their friends will love homemade slime!

Handmade gifts are as fun to make as they are to receive. So, take time with your children this holiday season to enjoy creating unique gifts for family and friends. ✦

Click on art for a printable copy just like the ones shown in the above pictures