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'Tis the season of over-indulging, fa la la la la.... etc etc etc.
This year, I suggest the year of less eating, more gifting. Tonight, I will be making coasters, magnets, homemade marshmellows and caramels and tissue holders. These tissue holders are SOOO easy to make, you just need a sewing machine (or be handy with needle and thread) and some fabric, not to mention use a travel tissue pack as a guide.
Let's remember that this season is not to over-spend yourself both physically and financially. This year I'm playing Santa for my mom, sister and husband and I'm so excited! I handmade a couple stockings using fabric from my collection (check out threadbanger.com's blog for a free stocking template and easy to follow directions). I didn't use the threadbanger template but I probably will this time around as the other stockings are a bit too small. By the way, smaller stockings mean less filling with stuff which is ALWAYS a good thing.
When it comes to stocking stuffers, most parents fill them with silly little toys that children often play with for a few minutes and then they get lost in the abyss of the toy box. Instead of filling the stockings with candy and junk toys, try finding small gifts that you KNOW your child will use (the felt food entry would make a great stocking stuffer for your imaginative kiddos), coloring books and crayons (check out your local dollar tree for cheap coloring books and crayons), hand puppets (I'll post a simple tutorial this weekend!), and mittens or fun socks. When it comes to sweets, make cookies or small treats, wrap in parchment paper or stick in treat bags and throw into the stocking. Another trick? Stuff the bottom of the stocking with crumpled tissue paper to make it seem fuller. It's a fun visual affect and depending on your kids, they'll think they got more than they thought.
Now for adults. In my mom's stocking, I put a pair of inexpensive holiday slippers that are pink and red striped. They're not too holiday-ish so she can wear them whenever and not feel like it's Christmas. Throw in some fancy tea (buy a box and you can seperate them into different treat bags to make one box go to different people) or some flavored or good coffee. Try stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's for unique coffees.
For adults or older kids, fill the stockings with handmade treats or nostalgic candies. Cracker Barrel's country store has a lot to choose from as do most candy stores. Nik-L-Nips, candy cane sticks in assorted flavors, and pixie sticks are always fun and inexpensive.
Inside jokes also make fun stocking stuffers. A fun stocking can also make a great gift for friends. Put in fun labels for an OCD friend or a digital keychain for your photogenic friend. My husband is getting Heroes coasters and Tetris magnets (tutorials will come tonight) in his stocking.
But most importantly, enjoy the time with family, the time off and all the pretty holiday lights! I promise to post those tutorials not to mention, in my cooking diary with my bestie, I'll post the marshmellow and caramels recipes. Keep checking back for the tutorials! They're easy last minute gifts that will take you all of a few hours, but will look like you worked your butt off! |
