The carols are blaring and the decorations are out, and I am tempted to put my head under something minty-scented until January. Although I love the giving aspect of the Christmas season, its commercial bent gives me a strong desire to flee.
But then there’s the problem of homemade. In this world of busy and this world of “but I don’t know HOW to make things,” how can you create homemade Christmas items for teachers, friends, and family and have them delight in what you have made? Over the next two weeks, I’ll explore some super simple ways to create gifts. Yes, they’re so simple that you can make them (honest)!
Freezer Jam
We love freezer jam. This is because it takes almost no work to create. Squish berries with freezer jam pectin and sugar, stir, and place it in jars. I often make this jam with frozen berries as well.
Dried Herbs
If you’re thinking ahead, collect fresh herbs in the summer time and dry them in a dehydrator or on a very low setting in the oven. Place these in a jar or a piece of cloth, label them, and give them out as small gifts.
Homemade Baking
How about some baking? Braided bread looks pretty and is simple to make. Christmas-themed muffins with dried cranberries feel festive. Of course, there’s always the classic cookie and budget basket. Check about allergies first.
Jarred Mixes
You can put just about anything into a jar. How about the ingredients for a soothing soup? A batch of chocolate chip cookies? Delicious!
Felt Ornament
This is an ideal project for a child to make for a teacher. Get a piece of felt and make two large images that are the same size. Think trees, stars and the like. Punch holes in the edges. Get some yarn and sew them together.
Forced bulb
Explore plant biology and create a gift at the same time! Place a narcissus bulb in a pot at least a month before Christmas, and put it in a warm place. The bulbs grow easily and make a beautiful Christmas flower.
Lavender sachets
If your friends love lavender, gather together some dried lavender and place it into the middle of a tiny piece of decorative cloth. Sew the middle together or tie it with a piece of ribbon, and you’ll have a sachet to put into a drawer.
Image Credit: Starshaped