Ok, I will admit I have completely dropped the balk this holiday season. I'm entrenced in my bachelors degree program and working hard to complete it this summer-and I look up and Christmas is almost here. My SO went out and bought a tree and decorated it a few weeks ago. It looks like something he slapped together-but I greatly appreciate his effort. We have almost been late to school several days, I have forgotten kids meds and been calked to the school. Failed to send out cards for the first time in my adult life.
Today we recieved a food gift from a cousin and a neighbor. It made me feel warm and fuzzy. And horrible!
I have also been volunteering in my kindergartners class and her teacher is amazing!!
So, what kind of gifts can I slap together ASAP? Lol. I've already been informed by our 9 year old that I'm baking cookies for her class Thursday. I really don't want to do food gifts, but what have you recieved that you found useful, thoughtful, or gave you warm fuzzies? I could do a meat rub or something for the neighbors. For the (4) teachers I would definitely like to avoid food. Sock cupcakes? I made those for a baby shower recently. Looking forward to our break from school (both the kids and myself)!
ROFL, Veruca salt.
Thanks for all the creative responses, ladies. I almost volunteered to cover additional gifts for the Kidnergarten exchange this morning when the teacher mentioned that she's looking for a tally so she can go shopping. We got busy with our work, so I thought I'd bring it up later. I left, and my car broke down.
As soon as the shop calls I'm going out shopping so I can tie this up!
My husband's been asking for quickie gifts for years, but somehow, I don't think that's what you're talking about...
For those who celebrate Christmas, it's fun to give an ornament. Have you seen the easy easy EASY ornaments with styrofoam balls and mixed fabric? You buy a small amount (like 1/2 yard, whatever the minimum is, or go to the remnant table) of about 5 Christmas-y fabrics - use mixed calicos with small prints. Cut small squares or even irregular shapes of each one, and use a flathead screwdriver to press the edges of each piece into the ball about 1/4 inch. Then start the next piece into the same trench you made with the screwdriver, continuing until the ball is covered. It looks like a puffy ball but it's just fabric laid across the surface with the edges pushed deep into the ball. Add a hanger with a length of thin velvet ribbon or decorative trim. A 9 year old can do it while watching TV. Cheap cheap cheap, easy easy easy, enjoyed enjoyed enjoyed. Message me if you want more detailed instructions.
My kids teachers are getting a coffe shop gift card and a dozen shortbread.
I know you said you are avoiding food, but these items are snacks, so they can eat them anytime, not perishable any time soon.
I placed an order for these, I requested the Gift Card, So I could place them in Christmas cards. I ordered the 4 month subscription. for $23.00 It is kind of like netflix for snacks. As you rate them, they will send snacks that match your tastes.
http://www.nibblrbox.com/Categories/9-Our-Snacks.aspx
I also found a Microwave popcorn that has cool flavors. It is called "Quinn Popcorn". I will be giving them with some of those Italian fruit drinks.. I got them at ta local upscale grocery store.
I love your sock cupcake idea.. I also love giving note cards with forever stamps..
for the teachers I would skip making anything. unless you have a food license the teachers may be afraid to eat anything that comes from home. Get them gift cards for a quick lunch out or a cup of coffee on their way in. Or for a trip to a salon for nails etc. as far as the neighbors I think trading cookies etc is great. not sure I would do a meat rub. not everyone eats meat. but thats just me.
You might think I'm crazy... but I'm stealing from a friend.
Make laundry soap and give it in a pretty glass jar with a ribbon and instructions. You can print labels right off your computer (just get the actual labels at Staples and pull up the template you want to use)..
It's really easy, inexpensive, and you can make a lot of them quickly.
Google "homemade laundry soap". There are powdered and liquid recipes. I love using it. I had been making the Fels-Naptha recipe, but recently switched to the Zote recipe and WOW. Smells wonderful!
Make some lavender bath salts as a foot soak for the teachers. All you need is some lavender oil, epsom salts, sea salt and baking soda. Splurge a little on some cute jars.
Super easy and your daughter can help. Here's a video for the two of you to watch together:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQAElruOm98
I've made these with kids for Mother's Day gifts and have given them out to friends in recycled jars I'd decorated earlier in the season (during my 'decoupage everything' phase). You might find some cute jars at Cost Plus or another inexpensive shop. The glass will keep the bath salts smelling fresh, too.
We are wine drinkers and I buy at least 1 extra case for the season to use as gifts.
Hobby Lobby already has Christmas things at 1/2 off. I bought 2 dozen of the cutest fabric snowman and Santa cloth wine gift bags. Regular price $3.99 at 1/2 off. Adorable!!
I also purchase about a dozen Godiva foil wrapped Santa's and have them in gift bags ready to go.
As for crafty... We've purchased clear plastic or glass ornaments, opened them and filled with fun stuff such as glitter, ribbon, marbles, etc and hot glue the top in and finish with a cute ribbon.
Applesauce/cinnamon ornaments. I still have some if these daughter and I made years ago.
Enjoy!
Enlist your kids! Everyone loves getting homemade gifts from kids.
For teachers - coffee shop gift cards (our school has a Panera right next to it, so I give Panera cards). If you want to do something cute with it, get plain mugs and paint pens from Michaels, and have your kids decorate the mugs and put the gift card in it.
My sister this year bought plain clear plastic bulb ornaments and had her kids glue red buttons on the outside, and put inside a few more buttons and some glitter. They are adorable, and easy enough for kids to make, and the kids gave them to all the aunts and uncles.
For my parents: I get each of the kids a white plastic plate from Target and let them use paint pens to decorate. For my little one, we do a green handprint, let it dry, and then he decorates it with the pens for ornaments like a tree. My older son is past handprint art, so he draws a Christmas tree using the pens.
Your poor thing. You're buring the candle at both ends.
Give youself a break.
If you feel you must gift back, here are some easy or quick ideas:
-poinsetta plant (buy the chap $3.99 one. Search ads for them).
-ornament
-jar of candy you buy w/a nice note
-inexpensive box of chocolates
-a calendar for the new year
-a pair of warm fuzzy socks for the gal neighbors w/a cute note that says
something like "Warm feet warms the soul" or "Toasty Toes Are Good
For The Soul" etc.
-a neighborhool newsletter ("This is what's been going on in our corner
of the world......")
-An offer to babysit
Edit: bottle of inexpesive wine
Btw, don't send out cards. Send holiday/Christmas emails. Change the background to something wintry or snowy, type in red font etc.
Google "puppy chow recipe", put it in holiday tins, everyone loves it and it tastes yummy. ETA: Here's the recipe: Human Puppy Chow
9 cups Chex cereal (any kind)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, melted
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 -2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
1 Measure cereal in large bowl.
2 Set aside.
3 Microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter for 1 minute on high.
4 Stir.
5 Cook for 30 seconds longer or until smooth.
6 Add vanilla.
7 Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until coated.
8 Pour mixture into large Ziploc bag and add powdered sugar.
9 Shake until well coated.
10 Spread on waxed paper to cool.
11 Store in Ziploc bags or large sealed bowl.
12 Recipe Note: It helps to add cereal mixture a little at a time if you only have small bags.
Also, google "flavored coffee recipe", "flavored coffee creamer" and you can put those in tins also. These are quick and everyone likes them. Also, like TF Plano said, a lot of places already have holiday decorations marked down, I love getting holiday stuff so how much quicker and easier can that get? Good luck!
