Home Made Gift Ideas

There is nothing like a homemade gift, and with everyone tightening their belt this year, I want to share two fun, easy, inexpensive gift ideas that are not only home made, but are easy for kids to make themselves or assist you in making.
Last year the kids and I made home made French Vanilla Hot Chocolate, and made "ice cream cones" to give as gifts. We purchased clear pastry bags (can be found at any crafts store) and scooped in the hot chocolate powder. We then put a scoop of mini marshmellows, then topped that with a scoop of chocolate chips. We tied off the bag with a red ribbon, and made a little gift tag with instructions.
You can make this process even easier by purchasing pre made hot chocolate powder.
These make great gifts alone, but can also make perfect gift toppers.


Relatives love to have new, updated photos of kids, and you will love sharing your special moments as well. A unique way to do this is with a puzzle piece picture frame.
If you have any cardboard, or even an empty cereal box, you already have the backing for your frame! Place your photo on the cardboard and trace around it to get the approximate size. I recommend leaving a 1" to 1/2" border around the photo, depending on the relation of the faces to the edge of the photo. Next get out some of those straggler puzzle pieces. (You know you will never find those 3 missing piece from that box you've been saving!) Or pick up a puzzle at your local dollar store. Get the kids involved by having them paint the puzzle pieces. We prefer washable paint in our house. Next Glue the photo to your pre cut piece of cardboard, and glue your colorful puzzle pieces around the edges. Add some glitter, or pom poms to the frame. Personalize it. you can write letters on each puzzle piece. Have fun with your design!