Edible Gifts are the Best Kind
We are in full blown fa la la la la la la la la mode, and if you’re like most Canadians this time of year, you’re probably staring at your Christmas gift list, wondering just how to get it all done.
Well, it’s a good thing you’ve found your way here, because we’re about to make that a bit easier on you. And, if you want to make this experience even more fun, (with an excuse to pull out some wine) have a get-together with your friends, share resources and enjoy some Christmas music as you put together these great gifts under $10!
Socks, gas gift cards and another fancy agenda are all swell, but if someone had stuffed my stocking last year with a pound of chocolate peppermint bark or any other similar sinful treat, I would have been one pudgy, happy elf.
For those who want to spread the holiday cheer via taste buds, this section is for you.
Hot Chocolate + Bailey’s Mason Jars
You’ll Need: (makes 1 Mason Jar)
- 3 cups Hot Chocolate Mix (Bulk Barn for really cheap!)
- 2 cups marshmallows (or however much you want to put in to fill the jar)
- 1 sample size of Bailey’s (LCBO has them near the front)
- Ribbon
- Mason Jar
Pour Hot Chocolate Mix into the jar first. Stuff in marshmallows. Close lid and tie Bailey’s to the jar with ribbon. Easy!
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
What You’ll Need:
- 12 Strawberries
- 1 bag of Chocolate Chips or disks in dark or milk
- Ice cube Tray
- Box & Ribbon
The smaller the molds here, the better. Big chunks of chocolate and strawberry will be hard to bite off! If you want to stick to the traditional ice cube tray, measure your strawberries and cut into halves to fit into the ice cube tray spots comfortably. Remove once you’ve sized them.
Slowly melt the chocolate on stove-top, stirring regularly.
Pour a little bit of chocolate into each spot and gently put your strawberry pieces on top.
Generously cover each strawberry with remaining chocolate until you can’t see them.Make sure the chocolate doesn’t bind each square to the other or else this will be messy to break.
Put into freezer and let sit for at least an hour and fifteen minutes.
Remove strawberries from tray (they’ll be cute little chocolate blocks) and wrap as you wish. These should be consumed relatively soon!
Extra Tip: Did you know you can create edible glitter? No joke! Fancy up your edible treats with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of food colouring of choice. Put mix onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 min in the oven at 350F. Voila, sweet glitter you can eat!
Who doesn’t need a long soak at the end of the day? Pamper your loved ones with this all natural mineral bath soak!
Peppermint Bath Salts
You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups Epsom Salts
- 3/4 cup Baking Soda
- 5 drops Peppermint Oil
- 1 tsp Cinnamon – optional
- Jar
- Ribbon
After combining all the ingredients and mixing well, pour salts into the presentation jar of choice. Tie ribbon around neck of jar and done!
Not a fan of peppermint? Swap out this scent for any other!
You’ll Need:
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup grape seed oil
- 1/2 cup Melt & Pour soap base (in white or clear)
- Colouring of choice (not required)
- Fragrance Oil of choice
- Icecube mold in squares, hearts or whatever shape you’d like
- Box or Jar for storate
- Ribbon
Microwave the Melt & Pour soap for 20 seconds and stir well. Add the colouring and fragrance oil of your choice next. Mix well. Quickly add the grape seed oil. You’ll notice it sits on top of the first mixture before you blend it. Add the sugar and mix very well, but quickly since it will set fairly rapidly. Pour quickly into your mold of choice or you can leave it in a large block to give as well. Let it set for an hour at room temperature. When ready, wrap as desired!
Extra Tip: Did you know you can make your own lotion for a fraction of the cost of most drugstore brands? Check out our Pinterest board for recipes!
Dollar Store/Ikea Mugs Dipped in Chalkboard Paint w Chalk
The Mugs will be cheap, $1-$2 a piece. You now have two options for the chalkboard paint part. You can either buy the standard black in an enormous amount from somewhere like Rona for $25 bucks a litre, or you can make your own and customize the colour!
You’ll Need:
- 3/4 cup latex paint (colour of choice)
- 2 tablespoons of non-sanded tile grout
- Mugs
- Chalk
- Ribbon
Mix the latex paint and the non-sanded tile grout together until the consistency is like runny oatmeal. Don’t be alarmed if you see a lot of grit. You will see the little pieces magically disappear while you paint – seriously! The bigger globs you will have to smooth out first.
Once ready, paint the cup of choice wherever and however much you like. Let dry overnight and test with some chalk. Leave a sweet message and don’t forget to include their favourite colours of chalk (dollar store!).
Find that candy/chocolate stash you’re using as gift fillers and load up the mug. Wrap with a ribbon and you’re set.
Did you know…
If you print photos on vellum, you can then Mod Podge the photo onto vases, mugs or cups!
Would a very short-term loan be nice around this time of year to help you prepare? As a new customer, you could get up to $500!
