By Kimia Degani
When coming up with ideas for Christmas gifts, it can be difficult to find something both quick and creative. Below is a list of potential options for your friends and family. Even just drawing inspiration from this list can help you come up with something perfect. For some, the hardest part of getting gifts is the wrapping. The best part about these ideas is that they look fantastic on their own! If you don’t already have them, most of the things needed can easily be found at the supermarket or cheap stores such as Kmart, Target or Big W to help you save during this holiday season.
1. Sweet Surprise
You will need:
· Mason jar
· M&M’s
· Empty toilet roll
· Cash note
· Ribbon
Method:
· Place the empty toilet roll in the centre of the jar
· Roll up a note of your choice e.g $5, $10 or $20 and place it in the toilet roll
· Fill the jar with M&M’s around the toilet roll
· Tie a ribbon around the top
2. Spa Slippers
This is especially useful for anyone who may be stressed and need some down time.
You will need:
· Slippers
· Nail Kit e.g
o Nail file
o Nail clipper
o Cuticle pusher
o Toe separator
· Nail Polish
· Face Mask
· Ribbon
Method:
· Simply put all your spa supplies inside the slippers and tie with a ribbon to make a beautiful bundle of relaxing products.
3. Movie Pack
When the holidays roll round, a movie marathon is always a good idea.
You will need:
· Empty popcorn box
· Candy
· Chocolates
· Movie Tickets/DVDs
Method:
· Simply place the snacks the person loves into the popcorn box with some of their favourite movies or tickets to watch a new film in the cinema.
4. Makeup Mug
Perfect for your makeup-loving friend.
You will need:
· Mug/jar
· Pebbles/coffee beans
· Makeup Brushes
Method:
· Pour the pebbles or coffee beans in your mug/jar (using a mug makes for a double purpose gift!)
· Stick the makeup brushes upright in the jar
5. Lolly Stash
A long-lasting gift that can be enjoyed anywhere.
You will need:
· Plastic Compartment Container
· Lollies e.g
o Starbursts
o Reese’s
o Snickers
o Twix
o Mars bars
o Chocolate freddo
Method:
· Organise the lollies into groups and fill the compartments with them
6. S’more jar
For a warm treat over the fire.
You will need:
· Mason jar
· Ribbon
· Marshmallow’s
· Graham crackers
· Hershey’s chocolate
Method:
· Place them all in the jar and tie with ribbon
7. Cotton Candy Lip Scrub
Scrub will keep for up to two months in an airtight container.
You will need:
· 5 tablespoons sugar, divided
· 2 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
· 6 drops cotton candy flavouring, divided
· 2 drops blue food colouring
· 2 drops pink food colouring
Method:
· Blue Scrub
o In a small bowl mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add 3 drops cotton candy flavouring and 2 drops blue food colouring. Set aside.
· Pink Scrub
o In a small bowl mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add 3 drops cotton candy flavouring and 2 drops pink food colouring. Set aside.
· White Scrub
o In a small bowl mix 1 tablespoon sugar with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil. Set aside.
· Mixing the Sugars Together
o In a separate bowl add the blue sugar to one side of the bowl and the pink to the other.
o Pour the white sugar into the middle of the bowl and swirl the colours together with a knife.
8. DIY Spa Kit
You will need:
· Peppermint Scrub
o 1 cup sugar
o 1/4 cup coconut oil
o 5-8 drops peppermint essential oil (or whatever scent you like)
o 2 drops red food colouring
o 1 1/2 pint canning jar
Method:
Step 1: In a heat safe bowl, microwave coconut oil for approximately 20 seconds, until melted
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and coconut oil together until thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Add the food colouring, mixing after each drop. Repeat until you achieve the desired hue.
Step 4: Add essential oils and mix.
Step 5: Pack the scrub into a clean canning jar.
You will need:
· Peppermint Whipped Body Butter
o 85 grams pure cocoa butter
o 110 grams coconut oil
o 4 drops peppermint essential oil
o 2 drops red food colouring
Method:
Step 1: Using a double boiler, melt cocoa butter and oil together.
Step 2: Place the mixture into the fridge for five minutes, until cool and opaque.
Step 3: Use a standing mixer to whip the cream until fluffy.
Step 4: Add oil and food colouring. Combine well.
Step 5: Pack mixture into a clean canning jar.
You will need:
· Peppermint Foot Soak
o 1 cup Epsom salts
o 1/2 cup baking soda
o 1/2 cup sea salt
o 2 drops red food colouring
o 5 drops peppermint essential oil
Method:
Step 1: Combine Epsom salts, sea salt, oil, and baking soda.
Step 2: For a crushed peppermint candy look, add 2 drops of red food colouring to the mixture.
Step 3: With a fork, break apart the red clumps until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Pack mixture into a clean canning jar.
And you’re all done!
9. Bakers Basket
Perfect for your friend with the sweet tooth.
You will need:
· Basket/bowl
· Any baking utensils or ingredients e.g
o Pancake mix
o Brownie mix
o Chocolate chips
o Sugar
o Gingerbread cookie mix
o Oven mitts
o Wooden spatula and spoon
Method:
· Place all the packets into the basket/bowl
10. Purse Necessities
If you’re looking for something small that everyone needs.
You will need:
· Extra gum packets
· Gift cards
· Wrapping paper
· String/twine
Method:
· Stack the gum packets and gift cards on top of each other
· Wrap them and tie with string
11. Stationary Supplies
Helpful for any student starting the new school year.
You will need:
· Pencil case
· Pens
· Highlighters
· Pencils
· Eraser
Method:
· Place all the supplies in the pencil case
