the great gift idea exchange - part two

This took us a little longer to complete than we thought due to the fact that we have both been fighting the flu with our families. We apologize for the delay.

Here are the rest of our favorite gift ideas. May they help you in your gift buying quest!




Frosty the Snowman Kit
Include a hat, scarf and gloves made from felt. The carrot nose, black eyes and buttons can be made from felt or wood and put on dowels to poke into the snow. My kids received one of these from an aunt a few years ago and they are still excited to get it out and use it each winter.

May you have a fun and FROSTY holiday!


Gift card for dinner and/or a movie
Sometime when families have to cut back financially these are the first things to go. Whatever the case may be, this give families an opportunity to spend time together having fun during the Christmas holiday.

May you make wonderful family memories this Christmas season.


Heat Pack
Make a small pillow and instead of stuffing it, fill it about 3/4 full of rice, wheat, or dried corn. It is a good idea to make a little pillow case with ties for a cover that comes off to be washed but it works with or without one.

A 5x7 pillow takes about 1 minute to heat up in the microwave and will hold it's heat for a while. Be careful not to over heat these and do not use them with babies or anyone in a condition where they can't tell if it is too hot. My kids like to put them in their beds just before they get in. They also work well to warm up cold hands and feet that have been playing in the snow and soothe sore muscles after a day on the slopes. It makes a great gift for kids and also works as a family gift.
May you have a WARM and wonderful holiday.

Dinner Kit

Include all the ingredients for a favorite dinner and if you would like to add to the gift, include a new pan, or bowl, or apron. Here is a favorite:

Fill a new pot with:

1 can black beans

1 can pinto beans

1 can tomato sauce (small)

1 can corn

1 bottle salsa (small)

1 package taco seasoning

1 bag tortilla chips

Add instructions and a list of any other ingredients needed.

To make taco soup dinner you may also need:

1 pound ground beef

grated cheddar cheese

sour cream

Instructions: Drain and rinse beans. Put 4 cups water, 1/2 cup of the salsa and all the other ingredients in pot and bring to a boil. Add 1 pound browned ground beef if desired. Turn down heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Serve in bowls with chips, cheese and sour cream. Enjoy!

Muffin Mix

Mix up a big batch of our muffin mix and put 3 cups in each cute cellophane bag. Tie with a bow, and add instructions and a card.

Magnets and magnet board

This is a great gift for a teen or for a whole family. We created this one by filling the frame with metal that we cut to fit and covering if with a favorite scrapbook paper.

Embroidered Pillow
You could find a pattern for this or just print out a fun saying in your favorite font. Place a piece of muslin over the paper and trace the print. Embroider, sew the pillow, and stuff. This is fun for young kids to make.

Fun Holiday Decor

A snow man rug, a festive throw pillow, holiday paper towels or just a big pack of red napkins tied in a green bow. These things are fun additions to any one's holiday and kids love little details like this to spruce up for the season.

Personalized Gift Certificate Gift

Create a fun personalized gift like:

a purse filled with a gift card to a favorite store, a gift card for lunch nearby and a certificate for a shopping friend for a day.

an apron, wooden spoon and a certificate to a cooking class.

a space poster and tickets to the planetarium

(If the gift is for a child include a certificate for free taxi service provided by you.)

HAPPY GIFTING!