1. Reinbeers
We like this easy — and adorable — way to dress up some root beer (or real beer) for the holiday season from Life of a Modern Mom. Some pipe cleaners, googly eyes and a red pompom nose make this a fun project that the kids can help with.
2. Peppermint sugar scrub
This peppermint sugar scrub from Lollyjane is one of hundreds of sugar scrub recipes on the internet, all with ingredients ranging from just sugar and olive oil to more complex creations. Scrub away rough winter skin with this delicious recipe that leaves skin smelling minty fresh and soft. This recipe includes a free printable tag.
3. Cookie-in-a-jar mix
It can be feast or famine when it comes to holiday cookies. Sometimes, you have three plates of cookies from neighbors and friends; other times you'd kill for some fresh-baked goodness. These cookie jars from Cul-de-sac Cool let the recipients make fresh-baked cookies at their convenience. Free printable labels can be found at the link.
4. Merry wine labels
Not into the whole "crafting" thing or finding yourself short on time? Get these festive labels from Etsy and you'll have beautifully embellished bottles of wine or bubbly to present to your friends with minimal effort. Now that's something to drink to!
5. Tablet holder and chalkboard
This is not your grandmother's cookbook holder! A DIY idea from Shanty 2 Chic features a chalkboard that also serves as a perch for your tablet — a great way to read recipes online while keeping your tablet safe from spills and crumbs. All you need is some cut wood, wood glue and chalkboard paint. This project makes a great gift for anyone who likes to cook.
6. DIY snow globes and terrariums
Create magical winter landscapes with a tutorial from The Lemonista. Mason jars, plant embellishments and plastic figurines make for a craft where kids (and adults) can make their own self-contained winter wonderland. These gifts make beautiful displays on fireplace mantles; smaller jars can be hung from the Christmas tree.
7. Hot cocoa and snowmen
Building snowmen and enjoying a cup of hot cocoa are holiday memories in the making. A craft from The DIY Mommy finds a whole new way to combine the two. Baby food jars filled with mints, marshmallows and cocoa mix make a cute but easy gift that the kids can help put together. You can also use mason jars if you don't have a bumper supply of baby food jars.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in December 2013, and updated in November 2021.
