Mother's Day is just around the corner (it's this Sunday - don't forget!). If you're anything like me, the holiday has crept up on you. There are so many different things to celebrate about our mamas (and grandmothers, spouses, and mother-figures), but what it ultimately comes down to is telling her you're thankful for her. Whether that means making her breakfast, bringing her flowers, or sending her a note in the mail, these (free!) Mother's Day printables can help you get the job done.
A lot of holiday seasons go by where I am totally and utterly irresponsible with my spending habits. I think, "It's Christmas! I can spend as much money as I need to on presents. It's called the Season of Giving for a reason!" This mindset always comes back to bite me in January, because while it is fun to go shopping for gifts, it's not fiscally smart to blow your whole bank account. This year, I've decided to be more thoughtful in my gifting, while also trying to save money. Homemade gifts, if done well, are the best to receive. And what's more homey than a canned recipe? While I'm trying to decide what to can and give, I've found a lot of great recipes along the way, and I'm sharing them with you today! Keep reading for my favorite canned gifts to make and give in bulk.
If you're like me, you probably have a few artists, DIYers or crafters on your Christmas list this year. You might also be running out of ideas for gifts to give these creative individuals, especially if they've been on your nice list for awhile. In an effort to make your gift shopping a little easier this holiday season, here are some ideas of gifts for artists.
Themed gift baskets make amazing, affordable, and memorable gifts. The key is to pick the items carefully and to pay attention to the presentation. Here is a complete list of our very favorite gift basket ideas for everyone on your list, plus money-saving tips and tricks on assembling DIY gift baskets!
Who likes getting gift baskets during the holidays? The better question is: Who doesn't?! The best gift baskets are the ones filled with stuff we love. The problem with lots of gift basket ideas, however, is the expense. Costs can rack up quickly when you fill a big, beautiful basket with a little of this and a little of that. When all is said and done, that stuffed basket might blow your Christmas gift-giving budget to the moon. There are, however, some Christmas and holiday gift basket ideas that are actually budget-friendly, thanks to our DIY natures and some really great tutorials floating around on the internet.
Before we get started, let's talk about the baskets. The single most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a basket is size. Remember, a big basket is going to cost more to fill, and if you choose not to fill it, then it looks sad and you look cheap (Seriously. It does. You do.). A better rule to live by is 'smaller basket filled largely.' When choosing a basket, always opt for smaller rather than larger.They're less expensive to fill, and a big basket scantily-filled looks sad. The better option is to go with a small basket and fill it to the gills.
Opt for Inexpensive Baskets
Okay, so you've decided to go smaller with your basket choice, but even those can be expensive. The trick is to find good-and cheap -alternatives. Here are some that come to mind:
Wrap the bottom and inside sides of a sturdy cardboard box with pretty wrapping paper and use that as your 'basket'. I'd opt for square boxes, like the ones in which flowers are delivered, as the shape feels more suited to the task.
Re-gift from past gift baskets. Don't worry; nobody is going to know. Unless you re-gift to the giver, and that's just tacky.
Check thrift shops for acceptable, structurally sound baskets that can be given new life with a shot of spray paint.
Be sure to use the basket best suited for the occasion. If you're making a Christmas gift basket, for example, use an appropriate material for the holiday.
Useful and Utilitarian Baskets
We mentioned using cardboard boxes wrapped with pretty paper for a basket to keep costs down, as well as re-using gift baskets and thrift store baskets that can be given new life with a shot of spray paint. All still great gift basket ideas, but it started us thinking about more utilitarian objects we could use for baskets. You know, baskets that have further purpose:
Metal paint bucket, $2.97 at Home Depot
6 or 8" terra cotta clay pots, $1.32 also at Home Depot
Small 2-quart bucket, like this set of 4 on Amazon for $18.72
Metal colander, like this one from Kirklands for $5.99
Which Filler to Use in a Gift Basket?
As for filler, we still really like the idea of used paper straight out of the shredder. To make it more interesting, run a couple of colorful sheets from an old magazine through the shredder to mix in with the mundane stuff!
If you don't have time to shred paper, you can purchase gift basket filler in bulk online, or at your local craft store.
Don't have time to gather all the supplies for your gift basket ideas? That's okay! You can purchase pre-assembled gift basket kits, complete with cellophane and filler. Click here to check it out.
Perfect for Raffles or Silent Auctions
Gift baskets make great presents for coworkers. Or friends. Or those impossible-to-buy-for people on your list. Okay, they're great for pretty much everyone. So don't just think about using gift baskets for the holidays! These are great prizes for raffles (think: school, church or neighborhood fundraisers) or as things for people to bid on at silent auctions.
Here's What to Put in Your Gift Basket
Check the vast majority of pre-packaged gift baskets out there and you'll see they have something in common: a lot of the stuff in them was made in some other far-flung land. (My apologies to all those in far-flung landers). For our budget-friendly gift basket ideas, we will be including things made with our own hands. Not only will this save us heaps of dough, it will also increase the points on the thoughtful scale as registered by the receiver.
We've broken these homemade gift ideas into a few sub-categories. Stuff for her, stuff for him, and gift basket ideas for anybody.
Spa Basket - This gift basket idea is perfect for that friend who needs a good excuse to relax. Fill it with loofahs, body washes, bath gels, candles, and a succulent for a pretty finishing touch. Head over to Style Me Pretty for more ideas.
Color-Themed Kitchen Basket - Stick with two or three colors and make sure to add a personalized piece like the gorgeous monogrammed dish towel in this basket.
Pancake Gift Basket - This might be my favorite... all the things you need to make a delicious pancake breakfast, complete with blueberry syrup. Go for store-bought pancake mix, or make your own (chocolate chips, anyone?). Also could include regular maple syrup, coffee beans, and fresh fruit. Check out the details here.
DIY Movie Night Basket - DVDs, popcorn and candy... what could be better?! Wrap it in cellophane and add a big red bow to make it extra pretty. Here are the details.
Girls' Night In A Basket - This is a fun one... fill a basket with magazines, nail polish, bath gel, lotion and other relaxing goodies for the girlie girl on your list. Check out the original post here.
Pasta Dinner Basket - Buy (or make!) a good bottle of marinara, some high quality spaghetti and a nice bottle of olive oil... and don't forget the red wine! Read more about this gift basket idea here.
Margarita Basket - Pair a bottle of tequila with a good margarita mixer, and add a couple of limes and a yellow citrus juicer. Beautiful! This gift crate goes above and beyond by including a little lime tree, but we'll let you decide if that's excessive or not. More info can be found here.
Source: The TomKat Studio Blog
Hot Chocolate Gift Basket - This is the perfect gift to keep your friends warm on those chilly winter nights. Create a gift basket for one with a single packet of cocoa mix, or put together a basket for a crowd by adding extra supplies. Check out the full tutorial here.
Perfect Morning Gift Basket - Make a "Your Perfect Morning" basket filled with ground coffee, a mug, reading materials, breakfast snacks, etc. Read more about it here.
Gardener's Gift Basket - For the friend in your life with a green thumb... new gardening gloves, a watering can and a pretty plant to tide them over until spring. Read more here.
Happy Hour Basket - A bottle of wine, unique glasses, a pretty tea towel, a baguette, grapes and other snacks are perfect for this one. Read more here.
Beer Lover's Basket - Assemble this one according to the recipient's taste; stick with domestic beer if that's what they usually drink, or go with a mix of unusual craft beers if they like to try new things. Check out more good ideas here.
Fresh Popcorn Gift Box - Similar to the Movie Night basket! You can use popcorn boxes as the "basket" for this fun little gift, and throw in some homemade seasoning mix. Find details here.
Soup Basket - You've probably seen the soup-in-a-jar idea, but why not take it a step further and include everything needed for a soup-tastic meal? Add a pair of cute bowls, spoons, and some artisan bread, and don't forget the recipe to cook the soup!
Breakfast For Two - This one has to be made right before, but it will be worth it... the recipient is sure to love it! Click here to read up on what to put in a "Breakfast in Bed Basket."
Coffee Lover's Basket - This gift basket idea is super fun. Combine K-cups, vanilla syrup, and delicious biscotti for a coffee lover's dream gift. Check out the instructions (and free printable tags) here.
Winter Weekend Escape Basket - Make a wintry weekend escape basket filled with a deck of cards, a cozy blanket, and hot cocoa. Check out the tutorial here.
Gift Basket Ideas for Women - What to Include in a Gift Basket for a Female Friend
If you aren't keen on the idea of a themed basket, and are looking for gift basket ideas for a female friend, coworker, or relative, here are some things you could include. We're linking out to the DIY-version of these gift basket items, but you could just as easily purchase them if you're in a rush:
Lotion bars:This simple recipe looks like white chocolate peanut butter cups!
Bath bombs: Although a little more involved than the previous ideas, this fizzy bath bomb recipe sounds delightful both to make and give (there are other great all-natural recipes in this article, too!).
Sugar or salt scrub: The great thing about a DIY sugar scrub is you can give it any scent you like! Care2 has some GREAT recipes for sugar scrubs--all sound good enough to eat.! For salt scrubs, this selection from Tipnut is nice and informative.
Bath salts:Tipnut has a nice variety of how-tos, plus scent ideas. When you make bath salts, be sure to make several cups, so there will be enough for several gift baskets.
Oatmeal soap:Handmade soap is a sweet and thoughtful gift, but even more so when you make it yourself!
Gift Basket Ideas for Men - What to Include in a Gift Basket for a Guy
So, you need to put together a gift basket for a male friend? Here are our best dude-inspired gift basket ideas. We're linking out to the DIY-version of these gift basket items, but you could just as easily purchase them if you're restricted by time:
Cuticle cream: Although most recipes for cuticle cream are targeted towards women, we're including it in the guys' column just to bring awareness to men's cuticle situation.
Hand cream: Again, this recipe for hand butter could be for her, but we like it for him. Especially "hims" that work with their hands.
Shaving cream: This is a real treat - all-natural, homemade shaving cream, which surprisingly isn't made of any hard-to-pronounce or exotic ingredients!
After shave salve: For that guy with dry skin, try this recipe for coconut/shea butter salve. I'm guessing it would be great for calloused hands and fingers too (there's also a recipe for Apple Cider after shave on this page).
Bath mitt: Martha tells us how to make a super easy bath mitt for the guy who shuns the puff (a nice accompaniment would be to include a bar of the coffee soap listed above).
Reed diffusers: Guys seem to gravitate to diffusers more than to potpourri, which is why a DIY reed diffuser would be a great addition to a guy's gift box. I'd scrounge in the recycling bin here too and look for a tall, medium-sized, capped glass bottle in which to put the tincture. Then I'd tie the reeds/bamboo skewers to the bottle with some jute to keep them tidy until they're ready to use.
Source: Apartment Therapy
Gift Basket Ideas for Everyone - What to Include in a Gift Basket that Anyone Will Love
If you're trying to put together a gift basket for someone that you know nothing about, the most sure-fire solution is to go with food! Everyone loves a sweet or savory treat, and you can't go wrong with a DIY gift basket filled with some of these goodies. Again, these links are to the DIY-version of these gift basket ideas, but you could just as easily purchase them if you're dealing with a time crunch:
Dipping spoons:Dipping spoons are especially good for those cocoa and coffee mixes. They can be made in a variety of flavors - a drop of peppermint oil would be a delicious treat! DIY dipping spoons can go on disposable cutlery, of you could use inexpensive spoons from the thrift store.
Turtles: A little bag of super simple pretzel turtles are a must for the DIY food basket (I've made these several times and they're fab).
Acorn cookies:These chocolate and peanut butter acorns are a new find for us, but they are sure to be a perennial favorite and another great addition to gift baskets everywhere.
Fudge: But not just ANY fudge. This is Russian fudge, and it has Bailey's Irish Cream in it!! This recipe explains all and also gives a substitution for the Bailey's if you don't swing that way.
Money-Saving Tricks and Ideas for DIY Gift Baskets
Gift baskets are a wonderful solution to a gift-giving quandary, but are especially impressive when their assembly doesn't stretch the budget. Here are a few tips and tricks for you DIYers who are crafting most of the components in your gift baskets:
Old jars: Bath salts, after shaves, balms, and the like are going to need containers. It doesn't hurt to take a peek in your recycling bin before you go out and buy all new jars. Salsa jars and other glass containers with a wide lid would be great for scrubs and balms, as they're easier for fingers to dip in. Bottles with smaller necks could be used for DIY reed diffusers. Read this article on how to remove jar labels and get rid of odors stuck in lids.
New jars: If you'd rather use 'fresh' jars, two great sites to visit are SKS and The Jar Store. Both sell jars perfect for some of the projects mentioned in this post, but they're sold in cases of twelve. However, at a dollar or so a pop, that's a lot of gift basket gifts for not a lot of cash. Of course, many big grocery stores do carry small canning jars, which would be a good choice too.
Bags: For packaging cookies, biscotti, and candies, bags are the way to go. A good resource is Creative Gift Packaging. Again, quantities are large, but the cost is still very low. For small quantities at a higher price, your local craft store is always a possibility too. I'd also recommend checking out the dollar section of Target, or the Dollar Store. And, of course, in a pinch there's always Ziploc.
Pots and tins: For the personal items like lip balms, check the recycling bin. Altoids tins work for solid perfumes and lotion. A great online resource for cosmetic containers is SKS and the Jar Store.
Wrapping: Any DIY gift basket looks luxe with a proper wrapping. Shrink wrap is a great option, and buying it on a roll is the most cost effective. Another option is to use inexpensive tulle to wrap the baskets. Tulle is cheap (as low as $0.79 a yard), and it comes in a variety of colors.
So Mother's Day is days away, and you're empty-handed.
Procrastinate much?
JK! There's no judgment here - I am the absolute worst at planning ahead.
But, let's not leave our moms thinking we don't care about them. Instead of panicking and grabbing the first tchotchke that catches your eye on the way home and playing it off as totally intentional, try one of these last-minute gifts your mom will love.
We've got you covered with gifts you can order online, simple ways to make a gift of flowers more special, and experiences you can share with your mom that will really make her day.
Are you in the mood to make some DIY gifts this holiday season? Then you'll want to peruse and pin our DIY gift guide. In it, we highlight 75 tutorials that cover just about everyone on your gift-giving list; mom, dad, girls, guys, tweens, kids, babies, fur-babies (that's cats and dogs to the uninitiated), hostess gifts and even teacher gifts. We've got it all covered. Take a look!
Although it's hard to believe, it's almost that time of year when holiday parties start occupying most weekends. Most people's go-to gift for these kinds of events is usually a bottle of wine, but sometimes it's nice to surprise your hostess with something different. Here are 60 fantastic DIY hostess gifts that you can start thinking about ahead of time to avoid excessive holiday stress.
Believe it or not, the holidays are sneaking up on us rather quickly. So today we're going to help you get a leg up on gift giving, by sharing one of our first gift guides of the season. Looking for a present for the home cook, amateur chef or grill master in your life? Perfect. Read on!
Though the holidays are supposed to be a relaxing, fun time, for many of us they end up being stress-fests. Between shopping for gifts, preparing holiday meals and treats, and managing family interactions, it can be too easy to end the year feeling worn-out and frazzled. But that's where self-care comes in. Taking the time to give yourself a break can make a huge difference, and if that break takes the form of a hot bath for you, you can incorporate the rejuvenating scent of evergreens via these Christmas tree bath salts. Or package these bath salts up with some other bath luxuries, and give them as a gift!
A lot of us (myself included) are dealing with extra emotions during the holidays. Whether it's stress, anxiety, or sheer panic, the gift-giving deadlines that creep up at Christmastime can bring up all sorts of feelings. Maybe it's your nieces and nephews that are stressing you out because you have no idea what kids are even into anymore! Or maybe it's your mother-in-law who who already has everything she could ever want. Or maybe your husband, when asked what he'd like for Christmas, only answers with the not-so-helpful phrase, "Whatever you'd like to get me."
Fortunately, you're not alone. We're all in this together, and we're going to make it through another Christmas season. So let's take deep dive into Christmas gifts: what people like, where to find it, and how to stay calm until the 25th gets here.
From seasoned DIYers, Martha wannabes, lovable geeks, young ones or the young at heart, there's something for everyone on this gift guide no matter what the budget. What's better is that these gifts are unique, so they're perfect for those that have everything, which is just about everybody on my Christmas
If I'm being honest, I have to admit I spent altogether waaaay too long putting together this gift guide. I just couldn't help getting completely caught up in the myriad of amazing toys and gifts available for kids these days. And best of all, many of them are handmade! Click through for my favorite finds.
Having trouble coming up with ideas for the friends, family, neighbors, etc on your holiday list this year? Check out this list of gifts for anyone on your list (guy or gal), all under $40. There's a little something for everyone, from sake cups and calendars to woodcut note cards and
As we wrap up the year, it's always fun to look back at some of our favorite DIY projects from the last twelve months. This year we worked with The Home Depot to come up with a whole series of projects and tool reviews, called Tool School. Here's a look at some of the DIYs I liked best, along with the tools that made them possible, plus, a selection of new gift ideas just in time for your holiday shopping.
It's the holidays and, SURPRISE! Everyone is stressed.
Be it the in-laws, end of year deadlines, travel, or all the shopping, this is a time of year that just makes us crazy. And as hard as it is suffering from burnout ourselves, it's even harder watching it in someone you care about.
Today's gift idea is for that special someone, your S.O.S., Stressed-Out Spouse (or Partner, or Bestie, or Sibling, or Other Significant Person who needs help). This self-care gift basket will help remind them to slow down and be good to themselves.
I've broken this gift basket concept down into four different elements that are important for centering: sleep, stress reduction, mindfulness, and me-time. The best thing about putting together your own gift basket is that you can scout your local shops for unique, handmade items and support those small businesses.
Boston locals, I purchased everything for this self-care gift basket at Cambridge Naturals in Porter Square, my favorite source for organic and natural products. And of course, I'm including online sources for the rest of you!
Ready to see how you can put together your own epic self-care gift basket for the holidays? Don't worry, I won't judge if you end up wanting to keep it all to yourself!
Keep reading for our tips to make the most relaxing gift ever!
How to Make an Epic Self-Care Gift Basket
1. Sleep
DIY Bergamot Pillow Spray
This is my own recipe for a super soothing pillow spray that helped me survive a long bout of insomnia. I've used it every day since and it never fails to mellow me out. Have your loved one spritz it on their pillow and sheets before getting in bed (if it's also your bed, be uber romantic and do it for them!), and they will be drifting off to sleep with a smile.
1. Fill your spray bottle nearly to the top with water. (Distilled water will make the spray last longer, but if it's used in under six months, filtered tap water is fine).
2. Add 40 drops bergamot essential oil, 15 drops vetiver essential oil, and a small splash of vanilla extract. Close the bottle, shake well, and give it a spritz to test. Adjust essential oil amounts as desired.
3. You can label the bottle with an old-fashioned label maker, washi tape, or a simple gift tag.
Eye Mask
Our bodies need darkness to sleep. Help that S.O.S. block out all the little electronic lights, street lamps, and other sleep-inhibitors with a comfortable eye mask.
Reducing stress is an essential aspect of good self-care. You can help by taking over some chores or errands so your S.O.S. can carve out some time to detox (even friends can benefit from an extra set of hands). And, these gift basket items will add a little chill to their lives.
1. Little Moon Essentials Tired Old-Ass Aromatherapeutic Mineral Bath Salt Soak
Image via Amazon
It smells delicious AND it's got a great tongue-in-cheek name, what could be better? A relaxing soak is perfect to help ease stress and tension. This particular soak from Little Moon has a very "gender-neutral" scent (i.e., it doesn't smell like flowers). If your S.O.S. doesn't have a bathtub, it would make a great foot soak as well.
This balm is so relaxing when rubbed onto the temples and insides of the wrists. I love applying it when I know my day is going to be particularly hectic.
3. The Friendly Swede Stress Relief Therapy Squishy Ball
Image via Amazon
Yes, a stress ball! Having a physical object to focus on is extremely helpful for calming nerves. Plus, your S.O.S. will have the strongest grip ever. A stone to keep in their pocket is another great alternative. You can even paint it with a mindful message.
3. Be Mindful
Speaking of being mindful, we all know that studies have proven that mindfulness is beneficial to our emotional and psychological health. Mindfulness effects our bodies too, by lowering blood pressure, relieving chronic pain, improving sleep, and more. I can't think of a better gift than that! Try some of these items to help your S.O.S. start a mindfulness practice.
Sitting down with an aromatherapy candle--with a wooden wick, please--is a great way to start being mindful. The scents engage your senses, and the wooden wick crackles,just like a campfire. Have you ever seen anyone not in the moment when there's a campfire around? Yeah, same effect.
2. Made Out of Stars: A Journal for Self-Realization, by Meera Lee Patel
Image via Amazon
A guided journal encourages mindfulness by asking you to reflect. I've been following Meera Lee Patel on Instagram, and just love her gentle messages of kindness towards oneself.
For a more minimal journaling approach, try The Five Minute Journal: A Happier You in 5 Minutes a Day, or a simple Moleskine Notebook, for the S.O.S. who already likes to journal.
4. Pamper
You just can't have self-care without a little indulgence! To me, relaxing during the holidays (or anytime, let's be honest) is all about little luxuries. This whole self-care gift basket is already pretty luxurious, but I included a few special products to really up the "spa day" feeling.
1. Heart Grown Wild Truth Facial Steam
Image via Heart Grown Wild
FACIAL. STEAM. Just those words feel luxurious. Tell your S.O.S. to add this blend of herbs to a bowl of boiling water, and lean over it with a towel over their head. Instant extravagance. If your local natural foods store has a good bulk section, you can even create your own blend.
A totally scientific survey of my circle of friends has taught me that a good sugar scrub is universally delightful. Give one to your S.O.S. to help them scrub away toxins both physical and emotional.
Don't forget a soft, gentle cloth, like a Turkish towel, to make your S.O.S. really feel like they are in a fine spa. Plus, you can nestle all the gift items in the towel for presentation!
So what do you think of this DIY self-care gift basket idea? Do you have someone in your life who could use some extra "them" time? (Better question is probably, do you know anyone who doesn't?)
What else would you include to help make a meaningful self-care basket? Let us know in the comments!
