ThatCyndiGirl Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 I'm finalizing the list and plans. I've made about a gallon and a half of vanilla and we are making body butter bars this week. I'm considering sugar scrub, too, and maybe some pumpkin bread. What are all of you making? :bigear: Oreo truffles are always a possibility, too. And peppermint bark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thessa516 Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 Oooh fun! I need to make my lists. I know I want to make Divine Caramel Sauce and Homemade Cinnamon Almonds. For the children, I want to make this DIY chalkboard book. I'm looking forward to reading everyone's ideas. I normally steal a few of them. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatCyndiGirl Posted September 10, 2011 Author Share Posted September 10, 2011 I love that chalkboard book! Have you seen the chalkboard Contact paper? I bought it to make tags for my canisters, but havn't used it yet. I'm trying to figure out how many mini loaves I get out of one batch of pumpkin bread. I think I shall do a little research on that today. I'm considering making mini rum cakes, too. I love rum cakes and they keep so well that they don't have to be delivered fresh out of the oven. Always a plus! Oh, and do you think it would be weird to give homemade vanilla and something to use on your body (the lotion bars) and something baked? Oh, and pumpkin pie playdough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonlight Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 some ideas from previous years... aprons embroidered with child's name or initial or appliqued with initial and jar mixes for older child and homemade felt food for younger child painted wooden peg people--i've even seen little bowling sets made with these too.. reindeer poop stocking stuffers reindeer candy canes rainbow crayons decoupaged wooden blocks--decoupaged with scenes cut out from comic books and also pictures of the boys dressed up as various super heroes this year we plan on making: bubble magnets with pictures beeswax candles some deocupaged vintage comic art for the boy's bedrooms essential oils wet felted balls would leave to hear other ideas.... seema Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happygrrl Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 I'm finalizing the list and plans. I've made about a gallon and a half of vanilla and we are making body butter bars this week. I'm considering sugar scrub, too, and maybe some pumpkin bread. What are all of you making? :bigear: Oreo truffles are always a possibility, too. And peppermint bark. Do you have a good online source for vanilla beans? The site rec'd by my friends is always out of stock. :glare: I have not even started planning, though I hoped to make most of my gifts this year. I had better hop to it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HistoryMom Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 My mother gave us a great idea, I think. She's an artist, and often cuts up old abstract water color paintings that didn't quite work, and uses them for bookmarks. They're beautiful, useful, and easy to mail or use for stocking stuffers. I, personally, never have enough bookmarks. :) For children, last year I made some fleece afghan blankets with appliques of their initials, and this year I plan to make some beanbags/beanbag animals and prepare some packets of home-cut origami paper with instructions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonlight Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 how do you make the body butter bars......i'm thinking most soaps need glycerin..i have to see if i can find some here... i love the chalk book idea!! seema Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeaganS Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 (edited) This year I'm making peg dolls for my girls, possibly some bean bags and felt food. In past years I embroidered my dh's initials into some handkerchiefs (in a manly way). :) I also once etched a football logo onto a mirror for a friend who was obsessed and had a whole bedroom dedicated to this team's decor. It was pretty easy and not too expensive either. I actually find that surfing around on Etsy gives me lots of inspiration for things to do, especially kids toys. I'm going to be making my car-obsessed dd3 one of these for Christmas this year as well. Well, not exactly like that one, but that sort of thing. I really wanted one of these, but can't justify the price in our situation. It looks awesome though. Edited September 10, 2011 by MeaganS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatCyndiGirl Posted September 10, 2011 Author Share Posted September 10, 2011 Body Butter Bars: http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2008/11/homemade-lotion-bars.html I bought my vanilla beans on amazon. I paid $22 for a half pound which ended up as 74 beans, if memory serves correctly. I made all that vanilla AND had enough leftover for vanilla sugar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrganicAnn Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 Speaking of vanilla and vanilla sugar. I had some vanilla sugar sitting in my baking area for probably a year and finally used it to make a sauce for poached pears. It was delicious. I think it wouldn't really work or be too subtle. I'm knitting myself a circular scarf. It it turns out nice, then I might make one for my MIL. My DD is making something for relatives - we got this idea from a community art centre. You buy inexpensive bathroom tiles (white or black) they are about 15 cent each. Then you glue on mosaic tiles (can also add jewels, buttons, beads). If you leave the center flat with mosaic tiles, then you can call them coasters. Otherwise, they can just be 'art'. I also like to root rosemary plants in the fall. We can sometimes overwinter the rosemary plants in our garden, but if we have a very cold winter then they die. I will usually give away a few at Christmas or in the spring. Then there is baked goods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rjmakmom Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 I will definitely be trying out those body butter bars! They sound great! Beyond that, I will make some chocolate covered raisin clusters, saltine candy, cookies (of course) and numerous varieties of applesauce, some salsa, and apple butter. I need another good suggestion, though. Maybe something for the menfolk? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 I'm making dd a doll house out of a book shelf. Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 Homemade jarred apple butter decorated with origami crane ornaments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thessa516 Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 I actually find that surfing around on Etsy gives me lots of inspiration for things to do, especially kids toys. I'm going to be making my car-obsessed dd3 one of these for Christmas this year as well. Well, not exactly like that one, but that sort of thing. I really wanted one of these, but can't justify the price in our situation. It looks awesome though. Ooooh, love that car wallet. So cute! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
---- Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lailasmum Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 For my best friends kids I am making fleece jumpers and matching fleece trousers. I did fleece hat and scarves last year. Made my dd fairies from the felt wee folk book last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarbourLights Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 I'm just wondering how I can get on your gift lists?? Those body bars sound wonderful!! :drool: I'm more of a 'bake-a-holic' around the holidays and my gifts are for teachers (@ our HomeConnection program), mailperson, neighbors and the like and the gifts tend to be cookies, loaves of some type of bread, fudge, candies etc. I love to make it all, but can't have it in the house! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firestar Academy Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 I'm just wondering how I can get on your gift lists?? Those body bars sound wonderful!! :drool: ummm, yeah, me, too.:D robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 I'm just wondering how I can get on your gift lists?? :iagree: That's *exactly* what I was thinking as I read this list! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmvaughan4 Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 Last year, I made a playhouse for my nephew and DS; a quilt for my youngest niece; and a dress for my older niece. I'm making superhero capes for my nieces and nephew this year. Not sure what/if I'll make for my boys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-mex Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 I'm making dd a doll house out of a book shelf. Rosie Ooooh, is there a pattern? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetMissMagnolia Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 not doing that much here---the few close relatives that we will be buying for I think this year I've made up my mind to get books....I've gotten 2 and haven't even started on the lists....one year I made bath salts.....just don't have the energy/gumption to do it that time of year-with Zach's birthday and the holiday stresses......this year I'm declaring NO STRESS HOLIDAYS....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatCyndiGirl Posted September 12, 2011 Author Share Posted September 12, 2011 I agree about the no-stress holidays, but.....dh is about to deploy and I'm a stress baker, so that is how I work it all out. Last night as I was about to spray Pam on my mini loaf pans I noted a spot of rust and just BURST INTO TEARS. Apparently, 9/11 + deployment + PMS=meltdown. :001_huh: A pg friend of mine requested bread pudding so I am doing a Bread Pudding series this week:Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Vanilla Sauce, Double Chocolate Bread Pudding and I guess regular old plain bread pudding, although I've never made the plain kind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thessa516 Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 I agree about the no-stress holidays, but.....dh is about to deploy and I'm a stress baker, so that is how I work it all out. Last night as I was about to spray Pam on my mini loaf pans I noted a spot of rust and just BURST INTO TEARS. Apparently, 9/11 + deployment + PMS=meltdown. :001_huh: A pg friend of mine requested bread pudding so I am doing a Bread Pudding series this week:Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Vanilla Sauce, Double Chocolate Bread Pudding and I guess regular old plain bread pudding, although I've never made the plain kind. First, :grouphug:. Then, Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Espresso Whipped Cream. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatCyndiGirl Posted September 12, 2011 Author Share Posted September 12, 2011 First, :grouphug:. Then, Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Espresso Whipped Cream. :D Now that's just WRONG! If any of you are on pinterest my name over there is tricyndiloowho and I have a board titled, "Gifts to Make". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnsinkableKristen Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 If any of you are on pinterest my name over there is tricyndiloowho and I have a board titled, "Gifts to Make". LOVE your pinterest boards! I'm now following them all :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 Ooooh, is there a pattern? :) Nope! Step one: Scrounge book case. Step two: Decorate! We've got one with two shelves which my dad made years ago to fit school folders, so it's a good size. He only put a bar across the back, so I'll have to take that off and replace it with a plywood sheet or something. When I was a kid I saw a book on decorating doll houses and they used red lentils as floor tiles which tickled my fancy, so I've wanted to do that ever since! Mum is making her some pipecleaner dolls to go with it. :) Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatCyndiGirl Posted September 12, 2011 Author Share Posted September 12, 2011 LOVE your pinterest boards! I'm now following them all :D Why thank you, dear! I just made another one a few minutes ago "Deployment Projects" because I thought the title "Things I Hope to Do While He is Gone, but Will Probably Never Get Around to" was too long. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 I was just contemplating this tonight. I like to give homemade gifts, it seems more thoughtful somehow. Ds and I have been going through ornament projects so he can pick some to make for various relatives. I think I'm going with scented bath salts and flavored instant coffee mixes for the adult contribution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 I have not tried this recipe, but it looks easy & tasty, imo. Homemade Chocolate Syrup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsBasil Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 I'd like to make this for my brother and SIL, but am not sure if they will like it or not. I think if I find nice looking plates I can do this on my miniscule budget, but my taste and theirs is different. http://jamiecooksitup.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-make-your-own-tiered-serving.html They live in CA, like Ikea, and kind of...classic-modern expensive looking stuff. Maybe Target for plates? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sushi's Mom Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 Yes, you should be able to find some at Target. They have the melamine plates that would work really well. Square solid colors or round with some modern patterns. For the stem, probably a metal candlestick or the are direction on the web to use a metal rod. I'll see if I can find that for you. That would look more modern. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sushi's Mom Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 Here are some instructions and ideas if you want to use the melamine plates. http://alittleofthis---alittleofthat.blogspot.com/2011/01/diy-chic-tiered-stand.html http://www.giverslog.com/?p=6600 http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/01/05/how-to-make-a-cupcake-stand/ http://www.giverslog.com/?p=11063 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsBasil Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 Thanks! Their apartment has a huge outdoor deck and it always seems to be in the 70's and sunny where they are, so they entertain outdoors a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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