Homemade Christmas Gifts

Christmas is coming! That means gifts, decorations, family, and craziness. I decided to share some homemade Christmas gift ideas that might be more affordable this Christmas. Homemade gifts are not about the money, but the heart behind them. When it comes to gift giving, I try to put myself in the other person's shoes to decide what they would really like.

For example, I have a family member who has a large paycheck and doesn't really need anything nor want anything. They are the type who finds something they like and just buy it. Gift giving for them is always a challenge. What do you get them? I try and think of things that they really like, but require some effort and time to make. For my family member, they work long hours and odd schedules. So, I am making small size freezer meals that can be warmed up at any time for a delicious meal. It is like fast food without the nasty fried fattiness. That is something they will enjoy and be useful too.

So, here is the first of -hopefully- many posts about homemade Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Share a piece of yourself instead of your wallet. 

Recycled Cookie Jars

Items needed:

Pringles Can (with lid)

Glue - I used Mod Podge

Decorative paper - 9 inch X 9 inch

Cookies

optional: other decorating items like a bow, ribbon, etc.

Take an ordinary Pringles can. I used the BBQ kind because my kids are obsessed with this flavor. I used the tall version, but I bet the snack size jars would work too.

I measured a piece of scrapbook paper, but wrapping paper or any kind of pretty paper would work. You need a piece of paper 9 inch by 9 inch.

I started putting glue on one strip of the paper to stick it to the Pringles can. Gluing additional strips along the paper, I glued the whole paper onto the can. For good measure, I covered the whole can in a layer of Mod Podge. You don't have to do this, but just make sure your paper is sufficiently stuck to the can.

Let your glue dry while you make cookies of your choice. I made chocolate chip cookies and used a small ice cream scoop for mini cookies. These ended up being the perfect size for the Pringles can.

Yummy cookies in the can.

You can stick a bow on the top, maybe tie a ribbon around the whole can to keep the lid on, or whatever your decorating needs require. Attach a tag with a note and you have a whole cute gift. If you make a good size batch of cookies, you can make several of these at once.

I bet some of you are thinking- what am I going to do with all those chips? Share them too! Maybe make a chip plate for family get-togethers, or start early and eat them yourself... Whatever your heart desires.

Happy Holidays!

Possum