5 homemade gifts from the heart

With Christmas right around the corner,

and the holiday shopping frenzy in full swing --

you might really be feeling the affects of 

buyers remorse. 

While it feels good to give to others,

a lot of us take ourselves broke in the process.

If you are looking for last minute,

inexpensive homemade gifts from the heart - 

look no further.

I have 5 ideas for you that 

not only won't break the bank,

but will show your loved ones you put

a little extra, tender love and care into their 

special gift.

Check out these D.I.Y (Do It Yourself)

Gift Ideas....

1. Fabric Wrapped Hangers

I think these are so cute and easy.

All that's needed for this simple project 

are some hangers from the Dollar Store which come

(8) to a pack, and some fabric scraps from

 a local craft store (Joanne Fabrics).

 I cut the fabric into strips and using a glue gun, 

wrap them around the hangers until they are covered.

Decorate as you please with bows and ribbons

(Dollar Store has these as well).

All my friends love them! :)

2. Homemade Sugar Scrubs

You can use products found around your home to make

these delicious homemade scrubs. Sugar scrubs

are great exfoliators for the face and body this time

of year when skin tends to dry out.

Check out these fabulous DIY scrubs

from Lipstick and Berries.

3. Scarf

Put your hands to good use and knit or crochet

something warm for your loved one this holiday.

Don't know how? 

Michael's (as well as local yarn/craft shops) offer classes 

or YouTube provides great tutorials to get you

started with basic stitches.

 A simple scarf will take you under 3 hours 

to create and makes the perfect cozy Christmas gift!

4. Crafty Paint Calendar

Came across this little project and loved the idea.
Using paint color samples from Home Depot, Lowe's, etc
you can create a customized calendar.
Place an inexpensive frame over it
 (you can find them for under $5)
and use a dry erase marker to change
the month and days. 

5. Baking

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that can be consumed!
 Head over to Trader Joe's for
some gingerbread mix and bake some fresh
gingerbread for friends and family!
Presentation is everything...so all it takes
are some adorable little tins to present something
freshly baked in that makes all the difference.
I found these cute ones for $1 at Christmas Tree Shop!
Gingerbread not your thing?
How about these adorable melting snowmen cookies
I made last night?

Hope I've given you some good ideas...
feel free to share your own! 

xo,

DIY - Coffee & Brown Sugar Scrub

Try this do-it-yourself face scrub

made from products found just around your kitchen! :)

Coffee & Brown Sugar Scrub

Yields: 1 cup

Perfect to fill one small mason jar! 

Ingredients:

3/4 cup coffee grounds

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg

1/3 cup coconut oil or olive oil

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

As with all facial products being tried for the first time,

test a small area for a reaction, 

then proceed with entire face.

1. Wash face thoroughly.

2. Apply sugar scrub to face, 

gently exfoliating for 60 seconds.

3. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Instant Results!

This is a great scrub for the winter months

because our skin tends to dry out and need more exfoliation,

due to heat we have pumping in our homes.

Exfoliate AT LEAST once per week

for optimal results. 

I love coffee,

so I hope you enjoy this nostalgic,

wonderful scent as well! :)

P.S  Gift idea,

add a ribbon, flower, and gift tag

to your mason jar for the perfect little 

'homemade with love' gift!

Bet you didn't know your coffee grounds could be so useful!
To find out even more uses for them, click here.

xo,