In my before children days I was one of those annoying people who had their Christmas presents purchased, wrapped and stored in a closet by the end of September. By the first of December my house was decorated, the cards were sent and I could plan parties for thirty to fifty without blinking an eye. After kids I noticed our gift list had expanded. We needed gifts for coworkers, teachers, the kids’ friends, gift swaps at school, church, etc. I began making gift baskets of candy, and as more and more people requested this for their gift, I realized how much a homemade gift was appreciated. “Cause it’s made with love,” someone told me once.
The dipped peppermint canes take only three ingredients; white chocolate bark, candy canes and sprinkles. Simply melt the white chocolate candy bark in the microwave. I usually do this for one minute, stir, and microwave for 30 seconds more. Then dip the tops of the candy canes into the melted white chocolate. Helpful tip: Unwrap all the candy canes before dipping or the chocolate will harden. Place the dipped canes on a piece of waxed paper and immediately add the sprinkles. Small sprinkles or colored sugar will adhere to the chocolate better than large ones. You can be as creative as you want to be with these candies; use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, different flavors of candy canes, and the sprinkles of your choice. Once the candies have harden, place two to three small cocoa packets in the snowman mug and arrange two of the candy canes in front.
Naturally, when I am purchasing all my supplies to make the homemade gifts, I try to save money whenever I can. One of my favorite new ways to save money is the Shopular App. Since I’ve installed it on my phone I can look at ads for all my favorite stores and pull up coupons online. While I was shopping for Christmas presents the other day at the mall, I heard a small ding. I looked and the Shopular App had notified me of a $10 off $30 coupon from my favorite store, Bath and Body Works. Combined with their Buy Three, Get Three free sale, this brought the price of six bottles of body wash down to $27.50. Score! Merry Christmas to me and my family! They could have fun presents and I could save money. By selecting my favorite stores, I get alerts whenever I am in the stores. I can be as crafty as I want to be!
What is your favorite homemade gifts to make and give?
I’ve paired with Shopular to bring you fun recipes, crafts and tips this Christmas Season. Don’t miss my other posts in this series featuring my Simple Christmas Centerpiece, my Simple Christmas Tablescape and my Peanut Butter Candy Bar pie recipe.
What an awesome idea for a gift. I never would have thought of dipping a candy cane into chocolate. Bet it tastes awesome.
Those are super cute! I love how festive they are and the mug is cute as well 🙂
I need one of these to be sent to me ASAP!
I love getting homemade gifts. Especially when it is food related lol
Love that mug. Yum yum. Chocolate and peppermint , its like winter in my mug.
This is such a cute gift idea. I love the chocolate covered candy canes. This is a great gift for teachers.
That’s an awesome way to spruce up the candy canes. Everything looks very cool!
This is such a cute mug. It would make a great gift with the hot Cocoa.
Nothing like a hot cup of cocoa, it always helps me sleep!
I love peppermint sticks a lot, they are so yummy!
Oh my word. That mug is WAY too cute! What a really cute idea and gift. I would love to get or give this! Adorable.
That is an adorable gift idea. I would love to receive that myself even!
This is such a great idea. I love this! I know someone who would love receiving it.
Oh your treats look yummy – chocolate and peppermint, right up my alley!
Oh my goodness what an adorable gift – I would most definitely love to receive something like it. x
That is idea for neighbor gifts too! Not difficult for kids to help put together either.
I love adding a candy cane to my cocoa, but never like this! What a fun idea!
What a cute and sweet gift. Perfect for a teacher, co-worker or Secret Santa!
This is a great idea. Sometimes I think homemade gifts are much better then stereo bought ones.
Now that I am older, there is nothing at all I need. When someone takes the time to make me a handmade gift… You can bet I really appreciate it
My favorite homemade gift to give is my honey bath melts. But this can be included for a nice pampering gift basket!
Everyone will appreciate some cocoa. I love the stirrers!
That is an awesome gift idea. I might make some for the boys teachers.
What a sweet gift, literally! Perfect for teachers and the like.