Homemade gifts # 1 ... by Angie

We decided to make very simple gifts for family, friends, neighbors and teachers this Christmas. As we all have taken a big financial hit these past few months as a result of the economic turmoil in our country, it has really made me appreciate the simple pleasures in life... maybe a cup of hot chocolate with my family or a relaxing bath with time to read a devotion.

So this year our family worked together to make hot chocolate mix and scented bath salts to give as gifts. It was so simple that even the children were able to help.

Hot Chocolate Mix

1 - 30 oz can of Nestle Quick
2 pound bag of confectioner's sugar
1 large (22 oz) jar of Cremora
1 box (25.6 oz) of powdered milk

Using a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together. Wash the containers and make sure they are completely dry before placing the mixture inside. If you have a table in the garage, it may be a good idea to mix it up outside because the "chocolate dust" leaves a fine coating on your counter tops and floor. Once I mixed it together, we packaged it in the kitchen.

To prepare hot chocolate, add 3 to 4 Tablespoons of the mixture to hot water and enjoy!

I taught my kids how to make bows using curly ribbon, and we printed a Christmas message, along with the preparation instructions, on the cards.

The cost is $ .67 per cup of mix, and the containers I purchased at the Dollar Tree for $1 each! Some containers held 4 cups and the others, 2 cups.

Scented Bath Salts

2 cups Epsom salt
1 cup rock salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of glycerin
Scent (Purchased at Michael's. It is on the candle and soap making aisle.)
Coloring is optional. (I do not add it because it does not look very "clean.")

Simply mix ingredients together and store in an air tight container. Again, the containers came from the Dollar Tree so the cost came to approximately $2 a gift.

Do you have ideas for homemade Christmas gifts that are inexpensive and fun to make? (You can share one from years past if you don't want to give out all your secrets for this year.) Email us at CelebratingChristmas@gmail.com with pictures and directions. We love sharing ideas!