Last Minute Gift Ideas

This time of year it seems like we are always scrambling to get last minute gifts.  I really appreciate when someone takes the time to give me a homemade gift.  To me this means that special person took their time and energy to create something – even if it’s just cookies or candy it’s special!

I wanted to share some of my ideas for homemade gifts, and also share some of the gifts I have received from all the great ladies that I am lucky enough to know.

 

 

This year I made rosemary garlic infused olive oil and various types of vinaigrette.  My go to salad dressing is simple olive oil, white vinegar, salt & pepper.  My mother often made the rosemary and garlic infused olive oil.  Sometimes she would add a hot pepper, which adds heat but also makes the bottle very pretty.  As for the bottles to put your mix in, here are two options.   The left bottle can be purchased at Ikea and one on the right was recycled from a Sangria bottle.  I chalk painted over the writing on the bottle.  Then you can add a personal message or label.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I come from a long line of creative women.  I can remember growing up, my mom and her sisters would make all kinds of crafts, cookies, ornaments, and needlepoint.  When I had both of my girls, my aunt Amy made ornaments to commemorate.  Now every year my aunt Barb sends goodies in a cute little box and my kids always look forward to it.

My mom and one of her friends made the bear ornament out of reclaimed tin tile from an old building where I grew up – so creative and so many great memories when I hang it on my tree every year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My friend Renee made these adorable holiday bath salts for her daughters teachers.  I have another friend Julie, who hosted a great holiday get together and then gave everyone homemade preserves – cranberry jalapeno.  I can’t wait to try it over cream cheese.