Cupcakes? Twinkies? Donetts? No, that can’t be right. Gifts, that’s the word I was looking for! Chances are, you’ll attend one or more parties between now and 2012, so we’ve got a few hostess gift ideas that are quick, cheap, and easy. Just the way I like ‘em. (That’s what he said).
First up, flour sack towels. I bought a set of four towels for $3.99 at Target. Then, hit up a craft store for fabric paints, either in a tube or a pen, and perhaps a stencil.
The key is to choose a design that looks good filled in. Choose something simple to start. I started a random chevron pattern along the bottom edge. Work with a piece of cardboard beneath to protect your work surface. Paint your design, let it dry, and then iron it for packaging. You can see I didn’t follow those last two steps.
Here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning. (No, I’m not encouraging you to copy these items. Just giving you some inspiration.)
Chevron Tea Towel from Erin Dollar:
Super Squirrel Towel by Fuzzy Mug:
Feather napkins from Tangerine Home:
Retro Trees Towel by Red Wren Designs:
Whisk towel from Pony and Poppy:
Oklahoma towel by Weather and Noise:
Or, you could sew a pretty fabric or trim along the edges or just the ends.
scented lotion in a decorative jar, soap pump…
For a wine lover, make a pretty no sew wind bottle cover.
Or, chalkboard painted wine glasses:
Fill painted mugs with a few packets of hot chocolate and maybe a few marshmallows:
If your hostess loves to bake, how about an oven mitt filled with baking goodies?
For a young family, try an ice cream sundae kit.
cassie
/ December 13, 2011i love the tea towl idea… this year i made candles and those jar snow globes, but i think i am going to do that next year- but maybe start in the summer instead of november.
by the way- loved the animals yesterday- emmy’s 5th bday is in january and we are doing winter woodland theme so i am thinking of making those as favors.
Justine Lorelle
/ December 13, 2011Love this idea! A monogram version would be a great bridal shower gift, too
~Stop Me if You’ve Heard This One
Tiff
/ December 13, 2011I love the ice cream kit! How fun. I also like the dipped wine glasses in chalkboard paint. I am thinking of making a big batch up and stashing them in my gift closet for those last minute gifts.
US
/ December 13, 2011That ice cream kit is just the cutest…good family gift too (with some cute ice cream bowls). Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Kate @ Twenty-Six to Life
/ December 13, 2011Cute ideas!
Catie
/ December 14, 2011I LOVE these ideas! Any ideas for homemade teacher gifts? (I know a lot of the ideas above could also be used for teachers, but…I’m creatively and artistically challenged!)
Kristen
/ December 14, 2011Such cute ideas! I love DIY-ing gifts. It makes it so much more meaningful!
Nessa@CasaBraaflat
/ December 14, 2011chalkboard dipped wine glasses are a great idea. can you wash them like you regularly would though? super cute!
ourhumbleabowed
/ December 14, 2011Hi Catie, Thanks!! Sadly, our boys aren’t in school yet, so I didn’t even think about teacher’s gifts. Sorry. Maybe check Pinterest?
Hey Kristen! Thanks! Hand made gifts really are better.
Hi Nessa, That’s a good question, but I don’t know the answer because I’ve never made them. I bet you could wash the glass part by hand and carefully wash the painted parts.
Thanks!
Amanda
Anneke
/ December 14, 2011I LOVE the chalkboard paint wine glasses!!! That is SO fun!
Shirley
/ December 14, 2011These ideas are so cool I may have to try some of these next year