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.
ourhumbleabodeblog.com 
i 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.
Love this idea! A monogram version would be a great bridal shower gift, too 🙂
~Stop Me if You’ve Heard This One
I 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.
That ice cream kit is just the cutest…good family gift too (with some cute ice cream bowls). Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Cute ideas!
I 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!)
Such cute ideas! I love DIY-ing gifts. It makes it so much more meaningful!
chalkboard dipped wine glasses are a great idea. can you wash them like you regularly would though? super cute!
Hi 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
I LOVE the chalkboard paint wine glasses!!! That is SO fun! 🙂
These ideas are so cool I may have to try some of these next year