What We Gave Our Families For Christmas

 For Christmas 2011 I've decided for the grown ups we are giving presents 'per couple' instead of individually. The first picture below is part of my stash, stuff I've accumulated earlier in the year. 3 wick candles, foaming hand soaps, body lotions, hand sanitizers and mini candles all in different scents. I make sure I only buy the things I like, that way even if I don't give them away, they will definitely be used -- by me!

This picture is the 'after', after the items have been wrapped in clear bags and tied with red ribbons. The bags and ribbons I got for free at Bath and Body Works (or BBW). Every time they had a sale, I made a purchase (with coupon of course) and I asked for a few bags and ribbons. BBW products make great presents all year 'round!

 Here is a close up of one of the gifts. Inside is a 3 wick candle, foaming hand soap, body lotion, lip gloss. I tied a pocket back hand sanitizer with a silver tie (can't tell from the picture) that I already had, along with the gift tag. And over that I tied the red ribbon, makes for a pretty presentation, don't you think?

More Christmas Gift Ideas

     In a previous post I've mentioned how I started putting together Christmas gift ideas in August. I felt if I started looking out for sales many months before the holiday, buy a few things here and there every pay...its not a tough as trying to buy everything for everyone the entire month of November and December. I prefer to give presents I don't mind receiving myself  :)

     The pictures below is not all I got since August, just an example of what I have and what I did with them. I found out that when you buy stuff from Bath and Body Works (BBW), you can ask for their clear plastic bags, tags and ribbon...its free!! So every time I shopped at BBW, I asked for a few bags, tags and ribbon. Perfect for last minute gifts. 

     Oh, the ribbons used below are my own...I wanted them used up. These are going to be Teacher presents!!!

 from left to right: be Enchanted body lotion (2oz), Cranberry Woods (1wick) candle,

and a Mrs. Clause Apple Pie scented hand sanitizer (1 oz) 

 The things in this picture is same as the first one except the candle is Cranberry Pear Bellini (smells YUMMY)

and lastly the candle on the left is Apple Crumble (1wick, smells YUMMY), with a Vanilla Cookie scented hand sanitizer (1oz, smells like real cookies!) and the body lotion is Charmed Life (2oz, discontinued)

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with Bath and Body Works, nor am I compensated for this. I love their products and all opinions made are my own.

Ideas for Christmas

     'Tis the season for giving...and I've started putting together ideas to give away as gifts to friends and family not to mention those who teach my kids and make sure they're safe while in school and away from me. In the past I've baked goods like Amish Friendship bread, and muffins. Last year it was Oreo balls and something called a "poor mans" turtle, I put them in a decorated mason jar and viola! instant present.  The jar in the bottom was supposed to be decorated more, but I thought less is more hence the simple multi-colored ribbon. I made Oreo balls on a stick to look like a lollipop for Matt and Ali's class too.

Oreo Balls on a stick

Freshly made chocolate covered Oreo balls

The 'poor mans' turtle

Oreo balls and Turtles in a Jar

     I think as early as August I've started planning, and every year I want to be better, more creative than the previous year. This year I'm not cooking/baking anything. This time I am giving myself a so called break. I've decided people are getting candles, hand soaps, and body care products. As a budget conscious mother and wife, I like to get my moneys worth when I buy stuff. I like good quality stuff, I also like to give what I would like to receive. So my eyes were always peeled for sales....even better if an item is on sale and I can use a coupon! I buy things here and there from one of my favorite stores, Bath and Body Works...BBW for short. Even my children love this store.

     I think I have enough things  for gift giving, I will be looking for ways have them all prettied up for the presentation, I mean I can't just hand them over all shoved in a bag, right? I've looked at little metal pails, some baskets and still haven't decided how I want the goodies packaged. I will keep you posted.