DIY holiday gifts that are fun, easy, and inexpensive. Here are a few projects to get in the holiday spirit.

1) Snowflake Holder

You will need:

Empty candle container

Drawings or printed pictures of snowflake (multiple sizes)

Sandpaper

White Spray Paint

White Puffy Paint

White/Clear/Silver Beads

Instructions:

-Use the sandpaper to “scratch” the entire candle holder (this helps the paint stay).

-Spray paint the entire holder in one light coating so it remains transparent.

-Tape drawings of the snowflakes on the inside of the holder (facing outward).

-Trace the drawing with white puffy paint and let dry.

-Spray paint over the whole holder (as heavy as you want it to be) and let dry.

-Add beads inside the holder (the beads help the items placed in the container stand up and are a great additional decoration).

Notice that the paint is transparent, so spray the paint lightly covering the whole container.

It is easier to trace snowflakes because the paint is transparent.

This snowflake “holder” is easy to make and is a great gift to give for Christmas.

There are a variety of things you can put in this holder such as makeup brushes, pencils and pens, candy etc.

2) Cinnamon Wrapped Candle

You will need:

Candle

Cinnamon Sticks

Hot Glue Gun

Scissors

Dish/Coaster/Plate

Brown Twine

Instructions:

-Measure candle height and cut cinnamon sticks to that height.

-Run hot glue on one side of the cinnamon stick.

-Attach vertically to candle.

-When first stick is dry, glue the next stick right by the other. Repeat until the candle is covered.

-Place candle on the dish.

-Tie the twine around the candle in a bow.

Glue the cinnamon sticks vertically and close together, until the whole candle is wrapped with the sticks.

You can improvise with the cinnamon sticks if you don’t have enough. I cut the cinnamon sticks in half and lined them up on the bottom.

Everyone will be happy to receive one of these candles for Christmas.

The cinnamon around the candle is a great way to “spice” it up.

Photo Courtesy of Erica Kendree, Copyright 2013

3) Christmas Mint Cookies in a Jar

You will need:

Mason Jar

Decorative Ribbon

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp of baking powder, baking soda, and salt

1/2 cup red and green M&M’s

1/4 cup crushed peppermint

Layer the jar in this order:

Baking powder, baking soda and salt, brown sugar (use the back of the spoon to pack it down), white sugar, M&M’s, and crushed peppermint.

Print the instructions below and attach them to the jar.

Ingredients:

1 egg lightly beaten

1 stick of butter room temp

1 tbs vanilla

Instructions:

-Pour the entire contents of the jar into a large mixing bowl.

-Mix in 1 egg and 1 tbsp vanilla.

-Beat in 1 stick of butter.

-Form dough into a big ball in the bowl cover with saran wrap and chill for a minimum of 30 min, 1 hour is preferred.

-Pre heat oven to 350F.

-Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Make little balls of dough and place on the prepared cookie sheet.

-Bake at 350 for 15-18 min.

-Remove from cookie sheet and let cool on a wire rack. Enjoy!

All the ingredients are layered in the jar and the label on the side of the jar tells the bakers what to do.

This gift is super easy and makes a great holiday gift.

Below is the finished product. The ribbons make the jar look more finished and add a festive touch.

Photography by Erica Kendree © 2013