Super Easy Last Minute Gifts and Treats

Well, it's crunch time, and if you're a little bit like me at all, you've avoided going to the Mall and opted for yummy homemade goodies and handmade items your children can do with just a little bit of help from you.  There are so many lovely and wonderful ideas, sometimes it's hard to know what to choose from.  Here are a few suggestions for last minute baked (and not baked) goodies and some easy handmade crafts that are fun and great for unexpected visitors or perhaps someone you may have forgotten. (Of course that never happens at your house right, ;)   All of these items would make a beautiful adornment to any package, act as a stand alone gift for a child's friend, or are perfect for last minute decorating and of course could go on your tree!!

Felt Ponsettias w/ pom-pom centers

Felt Picture Frame Ornament or Gift Tag

Pipe Cleaner Bead Wreath

Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes

Do you see a recurring theme here!  These are so simple and fast, and a fun hour around the table with your kiddos and you've got oodles of gift tags, ornaments or a very simple gift to give when you're caught in a pinch!  (Like the piano lesson tomorrow that you just remembered and nothing for the teacher yet :o )  All of these simple crafts can be embelished beyond your imaginations as well, these are just the basics.  Have fun with them and see how they turn out!

Now for a few yummy treats!  I saw these both in the lastest issue of Martha Stewart's Holiday Magazine and just couldn't resist trying them. 

Peppermint Stick or Candy Canes Dipped in White Chocolate and Sprinkled with Pareils

Angel Kiss Meringues for Christmas or Hannukah

Helloo! Do these look tasty or what!!  We're going to do our Meringues a couple of different ways.  I watched Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade Holiday Special and saw a way to do these and make a fun driedl:  She made white meringues and then glued them end to end with some thick white icing and then rolled them in blue sugar.  After that she painted a few of the meringue hollows with blue food coloring to give it a fun effect.  We're going to give these to a few of our friends celebrating Hannukak this week!  Also we'll try doing white and pink Angel Kisses and maybe dip them in colored sugar as well.  If they last that long that is :)

Hope this gives you a few easy and joyful ways to spend this last week of Advent!!  Thanks for visiting and May God Bless you in your day!

Comments

[Dawn]

Meredith, these are all wonderful ideas! I especially love the felt projects and the bead wreath! Thanks, and Merry Christmas!!

[Genevieve]

This is wonderful and perfect timing!! *winks* How did you transferred the photo onto felt?

[Karen E.]

Great ideas, Meredith! Thank you!

[Jennifer]

Meredith, those meringues look amazing! What neat ideas.

[Kristen Laurence]

I just found your blog through Elizabeth Foss's site. It is so cheerful and full of life, I'm happy I stopped by! Blessings to you and your beautiful family!

[Genevieve]

I was stopping by to read an old post of yours and just wanted to say I love your new potrait. Absolutely radient!