Tag Archives: gift ideas

7 Super Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers

Well, it’s now T-minus 5 days until the big day…do you have all your stockings stuffed?

If not, no worries! Here are 7 SUUUUPER last-minute stocking stuffers you can make and gift this weekend!

7 Super Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers

Candy Cane Sugar Scrub Cubes
Candy Cane Sugar Scrub Cubes

These scrubbie cubes make a great gift for anyone on your list. Refreshing and soft on the skin, these scrub cubes are sure to become holiday favorites in everyone’s stocking.

Grinch Bath Bomb Ornament
Grinch Bath Bomb Ornaments

This is like two gifts in one! Presented as an ornament, this gift can then be opened and used as a bath bomb for after the holidays. I mean, let’s be real, we’re all gonna need to relax after this one, right? šŸ˜‰

Handmade Sushi Roll SocksDIY Sushi Socks

Simply roll and pin some socks and you’ve got yourself a gift! Gift or “serve” them in a little bento box for a fun presentation.

Popcorn Ball KitsPopcorn Ball Kits

Filled with everything you need to make your own popcorn balls, these kits are super easy to make and great for gifting to cousins, co-workers and neighbors.

DIY Jewelry DishDIY Clay Jewelry Dish

Moms, grandmas, sisters, aunts and friends will love this beautiful clay dish…and you’ll love how easy (and fast!) these are to make! Don’t forget to make one for yourself, too!

DIY Grippy Socks10 DIY Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Turn plain ol’ socks into cozy grippers with a little fabric paint. Create a cute snowflake or star design, or let your imagination run wild!

DIY Candy Cane Sugar Scrub
Candy Cane Sugar Scrub

A few ingredients come together to create this delicious scrub that will help get anyone through the winter. You can make one huge batch or several small ones. Step aside, Santa…gift-giving just got real…

Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a ā€œCreativi-beeā€ post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.

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16 Last-Minute Candy Barks You Can Make for Christmas

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift for friends and family? Forget the cookies and go for the candy bark!

Easy and quick to make, these candy bark recipes make a great gift for anyone on your list. Use the recipes below or mix and match your favorite holiday flavors to create your own unique creations!

16 Last-Minute Candy Barks You Can Make for Christmas

candy barks

  1. Rocky Road Chocolate Bark
  2. Candied Orange Peel Bark
  3. Chocolate Cherry Bark
  4. Candied Bacon Bark
  5. Peanut Butter Pretzel Bark
  6. Swirled Peppermint Bark
  7. Chocolate Peppermint Bark
  8. Snowman Bark
  9. Oreo Cookie Bark
  10. Pomegranate Bark
  11. Gingerbread Bark
  12. Pretzel Bark Bites
  13. Quick and Easy Holiday Bark
  14. Cherry Cashew Bark
  15. Super Nutty Chocolate Peppermint Bark
  16. Salted Caramel Chocolate Bark

Every Monday is a ā€œReci-beeā€ post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips.Ā 

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10 Jellies, Jams and Other Canned Creations

Canning isn’t just for pickling…you can make delicious jams, jellies, butters and even salsas using the ol’ trusty mason jar.

Not only is this a great way to use fruits and veggies that are nearing season’s end, but these canned creations make great gifts for the holidays.

Surprise the hostess with the mostess with some homemade apple butter, or fill holiday stockings with a can of homemade salsa. Thrifty and fun to assemble, these canned jellies, jams and butters will help you clean out your produce stash in no time!

10 Jellies, Jams and Other Canned Creations

jellies-and-james

  1. Canned Apple Pie Filling
  2. Easy Refrigerator Dill Pickles
  3. Old Fashioned Apple Butter
  4. Homemade Salsa
  5. Bourbon Soaked Cherries
  6. Pumpkin Ginger Jam
  7. 5-Minute Lime Curd
  8. Blackberry Jam
  9. Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
  10. Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter

Every Monday is a ā€œReci-beeā€ post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips.Ā 

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12 Scent-sational Soaps for Fall

Fill your house (or at least your bathroom) with the scents of fall. With these handmade soap recipes, you can create a fall oasis right in the comfort of your own home.

Combining favorite fall ingredients, like oatmeal, cinnamon, pumpkin spice and coffee, these 12 handmade soaps also make wonderful hostess gifts for Thanksgiving or any other fall family gathering!

12 Scent-sational Soaps for Fall

soaps-for-fall

  1. DIY Pumpkin Soap
  2. Orange and Comfrey Shey Butter Soap
  3. Melt and Pour Cinnamon Soap
  4. Apple Cinnamon Soap
  5. Easy Pumpkin Spice Soap
  6. Apple Cinnamon Goat’s Milk Soap
  7. Melt and Pour Orange Soap
  8. Melt and Pour Coffee Soap
  9. Green Apple Soap
  10. Honey and Oatmeal Soap
  11. Orange Soap
  12. Oatmeal Raisin Soap

Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a ā€œCreativi-beeā€ post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.

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The Road to Anywhere Key Chain

The first time I read The Phantom Tollbooth was right before my 31st birthday. Crazy, I know! I received the book from my aunt as a gift and tore through it in one sitting. I loved the messages about the importance of the journey, as that’s something that’s been drilled into my head by my parents since I was a little girl.

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One of my favorite parts of the book was this quote: “There are no wrong roads to anywhere.” I thought it so perfectly summed up everything we were taught about exploring every possibility, whether that be metaphorical or literal. I actually loved it so much that I turned it into this cute little key chain!

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Complete with a key charm to better convince you to hop in the car and just see where it takes you, this key chain makes a great gift for a graduate or someone about to embark on a new life-changing journey.

Made using polymer clay, this charm is surprisingly light-weight, durable, and super easy to make!

The Road to Anywhere Key Chain

Materials:

  • Polymer clay in desired colors (I used two shades of purple clay)
  • Small rubber letter stamps (I found mine in the dollar bin at Michaels)
  • Pen or toothpick
  • White paint
  • Key charm
  • Key ring
  • Paper towel
  • Mod Podge
  • Foam Brush

Instructions:

  1. To create the clay circle, I marbleized two purple clay colors together. Once marbleized, form into a circle, measuring about 2 in. across and 1/4 in. thick.
  2. Use your rubber letter stamps to stamp in your message.
  3. Using a pen or a toothpick, create the hole at the top of your charm for the key ring.
  4. Bake your clay charm following the directions for whatever clay you’re using.
  5. Once cooled, place a small amount of white paint on your paper towel. Quickly rub it over the letters, then rub as much of the paint off as you can, leaving the paint to sink into the stamped letters. This takes some practice, but if you mess up, you can use nail polish remover to take the paint off and try again.
  6. Let your paint dry, then seal it in with a coat of Mod Podge.
  7. Add your key charm, if desired, and your key ring and you’re ready to hit the road!
    keychain3

Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a ā€œCreativi-beeā€ post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.

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9 Photo Gifts for Mom

Word to the wise – Mother’s Day is this Sunday! If you’re still looking for a fun gift for mom, check out these adorable photo-themed gifts that mom is sure to love (I’m not even a mom and I’m looking at making some of these for myself!).

Great for last-minute gifts for moms, grandmas, sisters and friends, these photo gifts are sure to be well-loved and appreciated for years to come!

9 Photo Gifts for Mom

gifts-for-mom

  1. Wacky Planters
  2. Crazy Kids Bookmarks
  3. DIY Luminaries
  4. Modern Photo Wall Art
  5. Homemade MOM Sign
  6. Lavender Sachets
  7. Silhouette Pillow
  8. Easy Cut-Out Canvas
  9. Generational Photo

Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a ā€œCreativi-beeā€ post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.

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14 Inspiring Journals and Doodle Books

I never thought I would be the type of person who loved writing in books. I keep my books in the best condition I can…I never fold down pages or remove jacket covers…my dad would make fun of me, saying I should “live in the books” like he did (his were always filled with food crumbs and had water damage from reading in the tub), but I couldn’t do it.

But it wasn’t until I tried actually doodling and journaling in a book that I found that I actually loved it. It’s a great way to keep your brain active and is sure to be a fun memento for my kids and grandkids to find!

journals-and-doodle-books

If you’re looking for a way to relax and recenter, here are 14 awesome journals that are great motivators for getting more creative in your down time.

14 Inspiring Journals and Doodle Books

Wreck This Journal: Now in Color

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Rip it! Write it! Draw it!

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Doodle Diary: Art Journaling for Girls

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You’re Weird: A Creative Journal for Misfits, Oddballs and Anyone Else Who’s Uniquely Awesome

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Create This Book!

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My Life in Color: Inspirational Coloring Journal

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Write it Down, Let it Go

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Finish this Book

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Listography Journal

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642 Things to Write About

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Start Where You Are

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Good Days Start with Gratitude

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It’s Gonna Be Okay

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Present, Not Perfect

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Looking for a new book to read? Check in every Friday for a ā€œBee Happyā€ post, where I share reviews of books I’ve read or other book-themed lists.

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15 Fun Pom Pom Crafts

Aren’t pom pom’s da bomb?Ā  A great way to use up leftover yarn, pom poms make everything from shoes to scarves way more fun to show off!

With these 15 fun pom pom crafts, you can create your own fun wearables and home decor in no time…and you don’t even need a pom pom maker (though it does help!).

15 Fun Pom Pom Crafts

pom pom crafts

  1. Pom Pom Scarf
  2. Pom Pom Gift Tags
  3. Pom Pom Wreath
  4. Pom Pom Wall Art
  5. Pom Pom Floral Branches
  6. Pom Pom Rug
  7. Pom Pom Earrings
  8. Pom Pom Necklace
  9. Pom Pom Pillow
  10. Pom Pom Shoes
  11. Pom Pom Cake Topper
  12. Pom Pom Hair Clips
  13. Pom Pom Flowers
  14. Pom Pom Bookmarks
  15. Pom Pom Clock

Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a ā€œCreativi-beeā€ post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.

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15 Stocking Stuffers for Book Lovers

Ok guys, Christmas is coming but THERE’S STILL TIME to get your favorite bookworm a little something special for their stocking…

stocking-stuffers-for-book-lovers

Some think that shopping for a reader is difficult, since you don’t know what books are on their shelves already…but you can still please your favorite Jane Austen, Harry Potter, or Mark Twain fan without having to step foot in a bookstore!Ā  Here are 15 Stocking Stuffers for Book Lovers that you can buy right from the comfort of your own home (thanks, Amazon!).

15 Stocking Stuffers for Book Lovers

A page a day keeps the bordem away…

Wear your love of books on your sleeve…or arm or leg or face…

The perfect gift for those trying to keep track of their reading list.

Cook recipes from your favorite stories (I have this book and it’s adorable).

Not EVERY book lover loves tea…but almost every book lover loves a novel pun…

Novel Teas contains 25 teabags individually tagged with literary quotes from the world over, made with the finest English Breakfast tea.

Speaking of puns…

Every great book usually grabs you with the first line…

A little cushion for those long reading nights…

Every book reader needs this sign!

Keep on coastin’ with these Jane Austen coasters…

I always thought Quidditch was a deadly game…

Great for late-night reading…

If your book lover needs some tunage to set the mood, try this relaxing CD…

Music for Book Lovers

Or make your entire room smell like a bookstore…

Finally, this book and wine caddy is perfect for reading in bed, in the tub, or just on the couch curled up in a Snuggie…

Looking for a new book to read? Check in every Friday for a ā€œBee Happyā€ post, where I share reviews of books I’ve read or other book-themed lists.

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The Best Books to Give to Everyone on Your List

We all have so many different kinds of people in our lives…and it’s near impossible to find books that best suit every type of friend…BUT, I’m here to offer some help!

best-gift-book-ideas

Outside of the usual fiction lovers or top 100 lovers, there are people out there who just want to laugh at their sadness…or read about f*cking amazing food.Ā  There are people who need advice on raising their kids and people who are just kids at heart.Ā  With this list, you’ll be able to find amazing books that you can buy for your single friend, your friend who loves to travel, your friend who secretly loves a good YA novel and even your friend who is there for you during your most embarrassing times.

The Best Books to Give to Everyone on Your List

The Single Friend
Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant, Jenni Ferrari-Adler
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A collection of hilarious short stories about cooking for one, this book is a MUST even if you sometimes cook for two or five.

The Traveler
A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson
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No one can tell a travel tale like Bill Bryson. With hilarious antidotes about hiking the Appalachian Trail, A Walk in the Woods will make you want to pack a backpack (and maybe some toenail clippers) and hit the open road.

For the SAHM
Sh*tty Mom, Laurie Kilmartin, Karen Moline, Alicia Ybarbo, Mary Ann Zoellner
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Written by four moms who have seen it all, this book is the ultimate parenting guide. Each chapter presents a common parenting scenario with advice on how to get through it in the easiest way possible (like, ā€œHow to Sleep Until 9 AM Every Weekendā€, for example).

For the Foodie
F*UCK, that’s Delicious, Action Bronson
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This ain’t no cookbook. This ain’t no memoir. This is a devotional book about the overwhelming power of delicious – no, f*cking amazing – food.

The Working Girl
#GIRLBOSS, Sophia Amoruso
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The founder, creative director and CEO of Nasty Gal fills her memoir with advice on how to get hired, stay employed, and how to take care of your own business…all while keeping true to yourself.

For Music Lovers
Your Song Changed My Life, Bob Boilen
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NPR’s music guru asks dozens of artists (Jimmy Page, St. Vincent, Smokey Robinson) about the songs that inspired them.

For Film Buffs
Pictures at a Revolution, Mark Harris
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A look at five films, including The Graduate, Bonnie and Clyde, and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, that were made during the 1970s. Studios were taking chances and making daring, thought-provoking, original movies that had nothing to do with sequels. By some, it’s thought to have been the true golden age of Hollywood.

The DIY Enthusiast
Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People, Amy Sedaris
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Filled with actual great ideas for cheap ways to make gifts and decorate you rhome, Simple Times is bound to be a favorite with crafters and creative minds alike.

The YA Lover
One of Us is Lying, Karen M. McManus
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It’s The Breakfast Club meets Gossip Girl.Ā  Five teens walk into detention, but only four walk out alive.Ā  A threat to release juicy gossip about classmates finds one teen belly up in a classroom.

For Those Who Love a Twist
My Sister’s Keeper, Jodi Picoult
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I know it’s an old book, but I LOVED the twist at the end! When Kate is born with a horrible illness, her parents decide to give birth to Anna, a child who was medically altered to be able to be Kate’s sole blood and organ donor. But when Anna fights her family for rights to her body, things start to spiral out of control.

For the Book Lover
My Ideal Bookshelf, Jane Mount
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A large assortment of writers, actors, musicians, and popular leaders in the country share what books would populate their ideal bookshelves.Ā  This book also features amazing illustrations of what those shelves might look like. A coffee table-style book that’s a must for any bibliophile!

For the Fashionista
Women in Clothes, Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits and Leanne Shapton
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The three women behind this book survey more than 600 women about their feelings and perspectives on fashion.

The History Buff
Grant, Ron Chernov
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Often misunderstood and under-appreciated, General Ulysses S. Grant is all too often caricatured as a chronic loser and inept businessman…but Chernov gives readers a new view of the General, bringing to light how one simple Midwesterner could at once be so ordinary and so extraordinary.

For the Soon-to-Be Grown-Up
Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps, Kelly Williams Brown
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Based on Brown’s blog, ADULTING, this book makes the scary, confusing ā€œreal worldā€ approachable, manageable…and even conquerable.

For the Quirky One
Don’t Worry, It Gets Worse, Alida Nugent
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They say misery loves company…and this book is like that weird friend you just need in your life sometimes…to help pick you up, dust you off, and give you a story so bizarre if not just to make you feel better about wearing your shirt inside out all day.

For the Visual Reader
The Lego Architect, Tom Alphin
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If you’re looking for a book for someone who just loves looking at pictures, take a gander at this book of amazing Lego creations.Ā  There are even instructions on how you can build your own replicas of the models featured in the book.

For Animal Lovers
The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein
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This book is about a man and his dog, narrated from the dog’s point of view. Enzo, the dog in the book, is the kind of pet that we all imagine we own…wise, genuine, loving, kind and comical.

Looking for a new book to read? Check in every Friday for a ā€œBee Happyā€ post, where I share reviews of books I’ve read or other book-themed lists.

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