Last Minute DIY Christmas Gifts

BLOGMAS- Day 17

Hello!
With Christmas approaching, I thought that I would post some ideas for great homemade Christmas gifts. These all make great presents and are really easy to make. They are perfect for a last minute present so give them a go!

Homemade Lip Scrub

This is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of pampering! The lip scrub can be made in any flavour you like so you can choose something really special for your friend.

To make this lip scrub, you will need:

• Something moist- vaseline, honey or an oil (coconut or olive oil works well)
• A sugar- brown or white
• A flavouring- cinnamon, vanilla, lemon juice, orange extract, peppermint extract, a small amount of your favourite lip balm/stick
• Some small pots to put the lip scrub in

It is up to you what you want to use but I would recommend lemon juice, honey and sugar or vaseline, a small amount of lip balm and sugar. Mix a little of each ingredient together and add more depending on the consistency you want. If you want it to be wetter, add more of the moist ingredient but if you want it to be drier, add more sugar. You have to judge it by eye. Stop when you reach your required texture and scoop into little pots. Decorate with a pretty label and give to your friends! If you want to make it extra special, put a pot of the lip scrub in a larger jar filled with other spa items such as a bath bomb, fluffy socks, hand cream or bath salts. I like to call this a spa in a jar!

Candy Cane Lollipops

This sweet treat is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. It looks so impressive but is so simple to make!

To make 4 candy cane lollipops, you will need:

• 8 candy canes (I used peppermint ones)
• 1 medium sized bar of chocolate (either dark, milk or white)
• 4 lollipop sticks or kebab sticks
• Christmassy sprinkles to decorate

Start by carefully unwrapping the candy canes. Make sure you don't break any! Then lay them out in   heart shapes with a lollipop stick in the middle on a lined baking tray. Then gently melt the chocolate either over a pan of simmering water or in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat it! Carefully spoon the melted chocolate into the space in the middle of the lollipops and decorate with sprinkles. Leave them to set completely before carefully lifting them off the baking paper. I like to give these to friends wrapped in cellophane and tied with a pretty ribbon.

Christmas Chocolate Bark

This chocolate bark is so tasty and you can make it extra special by topping it with your friend's favourite toppings.

To make one bar of bark, you will need:

• 1 bar of milk chocolate
• 1/2 a bar of white or dark chocolate
• Toppings of your choice- you could add smarties, nuts, Christmassy sprinkles, marshmallows, edible glitter, m&ms, silver balls, sweets, chocolate chips etc.

Start by melting your milk chocolate either in the microwave or in a glass bowl over a saucepan of water on the stove. Spread the chocolate out on a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Make sure you don't spread it too thin! Melt your other type of chocolate and either drizzle or pipe it over the milk chocolate. Sprinkle over your chosen toppings and leave to set in a cool place. Make sure the sprinkles are evenly distributed all over the chocolate. Once it has set, break up the chocolate bark into pieces and wrap in cellophane.

I hope you will try these easy gift ideas! They are really simple to make but make great gifts.