Kelly’s Christmas Shop

Archive for the ‘Christmas Gift Ideas’ Category

This tasty fudge is soft, but not gooey. Be careful; it tends to splatter as it cooks. If you live at a high altitude, decrease cooking time to about 3 minutes or 222 degrees on a candy therm.

Yield: 30 pieces

• 2 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 12 regular marshmallows
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

In a 2-quart saucepan combine the sugar, evaporated milk, marshmallows, butter, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil and is bubbling. Boil and stir for 5 minutes; remove from the heat. Stir in the chocolate chips until completely melted; stir in the walnuts and vanilla. Spread into a buttered 8-inch-square pan and cool before cutting.

Long before the internet became as big as it is today, I received this list of Christmas gift ideas from someone. I do not know who the author is, but it’s a great list. While the gifts seem very simple, if given from the heart, they can have real impact.

1. M&M’s — “Have a merry and most wonderful Holiday Season!”
2. Soup or soup mix — Wishing you a “Souper” Holiday Season!
3. Frozen or ready to bake pizza — “Warm up to a wonderful Holiday Season “topped” with Christmas cheer!”
4. Apples and Hershey’s Hugs — A teacher can’t live by apples alone … She needs “hugs” too!
5. Popcorn balls — Hoping you have a “Ball” this Holiday Season!
6. Loaf of bread — For being there when you were “kneaded”, for “rising” to the occasion, large or small. For never “loafing” on the job, for helping others to “heel” with TLC. No matter how you “slice it”, you do a terrific job loving others. Merry Christmas!
7. Jolly Ranchers — Have a Holly “Jolly” Christmas!
8. Root beer — We’re “root—ing” for you to have a happy Holiday Season and a wonderful New Year!
9. Chex party mix — Remember Santa “Chex” his list twice to see who’s been naughty or nice … so be good for goodness sake! Merry Christmas!
10. Box of Hostess Ho—Ho’s — Hope a merry “HO — HO — H0″ fills your heart the whole year through! (Put a Santa sticker on the label)
11. Wire whisk — (Filled with chocolate kisses) “We “whisk” a Merry KISSmas!”
12. Jar of jelly — Jelly is like love — you can’t spread it around without getting some on yourself! Merry Christmas!
13. Christmas Tray — We “tray”sure your friendship! Merry Christmas!
14. Bell — With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true. And bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through! Merry Christmas!
15. Yule log — “We send you warm greetings this Christmas Season!”
16. Potpourri — “May this sweet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmases long ago!” Merry Christmas!
17. Cleaners — “You add sparkle and make our life brighter!” Merry Christmas!
18. Nuts — “We’re nuts about you!” Merry Christmas!
19. Lifesavers — ” You’ve been a life saver!” Have a great Christmas!
20. A juice pitcher filled with candy canes— “We pitcher you raising a little “cane” during the holidays!” Have a Merry Christmas!
21. Broom — You’re “Dust” the finest neighbors we know! Merry Christmas!
22. Paper towels — “Blot out your troubles; absorb the Christmas Spirit!”
23. Measuring cup or glass measure — “Wishing you joy beyond measure!
24. Bananas — If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we’d go bananas trying to find a better bunch than you!”
25. Any star ornament — “Remember the reason for the season!”
26. Chocolate mousse mix — “Merry Christmousse” to our “Deer” Friends!
27. Wooden spoon — Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or souffles; You’ll find this spoon useful in so many ways. But whatever it’s use, it says, “Merry Merry Christmas from us to you!”
28. Flower — “If friends were flowers, we’d pick you! Happy Holidays! Or “You make friendship bloom all year round!”
29. Heart Christmas ornament — “May the joy and love you give away, come back to you on Christmas day!”
30. Cinnamon sprinkles — (Cinnamon & Sugar, or cookie sprinkles) “May your Christmas be sprinkled with laughter and love!” Merry Christmas!
31. Hershey’s Hugs — “A friend always knows when you need a little hug!”
32. Christmas music … CD or tape — “May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart rejoice!” Or “May the merry sounds of Christmas bring a Joyful Melody to your holiday season” Merry Christmas!
33. Filled basket — “Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings”
34. Salsa — “Add a little spice to your holidays!” Merry Christmas!
35. Stocking or filled Jar — “Have a fun filled Christmas this year!”
36. Lamb — “Have “eweself” a Merry little Christmas!”
37. Candle — “May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year Bright!
38. Holly — “Happy Holly—days!”
39. Calendar — “Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!”
40. Shaped sugar cookies — “Rolling out a batch of Christmas cheer, for someone we think is very dear!”
41. Cherry 7—up — “Just a Little Christmas cheer from happy hearts this time of year! Merry Christmas!”
42. Sparkling cider — “Wishing you a sparkling holiday season!”
43. Warm casserole or bread — “Bundled up with warm wishes!”
44. Popcorn or carmel corn — “Just “popping” by with a Holiday Hi!” Or “May your holidays be poppin’!”
45. Seasoning mix — “Seasoned with love” Merry Christmas!
46. Eggbeater — “Have an “Eggstra” special holiday!”
47. Hershey’s hugs and kisses — “Christmas hugs and kisses to you ” Or “Holiday hugs and kisses to you!”
48. Apple pie of apple crisp — “Wishing you a scrumptious Christmas!”
49. Fruit Basket — “May your New Year be Festive and Fruitful!”
50. Any Sweet Treat — “Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!”
51. Oranges — ” Orange” you glad we’re Friends!?” Merry Christmas!
52. Chocolate orange — “Orange” you glad it’s Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a sweet one!
53. Sprite — “May your Christmas be merry and Sprite!”
54. Ice cream snowballs and hot fudge — ” Here’s some packaged “snowball” treats — Just drizzle hot fudge and it’s ready to eat! … Enjoy!”
55. Snickers bar — “Don’t “Snicker”, just be glad you got something!”
56. Mints — “Friends like you are worth a mint! Merry Christmas!
57. Matches — “No one matches you as neighbors!” Merry Christmas!
58. Strainer — (With a Christmas bow) ” We couldn’t restrain ourselves from wishing you a very Merry Christmas!”
59. Box of light bulbs — “Have a bright and radiant Christmas”
60. Bubble gum or Bubble bath — “May your holidays “bubble” over with fun!
61. Pencil and notepad — “Merry Christmas from our pad to yours!” or Merry Christmas to a “noteworthy” friend!”
62. Jar of Pickles — “Just in brine, Our wish for a merry Christmas!”
63. Grater and cheese — “To a grate neighbor! Merry Christmas!”
64. Ice cream — “Have a “cool” Yule!”
65. Bear-shaped honey — “Have a Bear Sweet Christmas!”
66. Santa — “Ho — Ho — Hoping your Christmas is heavenly!”
67. Angel — “Hoping you have a heavenly Christmas!”
68. Eggnog — “Have an “udderly moovalous” Christmas!”
69. Gingerbread house — “Nibble, nibble like a mouse, We hope you’ll nibble at this house!” Merry Christmas!
70. Mugs with hot chocolate mix — “To our special friends who are so Dear, We wish you all a cup of Cheer!” (One Mug would be a special gift for a teacher. “To a special teacher, wishing you a “cup of cheer”!”)
71. Cocoa mix — “Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!”
72. Muffins or muffin mix — ” You’re getting “muffin” for Christmas!”
73. Gum — “By gum, you’re a great neighbor! “Have a Merry Christmas”
74. Veggies and dip — “Dip into a wonderful Holiday season and a healthy New Year!”
75. Christmas-shaped pasta — (Or any pasta and a bottle of sauce) “Have a Pasta—tively Happy Holiday!”
76. Jar of jam — “Hoping you have a holiday “jam” packed with fun!” “Have a “berry” nice holiday season!” Or “Hoping your Christmas is “jam-packed” with Christmas cheer!”
77. Cookie dough — “Here’s a little extra “dough” for Christmas! Or “Everyone needs a little extra “dough” for Christmas!”
78. Homemade frozen rolls — “Here’s a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can’t be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that’s all you do! Warm Holiday greetings to you”
79. Brownie mix — (Or any Mix) “Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday fix! Wishing you a “rich” Holiday Season!” (Be sure to attach the recipe!)
80. Homemade caramels — Hoping you have a “rich” and “wonderful” Holiday!”
81. Pie — “Just a “Holiday Hi” and a tasty pie! Happy Holidays!”
82. Divinity — “May your Christmas be “divine” and your holidays so fine! Sweet Christmas wishes!”
83. Rice Krispie treats — “Snap, crackle, pop” We think you’re really tops! “
84. Toffee or brittle — “Any way you break it, We think you’re the greatest!”
85. Fudge — “Fudge” a little on the calories and enjoy the holiday season!”
86. Cheese ball and crackers — “We don’t mean to sound “cheesy”, we just hope you have a “ball” this Holiday Season! Or “Spread a little Christmas Cheer this Holiday Season!”
87. Apple anything — (Pie, Cobbler, crisp, muffins etc.) “Sending you a “bushel” of love this Holiday Season!” Or “You are the apple of my eye, teacher!”
88. Banana bread — “Banana bread just for you, because you have so much to do … We also love you a whole “bunch” too! Merry Christmas!”
89. Cinnamon rolls — “Here’s a sweet treat “rolled” up with warm Holiday Wishes! Merry Christmas!”
90. Homemade chocolates — “You’re so sweet … having you as neighbors is really a treat! Have a heavenly Holiday Season!”
91. Cake or cupcakes — “You take the “Cake” neighbor, We think you’re first rate! Happy Holidays to you!”
92. Cornbread or mix — “We’re not trying to be “corny” we just want you to have Merry Christmas!”
93. Carrot cake — “I really “carrot” a lot about you! Merry Christmas”
94. Spiced drink mixes — “Hoping your holidays are “spiced” just right!”
95. Homemade ice cream or a frozen treat — “Here’s the scoop … Hoping your holidays are a “blizzard” of fun!”
96. Recipe — “Just like you friend … it’s tried and true, just for you! Happy Holiday baking or Merry Christmas cooking!
97. Pizza — “Hope your holiday has a touch of “Pizza—zz!” Merry Christmas!”
98. Candle — “You light up my life!” Thanks for your friendship! May your Christmas be merry and bright!”
99. Crayons and coloring book — Hope your holidays are colorful!
100. Plant — ” The kindness you show makes our friendship grow and grow! Hope you have a Happy Holiday!”
101. Soda pop — “I’d “Soda” like to wish you a Merry Christmas!
102. Stuffed animal — (Beanie Baby) “Pawsing” to wish you a Merry Christmas!”
103. Donuts — “Donut” you know we love you? Have a Happy Holiday!

So, you’ve decided to give a special friend a “gift in a jar”.  Maybe you’ve chosen the recipe on this site – Minty Hot Chocolate Mix?  Or maybe some other gift of coffee or cocoa.  If so, how can you dress up your gift and make it a little more special?  Here are some ideas.

• Get some plastic spoons and dip the spoon end only in melted chocolate chips; sprinkle with non-pareils or colored sugar sprinkles if desired.  Let the chocolate set up.  Wrap a spoon or two (depending on who the gift is for) in a piece of cellophane and tie with a pretty ribbon.  Include this with a gift jar of cocoa mix or coffee mix.

• Why not make some homemade biscotti?  After biscotti is cooled, dip half of each stick into melted chocolate chips (or melted vanilla candy coating also known as chocolate bark).  Let chocolate set up.  Wrap and add as you would the above spoons.

• Sew up a pretty gift bag from a festive fabric of your favorite holiday calico or even a shiny lame to wrap your gift jar in.  Decorate with twigs of silk holly and a pretty ribbon.

• Place the wrapped jar of mix in a basket and include the recipe if desired.  Then the recipient may make more when their supply runs out.

• Add a bag of home made cookies, a couple of coffee mugs and a CD of holiday music.

There are so many ways to make homemade gifts ones to remember.  What other ways can these gifts be packaged or presented?

Yes, it’s that time of year again. Is all your Christmas shopping done yet? Chances are it isn’t and you’re already stressing about fighting your way through the crowds in search of those perfect presents. Relax. Buying Christmas gifts doesn’t have to resemble an episode of Survivor. Instead grab your gift list, your favorite beverage and head to your computer for the easiest holiday shopping you’ve ever experienced.

It’s Better with Baskets

Gift baskets are a super easy way to whittle down your Christmas list. While you may think that gift baskets are impersonal, today’s baskets can be found in a multitude of themes that will suit most anyone on your list. Know someone who has a sweet tooth? Gift baskets comprised of gourmet cookies or chocolates are perfect. For anyone who’s counting their calories, a beautiful fruit basket or spa collection will easily fit the bill.

Gift baskets aren’t just for the ladies either. Golf themed Christmas gift baskets or baskets containing any tasty snacks should suit someone you know quite well.

For couples, try a gourmet cooking basket or wine basket that they can both enjoy for many months to come. The best part of giving these baskets is you don’t need to worry about wrapping or shipping — the company will do all that for you. How easy is that?

Save the Shipping

Christmas gifts are expensive enough once you tally them up – but add the cost of mailing packages out on top of that and gift giving can get pretty expensive. While the post office isn’t likely to have a sale on shipping during the holidays, there are many online stores that offer cheap or free shipping with your purchases. Some stores will offer free shipping if your purchases total a certain amount while others offer to ship your purchases to the nearest physical store at no charge. If you plan on going away for the holidays, why not make all your purchases online, get the company to gift wrap them for you and have them all shipped ahead to your holiday destination? Now that’s shopping smart.

Christmas Gifts That Keep on Giving

Everyone has someone on their list that’s hard to buy for. Instead of stressing yourself out searching for that perfect one time gift, try giving them something related to an interest of theirs. Magazine subscriptions to a topic they love work great. Since there’s a magazine out there for just about any passion or hobby you can think of, you’re bound to find something suitable.

Enrollment in monthly clubs is also a wonderful option. As an example, there are wine of the month clubs, beer of the month clubs, gourmet foods, or even monthly craft clubs for kids. You simply order the subscription online and provide the recipient’s address. Then, every month thereafter they will receive a new delivery. This is a great way to make your Christmas gift last all year long!