Gift Ideas

December is almost here, which means for most of us moms, the list making and list checking begins. One list that I usually try to complete before Thanksgiving is the kids teachers' gifts.  This year I think all of their classes are contributing money to get gift certificates for their teachers, but I still like to give a little token of love from the Lee House.  Below are a few things we have done, some the kids can help with, some they might not be so helpful on.

White Chocolate Truffles

These are a favorite!  I am telling you once you start eating these, you cannot stop (not that you are making them for yourselves).  And they are easy and fun for your kids to help with.  While you are making these you might as well get extra white chocolate and pretzels and make white chocolate covered pretzels.  They are soooo yummy!  Recipe is here.

Handmade Soap

This project is a little more involved, but so fun.  Your kids can get really creative with this though and love seeing their finished product.  What a special way for the teachers to remember your kids over the holidays.  You can add different scents and colors, so you could even make Christmas Soap!  Directions are here.

Strawberry Jelly

I know it is a little out of season for strawberries.  But even this time of year, strawberry jelly still makes for relatively inexpensive gift.  Have you ever had homemade jelly?  It is soooo much better than store bought jelly!  And I promise you it is so much easier than you think!  I follow the directions in the powdered Sure-Jell box.  Here is our first (of many) jelly making endeavor.

Ruffly Scarf

This is actually a pretty easy sewing project that a child could help with.  These scarves are everywhere and they are so easy to make.  I know Ella would be so proud to give her teachers a scarf that she actually made and I would feel good about it because I know they would not just wear it out of guilt, but be excited about wearing their cute new scarf.  Here is the tutorial.

Billy Cardi

Now, this is obviously a little bit more involved sewing project, but it is much easier than you might think.  I have actually had the link to this tutorial on the side of my blog for a long time.  I made one last winter and then a summer vest version this summer, but just never got around to blogging about it.  The hardest/longest part is making the pattern.  But after that it will take 20-30 minutes tops (including cutting out the fabric).  And I promise you the recipients (teachers, family members or friends) will love their new sweater.  It is one of my favorite and most comfortable sweaters.  I get compliments on it all the time and no one can believe that I made it.  Here is the link.


I hope these ideas will help with your Christmas lists!