Sweets for Your Sweet

Valentine's Day may be a long way to go, but that shouldn't stop you from giving away some sweet lovin'. Here's a sweet (literally!) giveaway idea from teaching-tiny-tots.com. To make it sweeter, ask your little darling to give you a hand. It's so easy! Be careful, though, your little helper might want some for him/herself!



What you'll need:
2 clear cone-shaped pastry bags (usually in stores with cake decorating supplies)
small bowls
spoon
2 twist ties or 2 small rubber bands
hot cocoa mix
small marshmallows
1 red gumdrop
mini chocolate chips
ribbon
small gift card
small measuring cup with lip
scissors

What to do:
1. Put marshmallow in a bowl.
2. Put the chocolate chips in a second bowl.
3. Pour 3-4 packets of cocoa into one of the cone-shaped pastry bags. You can measure with a small measuring cup to make it easier to pour.
4. Twist right above the cocoa and secure with a twist tie or small rubber band.
5. Trim extra plastic on top, leaving an inch.
6. Place cocoa-filled pastry bag into another empty plastic pastry bag.
7. Place 3-4 tablespoons of chocolate chips so that they are layered on top of the cocoa.
8. Add marshmallows to add top layer.
9. Place red gumdrop on top.
10. Twist the bag shut and secure with a twist tie or small rubber bands.
11. Add a ribbon and gift card. Be creative! Your card can say: "Here's a gift that will warm you up. Just add some hot water and stir into your favorite cup."

It's perfect for ANY occasion! To warm up your loved ones on Christmas eve, as a sweet greeting for a birthday (your chocoholic friends would love it), as an alternative "treat" for Trick or Treaters on Halloween, or even just to comfort on a blah day.

Image courtesy of teaching-tiny-tots.com.

Gifts Kids Can Make

Okay, Christmas is SERIOUSLY just around the corner. There's no denying it anymore at this point. If you haven't done any gift shopping yet, you may want to start thinking about it now. But if you don't fancy getting into the mad, mad Christmas rush, why not make the gifts yourself? And to make it fun (or, inevitably, very challenging), let your kids join in! When they see you tinkering with all the arts and crafts, they'd want to join in anyway...

AmazingMoms.com has lots of great gift suggestions, including easy-to-follow step-by-step procedures for each one. Each gift requires very little materials to make. You might even already have some lying around at home! The gifts are categorized according to kids ages. The ones for kids aged 2-6 are easier, while those for kids aged 9 and up are a wee bit more difficult. But all gifts are lovely and since you're making them, will be all the more special to the recipient.

Here's one that I really liked:

REINDEER CRAFT TREAT HOLDER





You'll need:
scissors
craft glue, glue stick or glue dots
terracotta clay pots (2"-5")
plastic eyes
red pom-poms
three shades of brown craft foam, cardstock paper or construction paper

How to make it:
1. With one shade of brown, cut the antlers to match the size of your pot. If you are making the large reindeer, use a child's handprint as pattern.
2. Cut the ears with the other shad of brown. You can use a lighter shade of brown to add yet another layer to the ears, but it's not necessary.
3. Attach the ears to the back of the pot. Then add the antlers.
4. Glue the eyes and nose to the front of the pot.
5. Fill the pot with candy, nuts or other goodies. It's that simple!

Click here for more gift ideas.

Image courtesy of AmazingMoms.com