WAHW: Hot Chocolate Gift Sets

My mom gave me this chocolate set a little while back. She won it at a charity event. Isn't it cute? I love going through store aisles and seeing all the gift sets available at Christmas and Valentine's, but when you stop and think about it, they sell a lot of these not because it's a great value for the money but because it's convenient.

But if we all just took a little time, we could make our own gift sets and make something that's a lot more personal, and we could save money along the way. So I decided I would use the items out of this gift set and put together a couple of tutorials so that you guys can make your gift sets for Valentine's Day or even for next Christmas (if you're thinking that far ahead).

Gift Option One: Option one would make a great couples gift. Or give it to that special friend who just adores chocolate.

What You Need:

1 or 2 coffee cups (You can usually find something cute at the dollar store.)

bottles or jars (Buy new at wal-mart. Or rinse out and reuse a sauce jar.)

hot chocolate packets

marshmallows

sugar or sprinkles (optional)

labels (make these with scrapbook supplies or create them using your photo/print shop programs)

1 basket

tissue or paper shreds to line the basket

funnel (if using bottles)

Instructions: Empty a few hot chocolate packets into a jar or bottle. (I like Swiss Miss.) If you desire, do the same with marshmallows and/or granulated sugar (or sprinkles--pink or red would be really cute for Valentine's!)

Use scrapbook supplies or your photoshop software to create your own custom labels. Print these out on sticker paper for easy application. If you don't have sticker paper, use regular paper and attach with glue or mod podge. If you desire you can also make a tag with heating instructions (get these off your hot chocolate packets.)

Line a gift basket with tissue paper, paper shreds, Valentine "grass," or other material. Arrange your jars/bottles and mugs in the basket as desired. For a little extra pizazz, decorate the basket with bow, or wrap with cellophane and bow.

Here's the example I made: This one just contains the two coffee cups and one bottle of hot chocolate mix. And I really do like the bottle because it seems very romantic...sorta reminds me of wine or champagne set. But I know the jars would be just as cute!

Gift Option 2: If you want an even less expensive and quick gift. Or if you're looking for something that you can make in bulk for coworkers, teachers, or church friends, try this option. (Sorry, I have no pics for this.)

What You Need:
1 Coffee Cup
2 or 3 packs hot chocolate mix
Clear plastic treat bags
Ribbon
Tags (design these with photoshop)
cellophane (optional)

Instructions: Empty your hot chocolate mix into a treat bag, and tie the bag up with ribbon. Place the baggie inside your coffee cup. Then create a tag with heating instructions for the hot chocolate. Print out your tag. Punch a hole in the corner of the tag, and use a ribbon to tie it to your cup handle or attach it to the baggie. (You could also wrap up the cup with cellophane. Tie it with a ribbon, and attach your tag to the outside.)

Above is another basket. It's a little bigger than the first one. And of course, you could always add some candies to the basket or anything else you deem appropriate (perhaps a book), if you need something to make the basket seem more full.

If you like gift baskets, be sure to come back next week, as I'll be sharing several that I've made.

-Jerri


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I'm posting a link to this post for next week's editions of:
It’s So Very Creative hosted by It’s So Very Cheri
Make it for Monday hosted by Cottage Instincts
Made it Mondays hosted by The Persimmon Perch
Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
Make Your Monday hosted by Twice Remembered
Metamorphosis Monday hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
WFMW at We Are That Family
Valentine Party hosted by Hoosier Homemade