I’ve always enjoyed giving gifts, especially making them, but it can get overwhelming when you have so many people to think of. I don’t want to leave anyone out, or not make a thoughtful choice, but it can be hard to think of the perfect individual gift for each person. Also, it’s become more of a tradition in my family to give one gift to each couple, since we have nieces and nephews to think of too. My solution for a couple’s gift is a goodie box of handmade goods. In bulk it’s inexpensive, fun to put together, and shows thoughtfulness in it’s assembly. This year’s goodie box includes a handmade candle, an origami ornament, and some yummy chocolates. I would add some actual homemade baked goods…but that’s not my strong suit, and I don’t want to poison anyone. Haha.
There are so many variations you could put in these boxes based on your level of craftiness and budget, and I guarantee everyone will appreciate the effort you put into them. I can’t wait for next year, to figure out a new gift combo and maybe get even craftier!
If you’d like to make your own goodie box, below are the supplies needed and instructions. Happy crafting!
SUPPLIES:
- Photo Box (buy mine here)
- 1 bag of paper shred per gift box (buy mine here)
- 12×12″ decorative craft paper (1 sheet makes two ornaments)
- thin ribbon
- ruler
- pencil
- exacto blade
- scissors
- glue gun
- tape
- empty candle basin (you can use a small decorative glass or ceramic container. Mine was handmade by my husband who is a ceramic artist)
- Soy wax
- pure essential oils (I used peppermint, lemon and lavender for a “soothing” aroma)
- candle wicks
- sweet treats (I used ghiradelli and kisses)
- toothpicks
DIRECTIONS
Origami Star Ornament:
1. Fold 12×12 paper in half, and then in half the opposite way.
2. Cut on the folded lines. You will end up with four equal squares.
3. Take one of the squares and fold in half, then fold in half the other way.
4. Take the same square and fold corner to corner, then fold corner to corner the opposite way.
5. Along the non-angled folds (the folds in the shape of a cross), measure 1 1/4″ from the outside in and mark with a line. Repeat on all 4 sides.
6. Cut each marked line.
7. Fold in corners towards each other from the cut lines, it will form a triangle. Repeat on all 4 sides.
8. Fold one flap of triangle over the other, and tape at top. Repeat on all 4 sides.
9. Repeat steps 3-8 for second star piece.
10. Once you have both pieces made, poke hole in one corner of a star for hanging string to go through. String piece of ribbon through.
11. Dab some hot glue between edges of star points on the inside of one star. Attach other star right side up.
12. Repeat steps 3-11 if you want to make a second origami star.
Soy Wax Candle:
I used these directions for my soy wax candles, but I altered some of the steps based on my available tools. Instead of a glass bowl heated with water, I melted the wax in a frying pan my husband already a uses to melt wax. I also didn’t use dowel rods to hold the wicks. Instead I just propped them up between taped together toothpicks.
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