During the holidays, nothing frightens adults more than the words, “Some Assembly Required.”  We’ve all been there.  Why are there always screws left over?  That is a topic for another day.  Today, I want to talk about quick and easy ways to put together beautiful gifts and I can assure you no tools are required! 

For the Chocolate Lover

Who doesn’t love chocolate?  And yes, the zebra print stiletto shoe is chocolate too! 

DIY Hot Chocolate or Cookies

All you need is a container, such as a basket, tray, bowl, jar, etc.  Come up with a theme for the gift.  Gather and arrange the contents in a pleasing way.  That’s all there is to it.  Let’s look at a few more options:

DIY Dinner for Two

A bottle of wine, pasta and sauce, fresh loaf of bread, etc.  You could choose a food theme, such as “A Taste of Italy,” or “An Evening in Paris.”  

Lavender Stress Relief/Aromatherapy

Everyone needs to relax and unwind.  Lavender is the perfect choice to promote sleep, to reduce stress, and for calming body, mind and spirit.  Choose from a wide selection of lavender products, including essential oil, microfiber pillow, body lotion, shower gel or bubble bath, chocolate and tea. 

DIY Breakfast Basket

Many people enjoy eating breakfast foods at any time of the day or night.  This gift may include, pancake mix, maple syrup, chocolate chips, sausage or bacon, fresh fruit, a bottle of juice, and whipped cream. 

For Coffee or Tea Lovers

Start with a great mug or teacup/saucer, add a variety of teas or coffees, and you are well on your way to pleasing the coffee or tea drinkers in your life.  Extras may include coffee creamer, biscotti, and chocolate covered coffee beans. 

Can’t Get Enough Makeup

Do you know someone who loves playing with makeup?  Cosmetic manufacturers have prepackaged gift baskets, cases and bundles filled with lipsticks, eyeshadows, nail polishes, and more. 

DIY Spa Day

A spa day is all about pampering.  This gift might include plump towels, massage oil, manicure & pedicure kit, candles, facial mask, bubble bath, exfoliating cream, moisturizer, etc. 

Holiday Cookies

Everybody loves cookies, especially when they are homemade.  Simply arrange your cookies on a decorative plate, seal with colorful plastic wrap, and tie with a pretty bow. 

Homemade Muffins & Breads

Homemade muffins and bread are always appreciated, easily portable, and can be stored in the freezer for enjoyment any time of year. 

Fruit Basket

Many fruit baskets are available through local stores and on the internet, or you can create your own, filled with all the gift recipient’s favorites. 

Still not sure how to put it all together?  Here are a few step-by-step gifts for inspiration:

Gift Tower #1 – Sweet Treats

Gathering the Gifts

Biscotti and butter poundcake are the stars of this gift, accompanied by assorted candies, cookies, yogurt-covered pretzels, and kitchen towels.  A metal Christmas tray will serve as the base and the recipient can reuse it for years to come. 

Assembling the Gift Tower

Stack the items in layers like a three-dimensional puzzle upon the tray.

Wrapping the Gift

You may need someone to help with the wrapping to hold everything in place.  Center the tower on the paper, pull up the sides and tie it at the top with yarn or ribbon.  You might want to use clear tape to seal any gaps.  Tie a fancy bow to complete the gift. 

Gift Tower #2 – Athletics

Gathering the Gifts

For the athlete in your family, a sweatshirt, socks, a hoodie, and protein bars will be appreciated.  Add Starbuck’s coffee, a couple Christmas ornaments and a remote-control vehicle just for fun. 

Assembling the Gift Tower

The gifts are stacked with the big items first and use the smaller ones to fill the gaps.  If your items tend to shift easily, secure everything in place using yarn. 

Wrapping the Gift

As with the previous gift, pull the wrapping paper upward, gather at the top and tie with an attractive ribbon. 

Gift Tower #3 – Hearth & Home

Gathering the Gifts

For someone who loves home furnishings, start with potpourri, kitchen towels, a collectible glass ornament, and a large glass Christmas ball with a three-wick candle hidden inside.  Add a few snacks for curling up by the fire and relaxing after a long day. 

Assembling the Gift Tower

Fragile items will need to be secured in bubble wrap or boxed.  Also, if you have scented gifts, such as potpourri, be sure to keep them separate from food items in the gift tower. 

Wrapping the Gift

Festive wrapping paper and a coordinating bow are all you need to complete this gift.

I hope you have picked up a few gift giving ideas for this busy holiday season.  Whatever you choose, let your creativity shine. 

Thanks for Reading, Happy Holidays & Happy Crafting!