My Story: Homemade Christmas Gifts

This year we are very low on money for gifts. I just recently quit my job to stay at home with my boys and we are having to really budget with just my husband's detention officer income.

With family members, preschool teachers, Sunday School teachers, and friends, gifts can get very expensive. I have found a way to get my two-year-old son involved in making things for others.

This year, we are making white chocolate and peppermint bark. We have a variety of ways to display the bark. After all, packaging it is almost as fun as making it. My son is in charge of crushing up the peppermint pieces and pouring them in the chocolate.

This is something that is easy for him to do and he gets a kick out of helping mommy. It is also a great time to talk to him about giving gifts and how special it is to make something for people that is from his heart.

Here are a few creative ways to package the bark:

• Wrap in small holiday baskets
• Wrap on a holiday plate
• Wrap in a holiday mug
• Put inside tins, jelly jars, mason jars, and canisters

We have even found containers that would double as presents. For instance, we found a pink metal office basket for one of our friends that is in college. She loves to get homemade treats and can use the basket for pens and pencils.

It is really fun to let my son choose what to put the treats in, and it is fun for me to hunt through resale shops, thrift stores, and garage sales just to find the perfect inexpensive container for a really practical gift.

Here is the recipe that I use. It is easy and really delicious on its own, or it can be dropped into hot chocolate or coffee.

Melt white chocolate according to the package directions. Crush peppermint and add to the mix. Spread onto a sheet of waxed paper to dry. Break into pieces and serve them however you wish!

Merry Christmas!

"My Story" is a regular feature of The Dollar Stretcher. If you have a story that could help save time or money, please send it by mailto:MyStory@stretcher.com

Take the Next Step

• Buy some white chocolate and peppermint and get busy in the kitchen. Have fun with your kids!
• Don't forget your Yard Sale Etiquette while shopping for those unique display items.
• Look at these recipes for some other Easy Homemade Candies. YUM!
• Share your story with us! Mailto:MyStory@stretcher.com

Discuss "Food gifts for Christmas" with other Dollar Stretchers in The Dollar Stretcher Community

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