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StorkNet Home > Parenting Channel > Working Mothers Cubby
Tis The Season ~ To Give At The Office
by Kenyatta Thomas
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For me, this time of year conjures up wonderful memories of fall activities of the past, the seasons changing and all that is to come in the upcoming holiday season. This is also the time of year when most companies start planning their holiday gatherings, and secretaries, receptionists and other admin personnel start planning the inevitable holiday office party. Luckily, it doesn't have to put a hole in your purse or wallet, or a crimp in your style.
In the climate of Secret Santas and the exchanging of names, it's always a good idea to go simple, which is easy since most office gift exchanges keep things at a minimum of $10.00. But even the UN-craftiest person can make that $10.00 gift stretch into something really worth remembering like some homemade items such as cookies, potpourri and bath salts. Remember that a little ingenuity can go a long way.
Just to give you an idea of how a little thought and a little cash can make a really big impression--and a nice gift, here are three simple crafts for your office gift exchange that are guaranteed to please.
Materials- One box of Epsom salt
- Food coloring
- Potpourri or fragrance oil, perfume or other fragrance, most of which you can purchase at your local craft stores or supermarkets.
Instructions
- Pour salts into large bowl, use food coloring to reach desired color.
- Add fragrance, if desired.
- Mix well.
Presentation
You can decorate inexpensive bottles and/or pretty containers to put salts in.
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Christmas Potpourri
This is one of my all time favorites that everyone usually loves . . . and it makes the house smell good too!
Ingredients
- 2 oranges cut into quarters
- 2 lemons cut into quarters
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cloves
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in pot on stove along with 3-4 cups of water. Turn on low heat. Simmer. This can also be put into a potpourri pot.
- Fragrance will fill your home with a wonderful smell.
Presentation
Put ingredients in glass jar or other decorative container, labeled with the above instructions. Ingredients should be refrigerated or frozen until ready to use.
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Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup butter or butter crisco
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cognac, brandy or vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Sugar
Instructions
- Mix butter, 1/4 cup sugar in food processor or mixer.
- Sprinkle mixture with cognac; add flour and salt. Mix 30 seconds or until blended.
- Shape dough into 3/4 inch balls; place two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten balls to 1/4 inch thickness with cookie stamp or flat bottomed glass dipped in sugar.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
Makes approximately 2 dozen cookies.
Presentation
There are SO many lovely decorative bags and containers that can be purchased at any store, supermarket or crafts store.
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Other Homemade Suggestions
Tea cup basket for the tea lover in your midst and/or a
coffee cup basket .
Materials
- Nice size mug
- Various flavored or herbal teas (for the tea basket)
- A small pack of flavored coffee (for the coffee basket)
- A small decorative basket from a crafts store
- Grass (like what's used in Easter egg baskets OR shredded paper in a variety of colors)
- Chocolate candy kisses to go inside of the coffee mug
- Hard candy or peppermints to go inside of the tea mug
Instructions
- Put your tea and/or coffee mugs inside baskets filled with grass or shredded paper.
- Put candies and/or chocolates inside of mugs
- Put teas and/or coffee alongside candy filled mug
- Wrap entire package in cellophane paper or colored plastic wrap.
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Keep in mind these are only a FEW suggestions that can be used as inexpensive, but nice gifts for your fellow co-workers.
~Happy Holidays!~
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