If you’re looking for a gift idea that’s both customizable and unique, I’ve got just the thing! These Portable Fire Pit Gift Sets are perfect for neighbors, coworkers, couples, and even families! It’s sure to be a hit with anyone – because who doesn’t love the cozy vibe of a crackling fire? We’ve come up with two different themes that you can copy, but there’s so many possibilities to play around with here, you can easily tailor the box to your recipient!

Gift Idea #1: Cozy Hot Cocoa Gift Set

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 Portable Fire Pit
• Hot Cocoa
• Marshmallows
• Cozy socks
• Mugs
• Sprinkles
• Stirring Spoons
• Straws
• Holiday Decor (pinecones, fresh holiday greens, ornaments, etc.)
• Wooden Box
• Ribbon

Gift Idea #2: S’mores Gift Set

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 Portable Fire Pit
• Christmas Pajama Bottoms
• Marshmallows
• Graham Crackers
• Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares (individually wrapped)
• (2)  S’mores skewers
• Holiday Decor (pinecones, fresh holiday greens, ornaments, etc.)
• Wooden Box
• Ribbon

Grab your wooden box and add the large items first, arranging everything into the box. 

Finish off with the decor! Add fresh holiday greens, pinecones, and/or decorative ornaments. Tie off with a ribbon and you’re good to go!

The post Portable Fire Pit Holiday Gift Sets appeared first on Gather Lemons.

Christmas is such a fun time of year!  Choosing gifts can sometimes be overwhelming, but it can be fun too!  I put together a few of these Hot Cocoa Gift Baskets with my homemade hot cocoa mix and they were a ton of fun.  I love giving gifts like these because the recipient can make a cup of hot cocoa, put up their feet and enjoy a Christmas movie or game night with the family.  

Here are the items I included in my Hot Cocoa gift basket:

• 2 holiday coasters
• 1 mason jar of homemade cocoa mix (recipe below)
• 2 packs of hand dipped cookies
• 2 peppermint spoons
• 2 small container filled with cocoa toppings
• paper straws
• mug (or two) ~ Target has some cute holiday mugs

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix recipe:

• 10 cups of powdered milk
• 2 cups unsweetened cocoa
• 1 3/4 cups non-dairy creamer powder
• 5 cups of powdered sugar

Add all ingredients into large bowl, stir until combined.   Store in airtight container.   When making a cup of hot cocoa you will add 1/3 cup of the mix to 3/4 cup hot water. You can print this tag to include in the basket with the instructions for making a cup of hot cocoa.

I added some Stroopwafels dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with toppings.  You can substitute with cookies or any other treats. Here is what I used to make these:

• Stroopwafels
• 1 package of candy melts
• topping of your choice nuts, sprinkles, peppermint
• cello bags and ribbon 

Add small containers of sprinkles, and mini marshmallows.  You can also add the toppings into plastic ornaments for a really festive look.

Add everything into a basket or crate for easy gifting.  I like to add little bits of greenery and holly to really give it a festive Christmas feel.   

The post Homemade Hot Cocoa Gift Basket appeared first on Gather Lemons.

What you need:

• wax paper
• small white pom poms
• thin ribbon
• Saf-T-Pops lollipops
• Glue dots

Unwrap two lollipops and stack them on top of each other.  Arrange the lollipops so the handles make a set of bunny ears.   Add wax paper around the lollipops.

Tie them off with a thin ribbon and trim the excess wax paper.  Add a pompom with a glue dot for the tail of the bunny.  These are cute and super quick and easy to put together.

The post Bunny Lollipops appeared first on Gather Lemons.

My son just moved out to his very own apartment, I wanted to do something fun for him as a gift. I hand wrote some of his favorite recipes that I have made over the years that I know he would love to be able to create on his own.  His apartment is small and there is not lots of storage space. I thought it would be fun to put together a spice starter kit for him.

I went down to my local craft store (Micheal’s) and found these containers in the bead section, they are meant to hold beads but I thought they would be fantastic for spices. I filled each of the containers with spices I had from my cupboard. I did order these cute labels from Amazon to add to the top of each container. I’m thinking about ordering another set for myself to I can make my cupboard full of spices organized.  If you have a Cricut you could make your own labels too.

When complete I had an awesome spice gift set that I know he will appreciate.  I’m so excited! I can’t wait to give it to him!

This would also make a great gift for a bridal shower too!

The post Homemade Starter Spice Gift Set appeared first on Gather Lemons.

These Valentine Soda Fountain Candy Treats are super cute and fun and easy to make.  It would be a fun project that the kids could help with too.  These treats are also, easy on the pocket book, I was able to get almost everything at the Dollar Store so the cost was less then $5.00 each!

Here is what you will need to make 2 Soda Fountain Candy Treats:

• 2 sundae glasses
• 1 lb of taffy
• 2 bags of candy hearts (my bags were 7 oz)
• small bag of chocolate hearts (you only need 2 pieces)
• 1 straw (cut in half)
• ribbon (optional)
• 1 Styrofoam ball (cut in half)
• Glue Dots
• hot glue gun

Fill glasses with heart candies.  Cut your styrofoam ball in half.  The size of the styrofoam ball will depend on the size of glasses you use.  You want the ball to go to the edge of the cup, but not hang over.   I used a 3 inch ball.   Secure the foam to the top of the glass with Glue Dots.

Use hot glue gun and glue taffy over the entire surface of the Styrofoam dome.   The candy will still be good to eat, the wax paper will protect the candy from the glue gun.   Add straw, and glue a candy heart on top.  You can finish it off with a bow if you wish.

The post Valentine Soda Fountain Candy Treats appeared first on Gather Lemons.

I assembled these hot cocoa kits for stocking stuffers and for gifts for my neighbors.   These are simple to put together, you can even had the kids help.  Here is what you need to make them:

• Cello bags
• plastic spoons
• large marshmallows
• straw (optional – my kids like to drink their cocoa with a straw)
• Wilton peppermint melts
• ribbon
• hot cocoa packages

To make the peppermint spoons.   Add melts in a microwave safe container and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring each time until all melted.  Dip spoon in and place on wax paper to let them set.

Once the spoons are done, you can assemble the kits.   Add one pack of cocoa, three marshmallows, and the peppermint dipped spoon.

Add a straw to the center of the package and tie with a ribbon.

These really make a fun handmade stocking stuffers for christmas morning, or great office, teacher or neighbor gifts. They are also inexpensive and easy to put together.

The post Peppermint Hot Cocoa Kit (Great Stocking Stuffer or Neighbor/Teacher Gifts) appeared first on Gather Lemons.

Looking for a quick and fun addition to your holiday celebration?  These candy bulbs are easy and super cute!  If you are the one who is hosting the holiday party, prepping can be very time consuming.  I like to get the kids involved in making some fun treats.  It also helps me because it keeps them entertained so I can finish the other items on my list.  Even my 5 year old can make these with no problem.

Here is what you need:

• Bag of peanut or almond M&M’s
• Box of Mike and Ikes

Making these little cuties can’t be easier!

First you need to pick out all the green Mike and Ikes,  then cut them in half with a knife.

Then simply stick the Mike and Ike on top of an M&M.  Easy Peasy! They are super cute too.  I like to put them in a candy dish and set them out on christmas eve.  Enjoy!

Thanks to Hungry Happenings for the idea!

The post Candy Christmas Lights appeared first on Gather Lemons.

Are you looking for a quick and easy gift to put together for a family? Make an Ice Cream Sundae gift basket/box that includes everything they need to make ice cream cones or sundaes.  All they will need to add is the ice cream. If you want you can even add a gift card for a local grocery store so they can pick that up too.   You could also include an ice cream scoop!

I wanted to make the ice cream toppings a little more fun and festive I placed them all to plastic ornaments.  These can easily be found at any craft store.    I found the festive Christmas box at Hobby Lobby.

Here is what I placed inside the gift box:

• Ice Cream cups
• Ice Cream Cones (wrapped in cello & tied with a ribbon)
• Caramel Topping
• Hot Fudge Topping
• Toppings for ice cream inside plastic ornaments (M&Ms, chocolate chips, sprinkles)

We have shared a few other food gift basket ideas in case you are looking for variations on this idea.

Homemade Sugar Cookie Gift Basket

Hot Cocoa Gift Basket with homemade hot cocoa mix

The post Ice Cream Sundae Gift Box appeared first on Gather Lemons.

Here is a fun basket to gift to friends or family.   Inside they will have every thing they need to make their own sugar cookies at home.   There family will have bun baking and decorating their own sugar cookies.

In a large quart canning jar put the following:

• 3  cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Here are the directions for baking the cookies that you will want to print out and include with your gift basket:

Combine Sugar Cookie mix with 1/2 cup of butter (softened) and one extra large egg.   Mix until dough forms.  Lightly flour surface and roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut out cookies.  Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

To make the cookie toppings a little more fun and festive I added them all to plastic ornaments.  These can easily be found at any craft store.

Here is everything I included in the basket (I found my basket in the Target Dollar Spot for $3):

• Sugar Cookie Mix (in jar)
• Cookie toppings (in plastic ornaments)
• Spatula
• 3 Cookie cutters
• Red Kitchen Towel
• Small ornaments for decoration

This would make a fun gift for neighbors or any one who need a little Christmas cheer.

The post Homemade Sugar Cookie Gift Basket appeared first on Gather Lemons.

Here is a fun recipe for Peppermint Patties that contains very few ingredients and is super easy to make. I just love the fresh taste of peppermint for the holidays.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pepperment or mint extract
• food coloring

Coating:

• 1/2 cup sugar  (I also used Candy coating)

Start by combining butter and corn syrup together then add 2 cups of powdered sugar and extract.  Once mixed stir in one more cup of powdered sugar.  Add mixture to cutting board, add the final cup of powdered sugar and knead and work into mixture.

Divide mixture into three parts and add desired food coloring.

Roll out and cut with round cutter. Dip in sugar,

As another option you could coat with candy coating (I used peppermint).  You could add sprinkles if desired.

Let stand uncovered for 24 hours to firm up.  Enjoy!

Recipe via Mom on Time Out

This is part of our Homemade Holiday series, click the image above to see all of the great gifts and recipes we have posted.

The post Christmas Peppermint Patties appeared first on Gather Lemons.

Peanut Brittle is a classic must have treat at our house during Christmastime. It’s actually fairly quick and simple to make.

Peanut Brittle Ingredients:

• 2 cup sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 2 cup dry-roasted or raw peanuts
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Prepare 2 cookies sheet lined with foil and then coated with butter.

In sauce pan add sugar and corn syrup, bring to boil and reduce heat to medium until it reaches 275 degrees on a candy thermometer. Make sure you stir constantly.

Your next step is to stir in peanuts, and continue to cook on stovetop at medium heat until it once again reaches 275. This step should take about 3 minutes.

Remove from heat immediately, add baking soda and stir.  Add to prepared baking sheets.

Using a fork pull and stretch out the candy.  Let cool.

When the Peanut Brittle is completely cooled, break into pieces.   Enjoy!

Recipe found at My Recipes

This is part of our Homemade Holiday series, click the image above to see all of the great gifts and recipes we have posted.

The post Homemade Peanut Brittle appeared first on Gather Lemons.

I love holiday baking!  I enjoy making boxes of different goodies for our family and friends. These marshmallow pops are festive and fun, and they are lots of fun for kids.    I covered mine with sprinkles, but you can even dip them in chocolate.

Christmas Marshmallow Pops Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons butter
• 2 envelope unflavored gelatin
• 2/3 cup cold water divided
• 2 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Line a 13 x 9 pan with foil and grease the foil with butter and set aside to use later.  If you would like different colors divide foil into separate areas

In a large metal bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup water and then set aside for later

Use a large heavy saucepan to combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt and remaining water.  You will want to bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 240° (soft-ball stage).

Once it reaches 240° remove from heat and gradually add to gelatin mixture. Once it is all combined mix on high speed with mixer until mixture is thick and doubles in size, it will probably take about 15 minutes.   Next, add in the vanilla.

If you want them all white spread into prepared pan.    If you want 2 different colors, spread half the mixture into the prepared pan.

Add food coloring to remaining marshmallow mixture and spread the into the other prepared pan.

To remove marshmallows from pan, lift using the foil.  With buttered cookie cutters cut out shapes

Keep butter handy it is a must when working with this recipe. I lightly coated my hands with butter and made all the difference in the world.

After you have your shapes cover with sprinkles or dip in candy coating (chocolate)  then add stick through the bottom of the marshmallow.

Cover and let stand at room temperature for 6 hours or overnight.  To keep fresh add cello bags and tie off with a bow.

Recipe was found at Taste of Home.

This is part of our Homemade Holiday series, click the image above to see all of the great gifts and recipes we have posted.

The post Homemade Marshmallow Christmas Pops appeared first on Gather Lemons.

I love to bake at Christmas time and these caramels are by far the most requested item people want me to make. They are heavenly!

Homemade Caramel Ingredients:

1 cup butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 1/4 cups of packed brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla

Prepare a 9×13 jelly roll pan lined with foil and coated with butter

In medium sauce pan melt butter.

Once butter has melted add condensed milk, brown sugar, and corn syrup.  Bring to boil and reduce to med-low heat until candy thermometer registers 248 degrees (this step will take about 30 minutes).

Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and add to prepared pan.

Let cool completely.  When cooled cut into squares with buttered knife and wrap in wax paper.

You can also dip these in chocolate for an extra special treat.  Enjoy!

This is part of our Homemade Holiday series, click the image above to see all of the great gifts and recipes we have posted.

The post Homemade Caramels appeared first on Gather Lemons.

These White Chocolate Peppermint Truffles combine the yumminess of chocolate with peppermint, which happens to be one of my favorite combos ever.

Ingredients:
4 oz. cream cheese (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (melted)
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1/3 cup crushed candy canes
1 cup white candy coating (Wilton Candy Melts)

In a mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave.  I like to melt them in 30 second intervals and stir in between so I make sure not to let them burn. Add melted white chocolate and peppermint extract into your cream cheese mixture and beat until nice and smooth.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Use a cookie scoop to get a good portion of the mix and roll into round balls by using your hands.  Place in freezer for 20 minutes

Next melt white candy coating in microwave,  in 30 second intervals.   When it is nice and smooth it is ready for coating your truffle

With a fondue fork or wooden skewer dip the truffle into the white candy coating

Top off the truffle with crushed peppermint.   I also add white sugar sprinkles to mine to give them more of a snowy winter look.   For nice presentation you can place them in festive holiday themed muffin liners.

Recipe adapted from Your Cup of Cake

This post is the first in our Homemade Holiday series!   Watch for more recipes, crafts and decor to be posted soon.   You can click the image above to view our Homemade Holiday posts from previous years.

The post White Chocolate Peppermint Truffles appeared first on Gather Lemons.

Fall is in the air!   When the weather gets a bit rainy, my kids and I like to head to the kitchen to make some fun and yummy food.  These little acorns are not only cute but yummy too.  The best part is they are super easy to make,  even little kids can help!

Here is what you will need:

• Box of glazed donut holes
• Bag of stick pretzels
• Chocolate frosting or Nutella
• Chocolate Sprinkles

Start by dipping or frosting the top of the donut hole.

Next dip the frosted end of donut into a bowl of brown sprinkles.

Final step break off the tip of the pretzels and push it into the top of the frosted donut hole.

It’s that simple and there is no big mess.   Enjoy!

The post Donut Hole Acorns appeared first on Gather Lemons.