1. Homemade Scented Candles

Materials:

• Small glass jars or teacups
• Soy wax or beeswax
• Candle wicks
• Essential oils (lavender, vanilla, eucalyptus, etc.)
• Optional: Crayons for colour, ribbon, labels

Steps:

1. Place the wick in the centre of the jar (use a pencil or chopstick to keep it upright).
2. Melt wax in a double boiler until fully liquid.
3. Add a few drops of essential oil and optional colour.
4. Pour wax carefully into the jar, leaving some space at the top.
5. Let the candle cool completely (a few hours).
6. Trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting.

Tips:

• You can add dried flowers or herbs for decoration.
• Personalize with a custom label for birthdays or holidays.

2. Flavoured Sugar Scrubs

Materials:

• 1 cup sugar (white or brown)
• ½ cup coconut oil or olive oil
• 10–15 drops essential oil (lavender, peppermint, or citrus)
• Small jars

Steps:

1. Mix sugar and coconut oil in a bowl until crumbly but moist.
2. Add essential oils and mix again.
3. Pack the scrub into jars and seal tightly.
4. Optionally, decorate the lid with a ribbon or sticker.

Tips:

• Add a teaspoon of honey for extra moisturizing.
• Great for gifting in sets with different scents.

3. Homemade Chocolate Treats

Materials:

• Chocolate chips or bars
• Nuts, dried fruits, marshmallows, or candies
• Silicone candy Molds or small muffin tins
• Optional: Sprinkles or sea salt

Steps:

1. Melt chocolate in a bowl using a microwave.
2. Mix in your chosen add-ins.
3. Pour chocolate into Molds and tap lightly to remove air bubbles.
4. Refrigerate until set (about 30–60 minutes).
5. Pop chocolates out of Molds and package in a small box or bag.

Tips:

• Use dark, milk, or white chocolate for variety.
• Wrap individually in foil for a professional look.

4. Personalized Photo Coasters

Materials:

• Plain ceramic tiles (4x4 inches)
• Mod Podge (glue/sealant)
• Printed photos
• Clear acrylic spray (optional)
• Felt pads

Steps:

1. Cut your photo to match the size of the tile.
2. Apply Mod Podge to the tile and place the photo on top.
3. Smooth out bubbles with a credit card or finger.
4. Apply 2–3 coats of Mod Podge over the photo, letting each layer dry.
5. Optional: Spray with clear acrylic to seal.
6. Stick felt pads to the bottom to prevent scratching surfaces.

Tips:

• Use fun filters or black-and-white photos for a vintage look.
• These make great personalized gifts for family members.

5. Hand-Painted Mugs

Materials:

• Plain ceramic mugs
• Ceramic paint or markers
• Oven

Steps:

1. Wash and dry the mug thoroughly.
2. Draw or write your design on the mug using ceramic paint/markers.
3. Let the design dry for a few hours.
4. Bake in the oven according to paint instructions (usually 350°F for 30 minutes).
5. Let cool completely before use.

Tips:

• Include a matching treat like hot chocolate, candy, or tea inside the mug.
• For more intricate designs, use stencils or tape for patterns.

6. Mason Jar Cookie Mix

Materials:

• Mason jar
• Dry cookie ingredients (flour, sugar, chocolate chips, baking soda)
• Ribbon or string
• Small tag for instructions

Steps:

1. Layer dry ingredients in the jar (heavier ingredients like chocolate chips at the bottom).
2. Tie a ribbon around the jar neck.
3. Attach a tag with baking instructions (e.g., “Mix with 1 egg and ½ cup butter, bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes”).

Tips:

• Colourful layers look beautiful in clear jars.
• You can make themed mixes for holidays.

7. DIY Paper Flower Bouquet

Materials:

• Coloured paper or cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue or hot glue
• Floral wire, sticks, or straws

Steps:

1. Cut petal shapes out of paper (round, teardrop, or heart-shaped).
2. Assemble petals around a small, rolled centre and glue them together.
3. Attach the flower to a wire, stick, or straw.
4. Repeat with varied sizes and colours to make a bouquet.

Tips:

• Add green paper leaves for a realistic touch.
• Arrange in a small vase or wrap in craft paper for gifting.

Safety Tip: Always handle hot ingredients, sharp tools, and melting materials with care—use protective gloves and glasses, keep kids supervised, and ensure proper ventilation when crafting or cooking.