Around the holidays, I love coming up with creative gifts to give that are awesome yet frugal. Every year I put together a gift basket that my kids teachers can enjoy as a token of appreciation for all they do. Since our kids school is so small, it’s easy for us to create one large basket for the teachers.
My idea for this gift basket was to create something they can enjoy on a quiet evening at home, completely away from the chaos of children. My idea sparked when I was asked to put together something with Cold Stone Hot Cocoa. How perfect! First, I didn’t know that Cold Stone made hot cocoa and was excited by the price and the taste.
The flavors are:
Dark Chocolate (my favorite flavor)
Reduced Sugar
Cocoa with Marshmallows
Rich Milk Chocolate
I also purchased mugs, Biscotti, aloe socks, chocolates and items to make chocolate covered marshmallows. I love to put a personal touch by making something and chocolate covered marshmallows are quick and easy. They also look and taste great! When the hot cocoa is hot, the marshmallow is stirred in and melts with the heat.
Chocolate Covered Marshmallows:
Ingredients:
Large Marshmallows
Chocolate Chips
“Sucker” Sticks (these can be found in the cake/Wilton aisle at Walmart)
Directions:
Melt 1/2 chocolate chips in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Take the sucker sticks and insert them into the marshmallows.
Stir chocolate to ensure the mixture is completely melted.
Swirl the marshmallows into the chocolate.
Set on wax paper to dry (freeze if the process needs to go faster).
Wrap in cellophane treat bags or sandwich bags, just cut off the bottoms ~ frugal tip!
I took curling ribbon and wrapped everything up along with some cute giftbags and holiday colored tissue paper.
I used a medium- large gift basket to hold the items. Straw/Wicker Baskets can be found at Walmart, I actually stock up when they are on clearance so I had this one on hand already!
Another frugal tip is to look for mugs at your Goodwill or Dollar Store.
This basket was easy, fun and only cost around $30 to put together!
Check out my Whrrl for my full tutorial and more pics!
This shopping trip was sponsored by Collective Bias. All opinions and ideas are my own.
songskatesang says
Sara, what a great idea! Thank you.