12 (Days of) Christmas gift ideas - part 2

2025 UPDATE:  The platform used to create these cute items was retired in 2023, so while I am still redesigning all these fun ideas myself using Artisan software (you can see the first half in part 1 of the 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas post), I have two GREAT alternative options for 12 (Days of) Christmas gift ideas below that you can explore in the meantime:

1. The Click & Give (or Click, Craft, & Give) ideas at this Christmas in July post.
2. Create similar items yourself with your own personal touch, following this video tutorial.

How fun are those ideas I posted last week?!  I love them!  Today we're continuing our 12 (Days of) Christmas gift ideas.  Whether you need 12 Christmas ideas or 2, there are some really unique gift ideas here that you're going to love!

2025 NOTE:  I'll keep the original design photos below followed by the Refresh I've created and a link to order directly (which is definitely a convenient improvement!)  Just keep in mind that these need to be submitted for professional printing by Forever Print, so allow 10-14 days for order and delivery. 

Day 7:  Single-Serve Cake Recipes
This is another fun idea (like Day 4 from last week) for a sweet treat to be eaten later.  This playing card deck has instructions for 10 different kinds of single-serve cakes using boxed cake mix and a few simple ingredients.

Once you receive the playing card deck, you can take one of each recipe, punch a hole in the corner, and tie together with ribbon.  Give with a box of cake mix if you like!  One playing card deck makes enough for 5 of 10 recipes plus instructions.  A playing card deck is about $17.  (TEMPLATE 85477)

I have to tell you, I LOVE this gift idea, so I decided to give this as gifts to girlfriends this year.  I used this template and switched out the backgrounds and digital art for something I liked better.  (I LOVE that about Heritage Makers!  And all the digital art is included!!!)  I changed the fonts, too.  These photos of MY Quick Cakes gives you a better idea of what this gift will look like after you order then assemble them.

They come in a plastic case.

Deal out the cards!  :D  (Put one of each recipe in each pile.)

 

The backs of all the cards will say "Quick Cakes," but the fronts are all different.  I put the "Helpful Hints" card as the front by turning it over.  (You'll see that better in the next picture.) Punch holes in the corners and put a ring or ribbon (or both) through the holes.

(See?  Here's the little bundle opened.  So the front card shows Quick Cakes on the front and Helpful Hints on the back.)

Now I've flipped a few more "pages."  You can see all the cards say "Quick Cakes" on the back, with different recipes on the front.  

 

I think these are SO ADORABLE.

Update 2024:  Since the program I used to make these Quick Cakes mini-recipe cards changed and no longer offers the capability for creative designs like this--or reordering of previously-completed projects--I have re-created these cards using 8.5x11 scrapbook pages with my favorite digital scrapbooking software.  Better still, you can click this link to order them directly!

the updated mini-recipe cards you can order at the link above

Cut them apart, punch holes in the corners, and connect with a ring
as show in the original design above.

Gift just the cards, or with a cake mix!

NOTE:  I am a Forever affiliate, called an Ambassador, because I love Forever so much!  This means I make a commission from any purchases at my website, and as your Ambassador I'm here to help you, too.  And if you are a new Forever user, be sure you validate your email so you'll receive the $20 coupon to use on whatever you're going to order!  It's good for 60 days.

Day 8:  We WHISK you a Merry KISSmas
Have you seen this cute idea before?  You fill a whisk with Hershey Kisses--just separate the wires and put the chocolates inside.  We WHISK you a Merry KISSmas!  These tags are just the thing:

These are made from a 12x12 scrap page.  (TEMPLATE 99434)  You'll cut them out after you order them, then attach to a whisk.  Scrap pages are $4.28 each.  ***BE AWARE that this template includes three total scrap pages--one scrap page with instructions and two that look like this.  If you want just one page of these tags and no instructions page, you can open the project for editing, click "manage pages" at the upper right, then delete the pages you don't want.

Day 9:  Candy Cane Meringues with the Recipe

Original Product & Design:  The original product listed here was some gift labels, but since the website and its design platform are no longer available, I've got a new idea for you!

Refresh 2025:  I love this new idea, Candy Cane Meringue Recipe Cards, because I am a recipe collector, and I tend to ask for recipes of delicious things--and this gift saves your recipients the trouble of asking.  :)  This is a yummy but inexpensive treat to make, and it's an extra treat to have the recipe as part of the gift, too.

You can order the set of 10 Candy Cane Meringue recipes cards here,
following the instructions you'll see on the right.

This 4x6 card has the recipe on the front and cute decor on the back.  (These are the personalized cards I ordered, but you won't see my name on the back when you order yours.)  When the cards arrive, cut them in half and gift them with some delicious candy cane meringues!   Cards come in sets of 10, so with 20 after they're cut, you'll have plenty for neighbor, girlfriend, and co-worker gifts. 

And just follow the recipe on the card to make your treats!  Easy, peasy.

Day 10:  Candle Wraps
Wrap a Christmas-scented candle and thank someone for their hospitality.  These are made from a 12x12 scrap page.  Cut out from the scrap page and tie around a candle with ribbon. 

UPDATE 2024:  Here are the candle wraps I made using Artisan.  I love them.  They're a little smaller (i.e. cheaper) than the original ones shown above because I decided to make them on an 8x8 scrap page instead of 12x12.  

I think they still look good with a 22 oz. candle (shown below), but this size gives you an option to downsize the candle, if you prefer, to the 18 oz.

As promised, here's the link to the project itself so you can just order it without having to create anything yourself.  Woo-hoo! 

Day 11:  "Be Merry" Gingerbread Table Runner
This adorable table runner is made from a playing card deck!  Just order the deck, then punch holes with a mini hole punch and tie with ribbon.  The "Be Merry" message will stand up accordion-style.

And it stores flat, too!  

Day 12:  Christmas Subway Print
Made from a simple 11x14 print, this subway art poster highlights all the joys of Christmas and can be displayed year after year.  Personalize with the recipient's name or leave blank.  

 

Or choose this one from Luke 2 

Did you find something you loved?  Whether or not you are looking for 12 gifts or 1, I hope you found something unique and fun.  Happy gift-giving!

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