It looks like we are finally in for some cooler weather, and possibly definitely rain, this week. The plan is to get some of the storage unit cleaned out before temperatures go back up. We have so much that others could put to good use, and we’d like to rid ourselves of the added expense. Ideally, I’d like to get the furniture and box of clothes out since they are the stored items most affected by the weather. Productivity-wise, I made cookie dough to freeze until just before Christmas. I also got the other treats made and handed out for the most part. Every year we give out baked goods to friends and family. All I need are either tins or plates since I used the last of what we had last year.
Two weekends ago we spent the days cleaning up, and even though we didn’t get a tree then, we did get to try out Endwalker. The game is very pretty, although I’d say to wait a bit for the hype to die down. When it released the wait time, at minimum, was around a hour and a half. When I logged in last week, the queue was around 40-60 minutes and I was kicked three times. I’m thinking about doing my first live stream of the game sometime in the next week or two. Truth be told, most of my time is spent in The Gold Saucer since I really want the cactuar mount. I’m nearly there– have about 80,000 MGP to go.
In other news, we have some last-minute gift ideas that aren’t gift cards. Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with them. I’m a huge supporter of gift cards. They don’t take up much space, the person can get what they want, and they’re convenient. That being said, some people aren’t fans of gifting them, so here are some alternative ideas. If you are going to use jars or containers that you already have, be sure to sanitize them first. Some people aren’t keen on getting DIY gifts, but they mean so much because someone had to craft it:
- Food
- Cookies, bars, brittle, bark, DIY mixes; the possibilities are endless. There are so many different combinations that you can customize something for everyone, if you have the time. This year I made brownies and a version of Avalanche (similar to the one from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory). I may also make some Krispy treats or chocolate Krispy bars since I have a little bit of time today.
- Chex or Crispx mixes make delicious gifts that can be sweet, savory, or a little bit of both. Add-ins like nuts, soy, nori/furikake, chocolate pieces, and dried fruit elevate your mix. If your recipient isn’t a fan of cereal, create a personalized trail mix.
- DIY Ornaments
- You don’t need a clear ornament to create tailored pieces. Good at origami? Make one of the many shapes available and pierce part of the paper. Attach fishing line or string, and there you go! Add the year and a signature, and your receipt will have a one-of-a-kind ornament. Craft shops should still have small wood rounds for crafting. Drawing, writing, and painting are all foundations to create a custom wood ornament.
- DIY Scrubs and Balms
- As much as I love DIY skin products, it’s important to make sure that you follow instructions from reputable sources and know the recipient’s skin sensitivities. For instance, essential oils and synthetic fragrances can be strong and affect the skin, breathing (i.e. some people have a difficult time breathing with scented products–even “natural” ones), and pet health. Always safety first. Once you’ve found the perfect recipe for your recipient, package it up and personalize it with ribbon, a tag, etc.
- Book or Photo Album
- The great thing about this is that you can create it with items you already have. Print out recipes you know they’ll love and arrange them on blank paper. You can add filler by using quotes, stickers, drawings, etc. If you don’t have a printer, you can write out recipes paste them in. Use your imagination. When you are done, you can bind everything by sewing the pages together. You can also use key rings if the paper is thicker (i.e. cardstock), a binder, or even a stapler. Creating a photo album but you don’t have an album? That’s okay. You can still put a meaningful piece together with photos, tape, colored pencils/markers/pens, and a little artistic inspiration. One year I used washi tape that I found in a drawer and fixed photos to construction paper. Then, I drew small things that would remind my friend of what was relevant to that time, like small instruments because we watched a show that featured musicians; cats, plants, etc. For some I would write a quote someone said or a memory. I added cover and back sheets. Yes, it was kind of flimsy because of the brand of paper, but it all worked out.
What are your ideas for last-minute gifts? Remember that things don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. Homemade gifts are often a labor of love, so if you are given a handmade gift, remember to think about what went into it. If I don’t get another post up before Christmas, whether you celebrate it or not, I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season.
Peace & Love, always!
Darphynia's Diary 