Ardenwoods is bustling with holiday spirit. Get-togethers full of melodies and merriment — such as the pen pal gift-wrapping party, community decorating and the upcoming Ardenwoods Singers performance — have our campus teeming with excitement. If we’ve caught you scrambling for a last-minute gift idea for a family member, neighbor or friend, check out the creative and customizable ideas below.

Wrapped wooden spoon

     Materials: wooden spoon, embroidery thread, quick-dry tacky/craft glue, dishwasher-safe Mod Podge, sponge brush and scissors

     First, choose your threads, personalizing the gift with your own creative color palette. Spread a small amount of glue on the end of your spoon handle and press one end of your first thread color into the glue, then wait about a minute. Wrap the thread around the handle, slowly working your way up the spoon. To switch colors or create alternating patterns on the handle, trim and glue the end of the initial thread and repeat the process with a new strand — or wrap two colors at once for a multicolored look. To seal, use a sponge brush to apply a light coat of Mod Podge to the handle. Learn more here.

Sand art sugar scrub

     Materials: granulated white sugar, coconut oil, gel food colors, a clear airtight container and essential oils (optional)

     Mix one cup of sugar with 1/3 cup coconut oil, and add a few drops of essential oil, if desired. For larger batches, stick to this three-to-one ratio, adding 1/3 cup of coconut oil for every additional cup of sugar. Separate the scrub into different bowls, then add a small amount of gel food coloring to each bowl, mixing after each drop, until the colors are evenly distributed and the scrubs reach the desired hues. Next, pour the mixtures, using alternating layers of color, into your airtight container, firmly pressing down on each layer before moving onto the next to create a striking (and functional!) work of art. Learn more here.

Stovetop potpourri

     Materials: oranges, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, evergreen sprigs, cellophane (or plastic) bags and ribbon

     To give the gift of holiday-themed aromatics, fill clear cellophane bags with an orange, a handful of cranberries, a few cinnamon sticks, cloves and evergreen sprigs, and tie closed with decorative ribbon. Be sure to include instructions with the gift: To use the potpourri, slice the orange and place the slices, along with the other bag contents, in a pot on the stove. Cover the potpourri with 1–2 inches of water and bring to a low simmer. Be sure to leave off the lid or keep it cracked, adding more water as it evaporates. Then, sit back and enjoy the seasonal aroma! Potpourri may be reused for a few days, until the scent is gone (or the contents are no longer visually appealing). Learn more here.

Garden plant markers

     Garden plant markers can be made from a variety of materials. Here are two popular DIY versions we came across:

Wine cork garden markers

     Materials: recycled or new wine corks, colorful permanent markers and wooden plant stakes or bamboo skewers

     Use permanent markers, such as Sharpies, to write a garden plant or herb name vertically down the side of each wine cork. Consider using decorative handwriting, getting creative with color or including botanical doodles for added fun. Insert the sharp end of the plant stakes or skewers into the center of each cork, far enough to secure in place but not poke out the top. Then, tie the bundle of stakes together with a ribbon for a festive presentation. Learn more here.

Upcycled silverware garden markers

     Materials: old or unused table knives, colorful peel-and-stick letters (flat stickers work best) and Mod Podge (optional)

     Upcycle old butter knives by creating fun garden markers. With the knife oriented blade down, use the peel-and-stick letters to spell out plant and herb names vertically down the knife handle, creating a unique marker when the knife is inserted into the soil. Be sure to press the stickers on firmly, and consider coating the stickers with Mod Podge for extra protection against the outdoor elements. Learn more here.

     We hope that these ideas are helpful as you plan gifts for this holiday season. Be sure to keep up with Ardenwoods’ holiday happenings on Instagram and Facebook.

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