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- c/0 Vegweb.com, the Amazing Vegan Peanut Butter Cups!
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- Vegan Caramel Popcorn drizzled in Chocolate (or carob chips!)
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- Home-made Lip balm!
Gone are the days that I remember, when trimming the Christmas Tree (sorry, Holiday Tree these days..) was a low budget family affair, followed by skating, card playing and family bickering. When we were overjoyed if we got knick-knacks and chocolate in our stockings, nevermind the latest iPhone, XBox and MacBook Pro.
People who are otherwise ignorant, greedy douchebags all year long put on the mask of “I really am a ‘good’ person” and talk “candy coated smack” for 2 weeks leading up to the big day…only to follow the holidays with tales of woe about how much debt they racked up, how their children are always wanting the best of the best, they cant pay rent..blah blah blah.
Children and tweens filling malls unified by the “I want, I want” chant that rings like sleighbells possesed by greed…high pitched, ungrateful and down right annoying.
So, now that Ive shared with you my undying hatred for Christmas, know that I am not against gift giving, or showing love to those around you (note that I do not consider those 2 things synonymous with each other). I do however believe that a gift from the heart always reigns supreme and that a persons time is invaluable. Therefore creativity with your gifts, partnered with a practical edge (you know the person will actually USE it for something) are my favorite ways to approach every day of the year, let alone “holidays” twisted to propel the economy through rampant spending.
Ive created a little list of ideas for those of you out there who would like to celebrate a more conscious and crafty holiday season…just remember, it shouldnt take a date on a calendar to show the ones you love that you care.
Holiday Crafty Gift Ideas!
1. Amazing Vegan Peanut Butter Cups – Arrange them on a plate, wrapped in a clear cellophane tied with ribbon, or stack 3 (1 on top of the other) in a coffee mug from the dollar store, again wrap in cellophane and tie with a ribbon! Who doesn’t love peanut butter cups…especially if they’re made by YOU!
2. The Ever Popular Popcorn Goodie Bags (or Jars) – This is a recipe for VEGAN caramel popcorn…ya, you heard me! Break out some old mason jars or scour the local thrift store for some other interesting jar like containers and give the gift of delicious…you could even drizzle some melted carob chips on top for a little extra sweet kick! Popcorn as opposed to the previous recipe will keep for a long time even in room temperature…so a great gift if you’re shipping it away!
3. Vegan Lip Balm – It’s cold outside, we’re all bundled up it mittens and a hat and chances are, our poor lips are dry and chapped from all the frigid wind. Well, give the gift of moist lips…the mistletoe will thank you;) Not to mention, when the recipe is all said and done…you could be giving away dozens of these little guys in gift bags, wrapping paper or as is for as little as $1.20 per tube – AND you get to experiment with flavours. Use hemp oil instead of the vitamin e, avocado oil instead of the jojoba oil and peppermint or cinnamon instead of the spearmint…go nuts!
You can jazz these things (and any other ideas you may have) up with home-made gift tags made from old comics cut out and glued to card stock or wrapping your gifts IN old comics. You could also print paper bags with a logo or picture using a stencil or lino cut, then seal them with holiday stickers. Get creative, this is crafting season…when all else fails, visit www.etsy.com and spend your money on something someone else worked hard to make!
Awesome! I want to make some of these. Thanks for sharing! I’ve made a bunch of gifts this year- a msegsneer bag for my brother, a steelers throw for my brother in law, a set of reusable bags for my sister, a purse for my other sister, a fleece ruffly skirt for my sister in law, and a fleece housecoat for my mom. Still deciding about pj pants for my dad and a blanket for my daugther.