One of the dollar stores in my area has red clear plastic Rudolph reindeer noses with an elastic string through them to hold them on and they blink when you put them on. They also had felt reindeer antlers on a plastic headband ($1.00 each). Our whole family wore them a few nights ago to our community tree-lighting ceremony. If you can find either or both of them, what a great family Christmas photo that be! would be

How about nice Christmas mugs put a herbal tbag, aspirin and candy in each one to get them through the holidays. Sue :)

try a survival kit...they are posted all over here and they are great for a laugh. Maybe you could even come up with your own personnal touches for the kit depending on the person.

My local overstock store(Ollie's, Big Lots, Odd Jobs) has plain white mugs for only .33 each. You could fill them with cake-in-a-mug, snowman soup (I like mine with chocolate chips & mini marshmallows added), survival kits or even mix to make a big cookie.

Take a look at the gag gift posts on this forum--if you haven't already.

I just made up a couple of the weather rocks for some hard to craft for men in my family. There's also the fish seeds, using gold fish crackers. Or the penny pincher. Nearly everything has a poem to go with it, which makes giving small things much nicer.

Rosieclown,
Here are all the Christmas gag gifts I have that are not the poop poems. You could just put the candy and such in decorative Christmas cello bags you can get at the dollar store, add the bag toppers, and forgo the mugs to save money. Hope this helps.

Angel Kisses

(*you can use the hugs Hershey kisses*)

There are so many kinds of kisses,
Some for love, and some for good wishes.
But here is the one that can't be beat
Angel Kisses--so wonderful and sweet!

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Angel Seeds

(*use white candy*)

#1
In this packet you will find
Angel Seeds of the sweetest kind
If you eat one you will see
Your heart will be most lovingly

Eating two or three or four
Will bring you happiness and more
Angel wings and shiny halo
as into an angel you will grow

birdiekity

#2
God created angel seeds
To let us know He cares.
Take one seed per day
And swallow it with prayer.

#3
Angel seeds are delicate
So plant them in a spot just right
Do it with a little prayer
And love them day and night
So when you are in special need
Of the Angel's love and care
Look into your heart to see
Your Angel living there

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Candy Cane poem

(*Tie this poem on a candy cane*)

#1
Jesus Gentle Shepherd, this cane of red & white,
Proclaims a sweet love story, born on Christmas night.
This cane, you see, when turned around, begins your name of love,
And now becomes a symbol of peace proclaimed above.
The lively peppermint flavor is the regal gift of spice.
The white is your purity, the red your sacrifice.
And so this cane reminds us of just how much you care,
And like your Christmas gift to us, it's meant for all to share.

#2
A significant symbol of Christmas
Is the Simple Candy Cane.
It's shape is the crook of the Shepherd
One of the first who came.
The lively peppermint flavor is
The regal gift of spice.
The White is Jesus' purity.
The Red is sacrifice.
The narrow stripes are friendship.
And the nearness of his love.
Eternal, Sweet Compassion
A gift from God above.
The Candy Cane reminds us all
of how much God cared.
And like His Christmas gift to use
It's meant to be broken and shared.

*********************************************

CANDY CANE SEEDS

(*Use round, red and white peppermint candies*)

I once knew a gardner who knew how to grow
Bright tasty candies, right out of the snow
I asked him to share his secret with me
And this is what he replied quite readily
To garden in winter is difficult you see
It takes lots of care and a very special seed
I'll give you a couple to grow your own treats
And you'll soon reap a harvest of candy cane treats.

***************************************************

CHRISTMAS BLESSING MIX

BUGLES---The trumpet that sounded at his birth.
PRETZELS---Mary's arms wrapped around her baby.
FRUITS AND NUTS-----The gifts the wise men brought.
CANDY CANE(S)---Shepherds staffs.
CHOCOLATE STARS-- The star of Bethlehem.
HERSHEY KISSES--The love he has for you.
RAFFIA---The hay in the manger that ties it all together.

Use dried fruit mix and two different nuts.
Put in treat bags tied with raffia. You can then put in mug, or any suitable container that recipient may need, or just leave in treat bag.

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Christmas Candle

Here's a Christmas Candle,
A gift for your family to share.
Let it brighten up your season,
And spread gladness in the air.

It is hoped that you'll enjoy
A special season full of fun.
And love will burn more brightly
When your holiday is done.

***************************************************

The Christmas Star

(*give Christmas star cookies*)

May the Light that shone from the Christmas Star
On that night so long ago
Fall on you this Christmas night and set your face aglow.
May it shine from your eyes.
May it rest in your mind.
May it burn in your Spirit bright.
May the Peace it spoke to a weary world.
Bring joy to your heart tonight.

©m.garren 12-7-96

*****************************************************

Cookie Cutter Poem

Instructions:
Place a gingerbread man cookie cutter in a baggie
Put some candied sprinkles in a small ziploc bag and put in baggie with the cutter.
Attach a card with the following recipe and poem.

Poem:

I made a plate of cookies to share with you this year
I thought it was a good way to spread some Christmas cheer
They all looked really tasty, so I thought I'd eat just one
And a little while later, I noticed there were none.
So here's my Christmas greeting,
And a cookie cutter too,
Now you can make your own cookies,
And maybe share a few.

Recipe:
Sugar CUT UPS

1 cup sugar
½ tsp. salt
2 egg yolks
1 tsp. baking powder
1 Tbsp.cream
1 ½ cup flour
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix and sift flour, baking powder and salt.
Cream butter, add sugar slowly and cream until fluffy.
Stir in well-beaten egg yolks & vanilla extract.
Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with cream.
Chill for 1 hour, roll and cut with cookie cutters.
Decorate.
Preheat oven to 350. Place cookies on greased cookie sheet
about 2" apart and bake 10 - 12 minutes
or until cookies begin to brown.

FROSTING RECIPE:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp butter, room temperature
1-2 tsp. milk
Add all ingredients in small bowl. Mix well.

******************************************************

Perfect Man (gingerbread man)

Gingerbread man
Is the perfect man,
He is no trouble at all.
He is very sweet
And never talks back,
And he always comes when you call.

If he gives you any trouble, any trouble at all,
Here's what you do ya'll.
Give him one warning, just one warning I said,
If he doesn't listen, bite off his head.

******************************************************

Ginger Bread Man - Recipe for Life

1 Heaping cup of encouragement
1 cup of melted compassion
2 cups of hope
1 cup of love
1 tablespoon of faith (it only takes a little)
2 large attitude
Lots of hugs in assorted sizes

Cream encouragement and compassion together. Add hope, love, and faith. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Slowly add the unbeaten attitude. Batter should be firm but not unyielding. knead gently. Roll in hugs and cut out to the desired shape. Add stars for eyes and a kiss. Bake in a warm oven. Excellent when shared with a friend.

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Grinch Candy Canes Poems

(*Just buy the green colored candy canes and attach the following poem:*)

#1
When the Grinch discovered
There was no way,
To Keep Christmas from coming
On Christmas day,
He devised a new plan...
Though not quite as mean.
He licked all the candy canes,
Til he turned them all green.

#2
Every Who Down in Who-ville Liked Christmas a lot...
But the Grinch, Who lived just North of Who-ville, Did NOT!
The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season!
Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason.
But, Whatever the reason, His heart or his shoes,
He stood there on Christmas Eve, hating the Whos,
Then he got an idea! An awful idea!
THE GRINCH GOT A WONDERFUL, AWFUL IDEA!
"I know just what to do!" The Grinch laughed in his throat.
And he chuckled, and clucked, "What a great Grinchy trick!Â
IÂll lick all the candy canes, and turn them all green!

******************************************************

GRINCH PILLS

(*use green M&M's*)

#1
Feeling kinda' grouchy?
Holiday spirit can't be found?
Just try these little "Grinch Pills."
They're the best medicine around.
Whether eating a whole handful,
Or munching one or two,
These tasty little "pills"
Take the "Grinch" right out of you!

#2
So the Grinch stole your Christmas,
Well this should help you out.
Little green Grinch pills
Will take out the pout.
You can eat a handful or just one or two,
And before you know it, you'll be a smiling fool.

******************************************************

Christmas Candy M&Ms

As you hold these candies
In your hand,
And turn them,
You will see.
The M becomes a W,
An E, and then a 3.
They tell the Christmas story,
It's one I'm sure you know.
It took place in a stable.
A long, long, time ago.
The E is for the East,
Where the star shone so bright.
The M is for the Manger,
Where Baby Jesus slept that night.
The 3 is for the Wise men,
Bearing gifts, they say they came.
W is for Worship, Hallelujah, Praise His Name.
So as you eat these candies,
Or share them with a friend.
Remember the meaning of Christmas,
It's a Love story that never ends.

by Pam Ridenour

***************************************************

Make Your Own Treat

(*use frozen or dried cookie mix*)

Poinsettia's are red
Cookies are sweet
I've been really busy
So make your own darn treat!

****************************************************

Santa Kisses

#1
Santa's been busy
Granting our wishes
So he dropped off this bag
of Santa Kisses

#2
A bag of Hugs & Kisses
to wish you Merry Christmas

****************************************************

SMELLS OF CHRISTMAS

(*It's a cute little idea that could be given to a great friend during the Holidays. It could be given in a nice coffee mug or whatever you can think of*)

3 cinnamon sticks
3 bay leaves
2 orange slices
2 lemon slices
1/3 cup loves - whole
Combine ingredients in a mesh bag and tie with a string-not ribbon.
Place in a ziplock plastic bag, and put in fridge until ready to use.
Place 1 quart of water in a saucepan , and remove the mesh from the ziplock bag and place in the saucepan.
Add water as needed and heat on low.
If giving as a gift, I dried the lemons and orange slices first.
Then put them in a pretty glass jar with ribbon tied around it.

****************************************************

SNOWMAN KISSES

(mini-marshmallows or other white candy)

Snowflakes from Heaven as white as can be!
Can build a Snowman for all to see!
He's cute and cuddly and full of good wishes!
And wants to give you a bunch of his kisses!

****************************************************
Snowman soup

(*1 individual packet of cocoa mix, 10-15 little marshmallows, several Hershey's kisses and a small candy cane put into a Christmas cup, with this poem added to it.*)

#1
Was told you've been real good this year.
Always glad to hear it!
With freezing weather drawing near,
You'll need to warm the spirit.

So here's a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick.
Add hot water, sip it slow.
It's sure to do the trick!

#2
When it's so cold that
you holler and whoop,
It's time to bring out
the Snowman Soup!

Pour the packet in a mug.
Add marshmallows too.
And throw in these kisses
that are special just for you.

Now add some hot water
and use the cane to stir it.
Sip slowly and soon you'll
feel the warm winter spirit!

#3
When the weather outside is frightful,
Snowman Soup can be delightful.
May it warm your spirit and your soul.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

When you feel a chill or 'burrrrrr',
Use the peppermint stick to stir.
Add hot water and sip it slow.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.

#4
This snowman looks frosty, but he has a warm heart
He's brimming with soup mix just for you--
This isn't a snow job ... I think you're great
Your friendship warms me through and through.

Recipe:

1-3/4 cups instant mashed potatoes
1-1/2 cup non-fat dry milk powder
2 Tablespoons instant chicken bouillon powder
2 teaspoons dried minced onions
1-1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried whole thyme
1/4 group white pepper
1/8 teaspoon tumeric
Make 3 cups soup mix.

Instructions to attach to jar: To serve: Place ½ cup of mixture in a
mixing bowl and add 1 cup boiling water. Stir until smooth.

****************************************************

Spare Reindeer Nose's

(Red Hots or Red M&Ms, hard candy, etc.)

#1
Rudolph has a job to do
Every Christmas Eve, it's true.
His nose will always light the way
For Santa and his tiny sleigh,
But if his nose should ever go out
Don't cry or whine or yell or pout.
Take out this bag and use a bit.
From Rudolph's Red Nose repair kit.

#2
Rudolph's nose is very bright
He helps guide Santa's sleigh
Without it in the dark night sky
They might not find their way.
So just in case dear Rudy's nose
Is kaput and goes on the blink
We have these spare "red nose seeds"
To repair him in a wink!

****************************************************

St. Nicholas' Shoe

(*go to a craft or party store for a plastic shoe or boot....or use a small stocking*)

When St. Nicholas comes
to fill up each shoe,
He leaves gifts inside,
and a shiny coin, too!

So here's a small token
that's just meant to say~
Best wishes to you
as you go on your way!

****************************************************

WASHER & DRYER

(*Wrap a dishcloth and dish towel in a large and pretty box with this note attached*)

This Christmas our ship has finally come in
We're feeling so wealthy and rich.
Instead of some small remembrance
This year will be quite a switch
We're giving a gift of high quality
No more cheap presents for us.
It's time we really went all out
But don't worry, its really no fuss.
We considered giving you a sports car
Or maybe a tropical cruise ---
But we decided to be more practical
And give something you really could use.
So, open the box and you may be surprised,
To find not only ONE gift, but two --
We hope you will put your presents to work
It's a WASHER & DRYER, too!!!!

****************************************************

Wisk Gift

Take a large wisk and fill it with Hershey Kisses.
Wrap all in cello and tie with fancy ribbon.
Make a cute little holiday gift tag that says:

"We WISK you a Merry Christmas".

****************************************************

Great list Summer!! Some of the ideas were new to me. I feel as though I just got a jump start on Next Christmas and I've got them all saved! (we forget to do that sometimes)

Happy Holidays,
Gail

December of 2002 and found these great idea. Thanks Summer.

Store bought Christmas ornaments would be easy. Buy them cheaper by the dozen, then buy enough dozens that you can make sure your cousin and your cousin's wife and their kids get different ornaments. Clear plastic (or printed) bags from the cake-baking dept at the store seem to be cheaper than gift bags. Add some tiny candy canes in the bags to make the more festive to open.

Julie

Thanks summer for sharing your list.These are so cute.
I'm doing a craft table at a gun & knife show Saturday
and Sunday. I will need to do a few of your cute idea's with my scented waxed bears.
Thanks
Deanna

Hi - I don't usually post here, but was browsing & have a suggestion for your female cousins. Check out Crafts & Decorations "Jan's version of the Slippers". It's about
2/3 of the way down the first page & is hilarious. It's slippers made out of kotex pads! There is also a cute saying to go with it on one of the threads. Merry Christmas! Sandra

Last year I got Christmas "buckets/pails" at WalMart and put two bags of microwave popcorn and two cans of soda nestled in shredded red/green paper and on the tag wrote, "Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a great friend you is!" You could substitute cousin, niece or whatever.

I'm looking for a friendship poem to be given with lotion, it compares the soothing effects of frienship/lotion.
Thanks,
Justina