Creative Crafts

Why gift cards are a GREAT gifts - By Joanna Palmer @ Creative Packaging

Ahhhh it’s time to start thinking about your naughty or nice Christmas shopping list. The truth is, most of us can get a little stressed about finding the perfect gift. So why not eliminate copious trips to the mall and choose a well suited gift card? You know, gift cards can also be a necessity gift. As gift cards for gas, groceries, or drugstore purchases can be gifts that have HUGE value for anyone living on a tight budget. Here’s a stat that might change your mind about endless hours of shopping. A retail study done in 2014 showed that three out of four Americans won’t like the Christmas gift they receive (wow, really!) If your worried that a gift card isn’t special enough or that it may make you look lazy, then think about what that person likes to do, where they like to eat, or what they do for fun, just put some thought into where the gift card comes from. And don’t just stuff the gift card in an envelope. Try some of Creative Packaging wrapping tips. They are simple and easy. We promise that even those on your naughty list will feel the love!

Reindeer Brownies Gifted in Treat Bags

We've kept the best till last. The fudgiest, deepest, darkest, most intense chocolate brownies EVER! From scratch, pantry staples, just one bowl, no mixer needed. Add some holiday cheer by turning them into reindeers!  

Ingredients 

• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red Candy Balls for the nose
• Pretzels to make the ears
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Christmas Fruit Pies Gifted in Treat Bags

Making heavenly christmas pies doesn't need to take up an entire day. With this delectable, no fuss recipe, you'll be gifting tasty pies in no time at all.  

Ingredients 

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 stick butter, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Grated zest (1 tablespoon) and juice of 1 orange (1/3 cup)
• 1 jar gourmet fruit mince
• Icing sugar for dusting

Caramel Kisses Gifted in Treat Bags

These melt in your mouth caramel kisses are fun and easy to make. Wrap them up like candy and enjoy gifting them this holiday season.

Ingredients 

• 1 cup plain (all-purpose) flour, sifted
• ½ cup desiccated coconut 
• 4½oz unsalted butter, melted 
• ½ cup brown sugar

Caramel filling

• 4½oz unsalted butter, chopped 
• 2 x cans (7oz ea) sweetened condensed milk 
• 1/3 cup golden syrup

Chocolate topping

• 7oz dark chocolate, chopped 
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Best Ever Fruit Cake Gifted in Treat Bags

• ½ cup dried apricots, chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup dried cherries
• ½ cup golden raisins
• 1 cup bourbon
• ½ cup pistachios, chopped
• ½ cup hazelnuts, chopped
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Raw sugar, for garnish

Coco For Two Gifted in Treat Bags

Nothing makes you feel more comfy and cozy than a warm cup of hot chocolate on a frosty winter day. These easy to make cups of coco are sure to delight your recipients!  

Ingredients 

(Makes one gift pack) 

• 2 mini jars 
• 4 tablespoons good quality chocolate powder 
• 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows 
• 2 candy cane sticks  
• 1 mini whisk 

Shortbread Mitten Cookies Gifted in Treat Bags

Shortbread Mitten Cookies

A delicious batch of shortbread cookies is as easy as four ingredients. There's no reason not to make a treat bag full for every family member and friends.  

Ingredients 

• 1 cup (226g) salted butter, cold and diced into 1 Tbsp pieces* 
• 2/3 cup (142g) granulated sugar 
• 1/2 tsp almond extract 
• 2 1/4 cups (318g) all-purpose flour

Superlicious Chocolate Bark Gifted in Treat Bags

Superlicious Chocolate Bark for Kids 

It's now the kids turn to have their own version of delish chocolate bark! You can run your imagination wild and add an array of ingredients to make your very own custom chocolate packs. 

Ingredients 

• 18 oz milk chocolate, roughly chopped 
• 1 cup salted or honey popcorn (store bought)
• 3-4 Candy Cane sticks crushed
• Parchment / Baking paper

Exotic Chocolate Bark Gifted in Treat Bags

Exotic Chocolate Bark

We could never say no to chocolate and what better way to gift it than to actually make your own delicious version. Here are two exotic versions, but let your imagination run wild and you won't be able to stop creating! 

 Ingredients  

• 18 oz bittersweet or dark chocolate, roughly chopped 
• 6 ounce white chocolate
• Parchment / Baking paper 

Rose Pistachio Chocolate Bark 

• 1 teaspoon Rosewater
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios (or any other nut variety)
• 1/2 cup edible dried rose petals (avail from good food stores) 

Festive Butter Cookies Gifted in Treat Bags

Festive Butter Cookies

Cookies are always a good idea whether it's the holiday season or not. These super delicious butter cookies are a joy to create. Get the kids involved in making their own shapes and gifting them to friends and teachers.

Ingredients 

• 10 oz butter
• 1 egg yolk
• 3.5 oz powered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 11 oz all-purpose flour
• 4 oz corn starch
• 2 tablespoons full cream milk