Tuesday, December 29, 2015

how to make gifting actually happen


Gifting is, like, a big deal.  Everybody's doing it.  Some people might give modest gifts to everyone they know.  Others might present their close friends with lavish, expensive surprises.  From having observed the gifting culture at my school, I know that it is sometimes frowned upon to not participate in all this gifting.  I've been caught empty handed after receiving colorfully-wrapped packages, having nothing but an old lollipop to give in return.

First of all, I don't have the money to buy everyone I know what they've always wanted.  I don't think that's the point of the holiday season, anyway.  It is nice to have a little something prepared, though.  Even though I hopped on the gifting bandwagon a little late this year, I still came up with some prototypes for next year - along with a more realistic concept of how much time it takes to become a prepared, gift-ready ninja.

Two months in advance
Step 1: acknowledge that you want to give gifts.

Step 2: make a list of everyone you want to give gifts to.

Step 3: separate that list into 2 categories - people you are going to give something cute and casual to (your friends and relatives), and people you are going to spend extra time on (your mom)

Step 4: brainstorrrm!!! Are you going to make your gifts by hand (very fun, very time-consuming) or are you going to buy them?

Potential store-bought gifts for everyone:
- mini deodorant
- mini soap
- tinsel
- candles 
- chocolate
- glitter
- stickers
- stationery
- cute beanie baby

Potential homemade gifts for everyone(ish):


Tutorial here.

Estimated time per bracelet: 1-2 hrs
Reserve 1-2 days for every bracelet you intend to make.


Inspired by this guy, Ryan Conners.

Materials I used:
- brown polymer clay
- acrylic paint (many colors)
- clear glaze
- cardstock paper
- scissors
- small knife
- rolling pin

Process:
Design your ornament shape on cardstock paper.  Cut out to make a template.  After kneading (and mixing, if necessary) your polymer clay, roll out a thin layer with a rolling pin.  Lay the template down on the clay and cut around the edges with a butter knife (or smaller tool, if you have one).  Bake the clay.  When cooled, paint on details.  When dry, paint on glaze.  Let dry overnight.

Estimated time per ornament: 20 min
Set aside 2-3 days for mass-producing ornaments


I used the America's Test Kitchen recipe, which was fairly pleasing.  Here is this mom's take on the recipe.

Estimated time per batch: 2 hrs
Set aside 2-3 days for mass-producing cookie plates (keep in mind: these do not keep for a long time in the fridge)

Now go and enjoy the REST OF THE YEAR!  This article may not be useful to you now now, but it will be useful to you sooner than you think! (hint hint)

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