The holiday season is the perfect time for creating thoughtful, handmade gifts. This year, I’m bringing you a simple but charming DIY holiday gift idea that’s both practical and cozy: a holiday-scented candle paired with a repurposed spice jar match holder. This gift is ideal for anyone who loves the warm ambiance of candlelight and makes for a lovely, budget-friendly present. Plus, I’m including a printable label and gift tag to make it extra special!
This post contains affiliate links
What You’ll Need:
• An empty spice jar (cleaned and dried)
• Matches (long matches work great for aesthetics and ease)
• Printable labels and gift tags (scroll down to download)
• Sandpaper or striking paper (for match ignition)
Step 1: Clean and Prepare Your Spice Jar
To start, take any empty spice jar you have on hand. Remove any labels by soaking the jar in warm, soapy water. A clean surface will ensure that your new label will adhere smoothly.
Step 2: Add Your Matches
Once your jar is dry, fill it with matches. You can use regular matches or the longer ones that are great for lighting candles in deeper holders. They give a stylish look and are easy to handle.
Step 3: Create the Strike Surface
To make your jar functional, cut a small piece of sandpaper or use adhesive striking paper and affix it to the bottom or side of the jar. This will serve as the strike area for lighting the matches. Make sure to use a surface that works with your type of matches!
Step 4: Label & Personalize
Print out the label I’ve created and stick it to the spice jar. You can use a glue stick for regular paper or use printable sticker paper. This label adds a festive touch, making it clear that this is more than just a simple spice jar – it’s now a holiday match holder! Attach the gift tag to the candle or the match jar with some twine or ribbon to complete the look.
Step 5: Gift It!
Pair the match holder with a holiday candle from Plant Therapy. Their seasonal scents will make any room feel cozy and inviting. Bundle them together for a gift that’s sure to be appreciated during the chilly months.
Why It’s a Great Gift
This DIY match holder and candle set brings a sense of warmth and personality. It’s perfect for anyone who loves creating an inviting space and makes for a unique, thoughtful gift. The repurposed jar not only gives it a handmade feel but also keeps it eco-friendly.
With Halloween around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get creative with spooky-themed snacks for your kids’ daycare or school parties. If you’re looking for a simple, fun, and nutritious treat that’s sure to be a hit, these DIY Mummy Applesauce Pouches are the way to go!
Not only are they adorable, but they’re also easy to make. Using white streamer or gauze to wrap the pouches, you can turn an ordinary applesauce snack into a festive mummy treat. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to create your own mummy applesauce pouches, using Motts applesauce pouches (which already have eyes!) or adding your own googly eyes.
What You’ll Need:
• Motts applesauce pouches (or any brand of applesauce pouches)
• White crepe paper streamers (or gauze)
• Double-sided tape or glue dots
• Optional: googly eyes (if your pouches don’t already have eyes)
Why Choose Motts Applesauce Pouches?
I personally used Motts applesauce pouches because they already have cute little eyes printed on them, making the whole process even easier. But don’t worry if you’re using a different brand—adding googly eyes is just as fun and gives the pouches an extra personal touch!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mummy Applesauce Pouches
1. Wrap the Pouches
• Start by cutting a strip of white crepe paper (streamer) or gauze. You want it long enough to wrap around the pouch a few times.
• Begin wrapping the pouch from the bottom, working your way to the top. Make sure to leave a small gap near the eyes (or where you’ll place the googly eyes).
• Secure the end of the streamer or gauze with a piece of double-sided tape or a glue dot on the back of the pouch.
2. Add Eyes (If Needed)
• If you’re using pouches without pre-printed eyes, this is the step to add the googly eyes. Simply stick them on the front of the pouch where the face would be. Make sure they peek out between the “bandages” for that perfect mummy look!
3. Final Touches
• Adjust the wrapping if needed, making sure it looks like the applesauce pouch is wearing a mummy’s “bandages.” You can fluff or crinkle the streamer a bit to give it a more authentic, messy mummy feel.
And that’s it! You now have adorable mummy applesauce pouches ready for the party.
Why This Snack Is Perfect for Halloween Parties
• Nutritious: Applesauce is a healthy, mess-free snack that parents and teachers will appreciate.
• Kid-Friendly: These pouches are easy for kids to open and eat, making them perfect for younger children.
• Festive & Fun: The mummy design adds a spooky but cute Halloween vibe that will stand out at any snack table.
• Quick & Easy: Even if you’re short on time, these pouches come together in just a few minutes, making them a great last-minute option for busy moms.
Tips for Success:
• If your kids are older, they can help you with the wrapping process—turn it into a fun family craft!
• These pouches also make great additions to Halloween gift bags or lunchboxes.
• Don’t limit yourself to just applesauce! You can apply this mummy wrapping technique to juice pouches, yogurt tubes, or other snack packs.
Looking for a fun and unique Halloween craft this year? Try this “Adopt-a-Ghost” project! This charming activity lets you turn ordinary rocks into adorable ghost figures, complete with their own names and adoption certificates. It’s the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit, and it’s great for kids and adults alike.
What You’ll Need:
• Rocks (any size or shape you like)
• White paint or air-dry clay
• Black paint or permanent markers for facial details
• Paintbrushes
• Optional: Clear varnish to seal the paint
• Printable adoption certificate (included)
• Printable ghost name generator (included)
Step 1: Find the Perfect Rock
The first step in your Adopt-a-Ghost project is a little adventure: finding the perfect rock! Head outside and look for rocks of different shapes and sizes. Some may have a round, ghost-like form naturally, while others might be more unique. Just make sure they’re smooth enough for painting or covering with air-dry clay.
Step 2: Turn Your Rock into a Ghost
Once you have your rock, it’s time to transform it into a ghost! You have two main options for decorating: using white paint or air-dry clay.
• Using Paint: Simply paint your rock white. You may need to do two or three coats depending on how dark the rock is. Once it’s dry, use black paint or a marker to add eyes and a mouth to your ghost. These can be cute or spooky, depending on your style.
• Using Air-Dry Clay: If you want a more textured look, you can cover your rock with a thin layer of white air-dry clay. Smooth it over the surface, then let it dry according to the clay’s instructions. After it dries, add the face using black paint or a permanent marker.
For an extra professional touch, you can seal your ghost with a coat of clear varnish once it’s fully painted. This helps protect the design and gives your ghost a glossy finish.
Step 3: Give Your Ghost a Name
What’s a ghost without a name? This is where the fun really begins. Use the Ghost Name Generator printable to give your new spectral friend a unique and spooky name. The printable is packed with fun combinations that are sure to spark some creativity.
Step 4: Create the Adoption Certificate
Now that your ghost has a name, it’s time to make it official! Download and print the Ghost Adoption Certificate provided with this craft. Fill in your ghost’s name, the date of adoption, and your own name as the proud adoptive parent. This certificate adds a fun and personal touch to the craft, making it feel like a real adoption event.
Step 5: Show Off Your Adopted Ghost
Once your ghost is finished and the adoption is official, you can proudly display your new friend! Place them on a shelf, desk, or even on your porch as part of your Halloween decor. You can even make multiple ghosts and set up a whole haunted family!
This craft is a perfect activity for a Halloween party, a weekend DIY project, or a classroom craft session. Plus, it’s a great way to combine creativity, outdoor exploration, and a bit of spooky fun.
Bonus Ideas:
• Ghost Village: Why stop at one? Gather several rocks and create a whole ghost village with unique characters and names!
• Personalized Halloween Gifts: These ghost rocks make adorable gifts. Attach the adoption certificate and ghost name card, and give them to friends or family as a quirky, handmade Halloween gift.
• Use Glow-in-the-Dark Paint: Add an extra layer of fun by using glow-in-the-dark paint for the eyes or entire body of the ghost. They’ll light up the night, creating a truly spooky vibe!
With this Adopt-a-Ghost craft, you’ll have a simple, engaging, and creative Halloween activity to enjoy with family and friends. Not only do you get to personalize your ghost, but the added adoption certificate and name generator make this craft feel extra special.
Looking for a spooky and savory treat that’s perfect for Halloween or any ghostly gathering? These cheesy garlic bread ghosts are a fun and delicious way to dress up classic garlic bread. Using simple ingredients like butter, cheese, and olives, this recipe adds a playful twist to a favorite snack. Plus, bread loaf slices make the perfect ghost shape without any extra effort! The ghosts are crunchy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and hauntingly delicious.
Ingredients:
• 4 slices of sourdough bread (or any bread loaf slices)
• 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works great)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Black olive slices (for the eyes and mouth)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• If you’re using bread loaf slices, you’ll notice they naturally resemble ghost shapes, especially if you use sourdough. You can either leave them as is or trim them slightly to enhance the ghostly appearance with a knife.
2. Mix the Spread:
• In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, mayonnaise, minced garlic, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
3. Get Cheesy:
• Spread the butter-mayo mixture generously on each slice of ghost-shaped bread.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, followed by a layer of grated Parmesan cheese. The mix of cheeses will create a melty, golden-brown topping.
4. Make the Ghost Faces:
• Use black olive slices to create eyes and mouths on your cheesy ghosts. Make them as spooky or silly as you like!
5. Bake:
• Place your ghost-shaped bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
• Once out of the oven, let the cheesy garlic bread ghosts cool slightly before serving. These make the perfect appetizer or side dish for a Halloween party!
FAQ:
Can I use regular bread instead of sourdough?
Yes! Bread loaf slices make a fantastic ghost shape, whether you use white, wheat, or French bread.
What other cheese options can I use?
Feel free to mix it up! Mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination of Monterey Jack and provolone would also be delicious.
Do I have to use olives for the faces?
Not at all! Pepperoni slices, cut-up bell peppers, or capers make great alternatives for the ghost faces.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the ghosts ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have a ghost-shaped cookie cutter?
If you’re using loaf bread, you don’t need one! But if you want different shapes, you can freehand them with a knife.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Add red pepper flakes, parsley, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and fun!
If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and delicious Halloween treat, this frozen yogurt bark is the perfect recipe! It’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and fully customizable with your favorite spooky toppings. I made mine Halloween-themed by coloring the yogurt green and decorating it with an assortment of creepy candies, gummies, and festive sprinkles.
Whether you’re throwing a Halloween party or just want to make a fun treat with the kids, this frozen yogurt bark will be a hit!
Ingredients:
• 2 cups plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (or any yogurt you prefer)
• Green food coloring (optional, to make the yogurt spooky)
• Honey or agave nectar (to sweeten, if desired)
• Halloween sprinkles
• Assorted Halloween candies:
• Gummy worms or spiders
• Peeps (ghosts, pumpkins, or any Halloween shapes)
• Candy eyeballs
• M&M’s (in Halloween colors)
• Mini chocolate chips
Additional Topping Ideas:
• Crushed Oreo cookies (for a dirt-like effect)
• Crushed graham crackers (for a sandy look)
• White chocolate drizzle (for a web-like effect)
• Edible glitter (for a magical touch)
• Cereal (like Fruity Pebbles for extra crunch and color)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the yogurt base:
• In a medium bowl, mix your Greek yogurt with honey or agave nectar to sweeten, if needed. Add green food coloring to the yogurt and stir until you reach your desired shade of spooky green.
2. Spread the yogurt:
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the green yogurt onto the sheet and spread it evenly into a thin layer, about ¼ inch thick.
3. Add the spooky toppings:
• Now for the fun part! Decorate your yogurt with a mix of Halloween-themed toppings. Get creative! I used festive sprinkles, gummy worms, Peeps, and candy eyeballs. You can also sprinkle on mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or anything else that adds a spooky touch.
4. Freeze the yogurt bark:
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 3 hours or until the yogurt is completely frozen.
5. Break and serve:
• Once frozen, remove the yogurt bark from the freezer and break it into bite-sized pieces. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the freezer for a quick grab-and-go treat.
Tips for Customization:
• You can use any yogurt flavor you like, such as strawberry or vanilla.
• Change up the colors! Try purple or orange food coloring to fit the Halloween theme.
• Experiment with different candies, or even add some healthier options like nuts or dried fruit to balance the sweetness.
This Halloween frozen yogurt bark is not only festive and fun but also a lighter treat you can enjoy guilt-free. Let your kids help decorate, and they’ll love seeing their creations come to life in the freezer. Happy Halloween and enjoy your spooky snack!
If motherhood has you stressed and you feel like you’ve lost your creativity, I am here to help! Here you will find easy recipes, simple DIY’s, affordable styles, and what to read next. I believe we all have a creative side, some of us just need a little help to find it. I will help inspire you to have creative expression without standards.
