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!
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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.
If you are not the baking type, these cookies are for you. Not only are they easy to make, your little ones will have fun making them!
These no bake Santa cookies have me all excited to get into the real serious cookie baking to come! I found this original recipe from Living Well Mom but added some changes to it.
Ingredients
Red food coloring
Yellow food coloring
12 graham crackers (6 sheets)
Red M&Ms
1 cup mini marshmallows (aka snowman poop!)
1 1/4 cup vanilla frosting
Red Dots candies (gumdrops)
2 cups shredded coconut flakes
Directions
Mix one drop of red food coloring in 1/4 cup white frosting. In a separate bowl mix 1 cup of white frosting with I drop of red and one drop of yellow food coloring.
Frost one corner of each graham cracker with red frosting. Frost the rest of the graham cracker with the lighter frosting.
Use three mini marshmallows as a pom pom for the hat, cut red Dots in half and use as Santa’s nose and two red M&Ms for the eyes. Sprinkle coconut flakes as Santa’s beard.
Franco had a blast making these and loved such a hands on recipe/activity, not to mention they were yummy!
No Bake Santa Claus Graham Cracker Cookies
If you are not the baking type, these cookies are for you. Not only are they easy to make, your little ones will have fun making them!
Mix one drop of red food coloring in 1/4 cup white frosting. In a separate bowl mix 1 cup of white frosting with I drop of red and one drop of yellow food coloring.
Frost one corner of each graham cracker with red frosting. Frost the rest of the graham cracker with the lighter frosting.
Use three mini marshmallows as a pom pom for the hat, cut red Dots in half and use as Santa’s nose and two red M&Ms for the eyes. Sprinkle coconut flakes as Santa’s beard.
Keyword Christmas, Holiday, No Bake, Santa Claus
Check Out Some Other Great Cookie Recipes From My Friends Below!
My son Franco is four years old and does know the value of toys. If you hand him a brand new race car or the box that it came in he will most likely go for the box.
So far every holiday about 90% of Franco’s gifts are secondhand and because of that he has gotten some amazing toys! One year a friend gave us a Power Wheels because their kids didn’t play with anymore and another year I found an entire kitchen set with food galore for only $20.
I search all year around for toys I know he will love and as it gets closer to the holidays, he will pick 1 or 2 new toys that he really wants.
A few reasons I do is because like I stated before he has no clue, I love hunting for a good deal and dumpster diving is a hobby of mine. Yes, it is also environmentally friendly, but let’s face it- this year is hard for all families and this way of shopping can help relieve some financial stress.
Here are 10 ways you can shop for the perfect second hand gifts for your kids this holiday season.
First things first always check your local marketplace and garage sale groups. I have found a ton of great toys for Franco and mostly get his wardrobe from here also. You can haggle prices and do porch pickup which is my favorite. If you haven’t tried this yet give it a shot here.
This online shop has a wide variety of items, from baby to school-aged sized clothes and books and DIY kits! Use code ref9059438 for $5 off your first purchase.
This is your one stop family consignment shop. There are local deals and delivery options as well. You can narrow searches to find exactly what you are looking for.
Looking for some new threads for your little one? This great because you can to clean out old clothes and I return you get Trading Credits that can be applied to clothing and accessories on their website. Your first five items traded are free and that’s when you can decide which membership you want. The rate depends on how many trades you want to do. Check them out here and use code N84G6A to receive $10.
I joined Poshmark when they first started and they only sold women’s clothes. They now have expanded to and kids clothes and accessories and I am here for it! Use code NIDE28 and get $10 off your first order.
This site is great if you are looking for larger items like a crib or toddler bed. You can search infant and toddler items in your area and check them out before buying. If you’re not completely happy with your purchase, return the item for a full refund.
This store is one of my favorite consignment shops. When you go there, be sure to have some clothes, toys and gear ready to sell as well. While they go through your things and choose which items they are going to buy, you can shop for ‘new’ items and use your credit tax free. Find a location near you here!
This marketplace is for old or used stuff that the seller doesn’t need anymore which means you’ll get the items at a fairly cheap price and save money. You can also make offers which is easy to do. Check them out here.
This app takes the guess-work out of toy buying. Their toys are sourced with the help of psychologists, discerning parents and kids themselves, helping your kids stay in ‘the zone’ where they can experience joy and contentment, so they can grow into their best selves. They believe too many toys at home can create domestic disorder and even confuse and adversely affect the developing psyche of children. In the long run, all those cluttersome toys end up in the trash. They encourage to swap, sell, or buy of preloved toys so we can be one step closer to a better cleaner environment for generations of children to come.
This years gift guide for her is all about self care. These gifts are great for your friends, sisters, moms and other ladies in your life- including yourself!
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.