I give DIY gifts every year, and I’m obsessed with finding fresh ideas that look pretty and polished. This year, try these three easy, meaningful gifts that work alone or as a bundle:
- Patterned coasters. These coasters are a crafter’s dream. The instructions are clear and simple, you can customize each set with different kinds of paper, and they look professional—yet much more personal than store-bought versions.
- Wine charms. Dazzle your friends (and class up their next party) with sparkling wine-glass charms. These are easy to make and there are about a billion ways to do them. Check out this video or these ideas from Centsational Girl for how-tos.
- Fudge squares. It’s not like there’s a shortage of sweet treats this time of year, but skip the bulk-candy aisle and try my favorite lower-cal fudge recipe instead. Wrap up the squares in a pretty gift box lined with wax paper—done. (Keep reading for the fudge recipe.)
Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate Fudge
Yields 25 squares
Ingredients:
- 1 14-oz. can of fat-free sweetened condensed milk (divided)
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ tsp. instant coffee granules
- 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract (divided)
- ¾ cup peanut butter chips
- 1 tbsp. peanut butter
- Coarse sea salt to sprinkle on top
Directions:
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with wax paper.
- Pour 9 tbsp. milk into a bowl. Add chocolate chips, cocoa, and coffee. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until melted.
- Stir in ½ tsp. vanilla.
- Spread into prepared pan.
- Combine the rest of the milk, peanut butter chips, and peanut butter in a bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until melted.
- Stir in the other ½ teaspoon vanilla.
- Spread evenly over chocolate layer and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cover and chill 2+ hours. Cut into 25 squares.
- Eat to your heart’s content.
From scratch. What’s your favorite DIY treat?
