Homemade Birthday Gifts Today

Gift Baskets are wonderful and can be tailored to the individuals taste.  Think about what the guy in your life likes and create a gift basket based on that theme.  It can be a Great Homemade Birthday Gift for him that will be fun to give.

• Beer Basket:  Get a basket or a galvanized bucket.  Line it with cotton handkerchiefs.  Purchase different types of individual bottles of beer.  You can find these at State Liquor Stores.  Try looking for different varieties including some he may have never had.  Throw in some beer nuts or pretzels and you have a fun gift he will surely enjoy.
• Sports Basket: Get a mini Cooler, galvanized bucket, or a basket large enough to place a variety of items.  Fill the basket with all of his favorite goodies for watching his favorite team play.  Include nuts, beef jerky, chips, salsa, candy and so on.  You can include a gift card for his favorite pizza delivery and / or a note offering to purchase a pay per view sporting event of his choice.
• Golf Basket: Get a basket or other desired container and fill it with golf balls, tees, a pair of gloves, head covers, towels and so on.  You can throw in some of his favorite goodies as well.  Maybe make some chocolates using molds that are related to golfing.  Throw in a gift certificate for the golfing range and you have one tremendous gift that a golfer would love!
• Techno Gift Basket: With all of the gadgets and technology of today, there are just as many accessories to go with them.  Fill a basket or container with ear buds, storage cases, blank DVDs and CD-Roms, and even a gift card to his favorite store or music provider such as itunes.  Add some of his favorite treats to the basket as well and you will have a techno lover’s perfect gift.

• Handy Man’s Basket: Buy a galvanized bucket, inexpensive tool box or other similar container and fill it with a variety of tools and gadgets.  You don’t have to break the bank.  Fill it with nuts, bolts, screws, nails, a screw driver, a mini-level, tape measure and so on.  You can even put a gift card for his favorite home repair store.

These are just a few ideas to consider.  Think about his interests.  Does he love music?  Is he into Art?  Is he a writer?  Think of creative ideas based on what he loves to do.  This is not only a fun gift to give but a fun one to create! This will be a tailored made Birthday Gift for Him!

Technorati Tags: Birthday Gifts for Him, Gift Baskets, homemade birthday gifts, Presents for Him

One sure fire way to give a great birthday gift for him is to create a gift bag of his favorite goodies.  Here are some yummy ideas to consider giving.

• Meal of the Month: Do you know a man who lives on his own and hates to cook?  How about cooking a meal a month for him.  Find out some of his favorites to whip up and include some sweets for dessert.  You can approach this many ways – You can make coupons for each month, or possibly give him a menu of meals to choose from.  This is a fun gift to give if you love to cook.
• Homemade Cookies: Make a batch of his favorite cookies and put them in a container that he can use over and over again.  Try a small plastic tool box.  If sports are his thing, consider putting the cookies in a plastic food storage bag and placing the bag inside a small sports sack.  Get creative and think about what he likes to do.  You are sure to find a container that will suit his interests.
• Covered Pretzels: You can dip pretzels into a variety of melted candies.  Dip Pretzel rods into melted caramel and or his favorite type of chocolate. Roll them into nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate chips.  After they dry, wrap them in cellophane.  You can place them in a new coffee mug or themed beverage glass.
• Beef or Turkey Jerky: If you want to make Jerky, you can either use an oven or dehydrator.  Your best best is to search the Internet for recipes and direction on how to making your own beef jerky. Find one that you like and follow the instructions.  Give Jerky with some nuts, cheeses and crackers.
• Seasoned Nuts: You will need unsalted nuts of your choice, butter, and a blend of seasonings of your choice.  You may want to try the following: a) garlic powder and salt, b) curry powder, onion powder and salt, or c) chili powder, cumin and red pepper.  Blend desired seasonings in a bowl. Saute 1/2 cup of nuts in a Tablespoon of butter for about 5 minutes.  Toss nuts in seasoning mix and spread out on a baking sheet.  Bake at 350 Degrees F for about 10 minutes.

In addition to the above ideas, try searching the Internet, bookstores and magazines for other edible delights.  You are sure to find a delicious birthday gift for him.

Technorati Tags: Cookies, Edible gifts, Food gifts, homemade birthday gifts, Homemade gifts for him

A great homemade birthday gift during the chilly months is Hot Cocoa Mix.  It is a very simple gift to make.  You can give it with 2 mugs, mini-marshmallows, and possibly a tin of cookies.  Throw in a great DVD or a gift card from a movie rental store and you have a wonderful cozy gift.

What you need:

• Bell Jar, ceramic canister or other decorative container with a lid that has a great seal to hold the cocoa mix.
• Ribbon (enough to tie around the container so that you can attach a note card)
• Note card to write out instructions for hot cocoa.
• 2 1/2 C powdered milk
• 2 tsp. of cornstarch
• 1 C Cocoa Powder (try Dark chocolate or other types of specialty flavors)
• 2 C  Powdered Sugar Sugar
• Optional ingredients to try: Cinnamon, cayenne pepper or shaved semi sweet chocolate

Optional Items:

• Coffee Mugs
• Gift Cards or DVD
• Tin of Cookies

Instructions:

1. Mix all dry ingredients together and put in jar / canister.
2. Write out on a note card or create a note on the computer directions for the hot cocoa.
   1. Fill cup 1/3 full of hot cocoa mix
   2. Pour in a small amount of  boiling water
   3. Stir until smooth
   4. Fill the rest of the cup with the boiling water
   5. Top off with marshmallows, whip cream or any topping desired
   6. Enjoy!
3. Punch a hole in the upper left hand corner of the note card
4. Wrap ribbon around the top of the container and tie note card to the jar.
5. Other Ideas: Place jar in a basket with coffee mugs, cookies, DVD or other similar goodies.

Technorati Tags: Gift in a Jar, Hot Chocolate