UHeart Organizing: Last Minute Grocery Store Gift Box Ideas + FREE Printable!

The kids are counting the number of sleeps until Christmas, and it's getting closer and closer!  The excitement is building, the days are getting busier, the snow is falling... {in Wisconsin anyway}.  It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

But what about those last minute moments where your heart sinks because you have somewhere to be and you don't have any ideas for a gift?  Not a fun feeling.  Good thing my friend, Serena of Pretty Fluffy, is here to share some incredible gifts that anyone would be smitten to receive.  And the best part is that they are all things you can find at your local market!

Uh-oh. Christmas is 5 days away. Now while I know that all the readers of IHeart Organizing would be super organized for the holiday season, you can’t always be prepared for the unexpected. Yep, I’m talking about those last minute gifts. Neighbors inviting you to surprise festive drinks, forgotten books club/mother’s group/street parties, work Christmas get togethers….sometimes you need a last minute gift that won’t break the budget or require a trip to the shopping mall in the insanity that is the few days before Christmas.

So today I’m sharing with you my last minute grocery store gifts-in-a-box ideas for the holiday season {that aren’t a tin of peanuts or a dollar store candle!}

All you’ll need is one trip to the grocery store, some easy DIY and these bonus printables from yours truly to get a gorgeous, thoughtful and personal gift in no time at all. Plus, these gifts can be made in bulk for groups, classes or relatives – no parking dramas, no mall bustling, no waiting in long queues guaranteed.

THE HOT CHOCOLATE GIFT BOX
A warming winter treat with a personal touch!

You’ll Need:

• Gift Box {can be store bought, or simply wrap a leftover postal box in gift wrap}
• Tissue Paper
• Cellophane Bags
• Ribbon
• Hot Chocolate Mix, Marshmallows, Candy Canes, Cinnamon Sticks etc
• Plain White Mug {from grocery or dollar store}
• Sharpie
• Recipe Card. Download Here.
• Plain white card stock.

To Make:

1. Print out your recipe card onto card stock and fill in the details of your favorite hot chocolate recipe. {Ensure you have included the ingredients in your box!}
2. Place your hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, candy canes, cinnamon sticks etc in separate cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon/twine to seal.
3. Write your personalized message or label on the mug with a Sharpie and then bake at 350F for 30 minutes. Allow to cool.
4. Simply pop your hot chocolate goodies in your gift box on tissue paper, along with personalized mug. Your recipient will now be able to enjoy a tasty hot treat in their personalized mug.
5. Wrap your box with ribbon.

NOTE: As PinterestFail will tell you, the Sharpie method of personalizing mugs can wear off after a while. If your recipient really loves it, they will need to hand wash their mug to keep the message safe.

THE COOKIE BOX
A hit for kids and kids-at-heart, this gift keeps giving throughout the year.

You’ll Need:

• Gift Box {can be store bought, or simply wrap a leftover postal box in gift wrap}
• Tissue Paper
• Ribbon
• Cookies {Home-made or store bought – no judgment here!!}
• Recipe Card. Download Here.
• Plain white card stock.

To Make:

1. Print out your recipe card onto card stock and fill in the details of your #1 all time favorite cookie recipe.
2. Simply pop your cookies in your gift box on tissue paper, and include your personalized recipe. Your recipient will have a yummy holiday snack, plus the recipe to make them themselves all year round!
3. Wrap your box with ribbon.

THE CUPCAKE BOX
Perfect for the sweet tooth, use our free printable to pass on your own homemade recipe.

You’ll Need:

• Gift Box {can be store bought, or simply wrap a leftover postal box in gift wrap}
• Tissue Paper
• Ribbon
• Cupcakes
• Recipe Card. Download Here.
• Plain white card stock.

To Make:

1. Print out your recipe card onto card stock and fill in the details of your top cupcake recipe.
2. Simply pop your cupcakes in your gift box on tissue paper, and include your personalized recipe.
3. Wrap your box with ribbon.

THE PET BOX
Who say’s the family dog has to be left out at Christmas? Here’s a fun grocery store gift for our furry friends.

You’ll Need:

• Gift Box {can be store bought, or simply wrap a leftover postal box in gift wrap}
• Tissue Paper
• Ribbon
• Dog Treats
• Recipe Card. Download Here.
• Plain white card stock.

To Make:

1. Print out your recipe card onto card stock and fill in the details of your favorite dog treat recipe.  You can find the Gingerbread treat recipe pictured above and many more in Pretty Fluffy’s eBook ’52 Weeks of Treats’!
2. Simply pop your treats in your gift box on tissue paper, and include your personalized recipe.  Now their pooch can enjoy year round treats!
3. Wrap your box with ribbon.

So there you have it! Four easy ways to give last minute gifts that won’t break the bank or require a last minute shopping expedition this Christmas.

Want more? Here are a few more ideas for last minute grocery store gifts-in-a-box:

THE TEA BOX. Fill with assortments of the latest must have brews.

THE NAIL BOX. Fill with various nail polishes, files and moisturizers – perfect for nail addicts!

THE GINGERBREAD BOX. Fill with ready made ginger-men, icing pens and decorations to allow your recipient to create their own gingerbread men!

THE OUT-OF-TOWNERS BOX. Fill will mints, amenities, and a handy personalized local guide of things to do during their visit.

THE CHOCOHOLICS BOX. Fill with chocolate dipped berries, truffles or home made sweets.

THE EMERGENCY BOX. Fill with an assortment of batteries for the kids Christmas present toys, and some head ache tablets + berocca for the adults suffering a Christmas hangover.

THE WRITERS BOX. Fill with cute post-it pads, pencils and erasers for the aspiring author.

THE GREEN THUMB BOX. Fill with packets of seeds for fresh herbs and flowers, plus gardening gloves for the keen gardener.

THE KIDS BOX. Fill with crayons, and lolly bags to keep the little ones happy.

THE BAKERS BOX. Fill with cupcake liners, sprinkles, measuring spoons and spatulas for the masterchef.

THE BEAUTY BOX. Fill with your favorite loofahs, body scrubs and moisturizers – perfect for pampering!

Happy Holidays IHeart Organizers! Here’s wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas season! xx

"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner.  Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner.   Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. 

My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park.  I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"