Need a fast gift idea in a real pinch? Maybe you need a gift idea on a tight budget? Effortless and Exquisite’s gift idea of the day is a effortless and quick present that is creative and fun. Mugs that come with personalized chocolate stirring spoons are delicious and practical. The mugs can be made for any occasion, not only during the Christmas holidays. The investment is under $2 per mug with two spoons.
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| Gifts Under $2 |
I purchased my mug at a dollar store for $1 (buy 10). I also purchased a package of basic metal spoons 10 for $1. Purchase two packages of spoons because each mug will need 2 spoons. You may want to check out a thrift store for spoons, or you might have some mismatched spoons at home you can repurpose. I purchased two bags of Hersheys baking bits on sale for $1.75 each – you may use whatever brand you like. I had the sprinkles in my pantry, they usually cost $1 at a dollar store if not. At these prices, 10 mugs would cost $1.55 each for a total cost of $15.50.
Start by making a workspace from parchment or wax paper. You will use this space to let the coated spoon harden.
Melt chocolate in the microwave or on the stove in a double boiler. I used the microwave for speed. Melt a little at a time as you most likely will not use the entire bag of chocolate. Once chocolate is liquid, dip a spoon in the chocolate.
Coat the spoon in chocolate and tap the excess on the side of the bowl. Set the spoon on the parchment paper to dry and harden.
Allow the spoon to sit for a minute or so and sprinkle the top with colored sprinkles. This is it. The spoon needs to sit on a cool counter top or the refrigerator for a few hours before you wrap it.
Another variation on the dipped spoon is to melt the white chocolate. Follow the same steps as above. Melt the white chocolate and dip the spoon into the liquid chocolate. Tap the excess on the side of the bowl.
I used another size sprinkle on my white chocolate spoons, but you may use whatever you choose.
Sprinkle the colored sprinkle on the spoon and leave spoon on cool counter top or refrigerator and allow to harden before you wrap it.
One last variation on the design is to mix the chocolates. I first dipped a dark chocolate spoon. Then I used some of the white chocolate to drizzle on top.
I used a colored sugar on this spoon, but you can use whatever sprinkles you’d like.
Again, follow the same steps as above. Allow the spoon to harden on a cool counter top or the refrigerator for a few hours before wrapping.
My spoon trio. I did not spend more than ten minutes making these.
Once the spoons have hardened, wrap in plastic or cellophane.
Tie the spoons to the handle of the mug using twist ties. I used colored ties to make the mugs more festive.
You may also tie candy canes to the spoons and display them inside the mug. Either way you choose to display your spoons and mug, you have made a creative gift that everyone will love.
