gifts

Name: Mason Jar Pancake Mix
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 4 cups of flour; 3/4 cup of nonfat dry milk; 1/3 cup of sugar; 2 tablespoons of baking powder; 1 tablespoon of baking soda

Mason Jar Pancake Mix

November 21, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

The holidays are all about giving thoughtful, meaningful gifts, and what better way to spread some cheer than with a homemade DIY pancake mix! This simple yet charming gift is easy to prepare. It can be quickly turned into a beautiful, personalized present for friends, family, or neighbors. Perfect for whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift or something to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. This DIY pancake mix is sure to delight. Just package it up with a cute note and a few basic ingredients, and you’ve got a delicious, giftable treat that everyone will love! This Mason Jar Pancake Mix is the perfect DIY gift this holiday season.

Gift giving from the heart and with purpose

Homemade gifts hold a special kind of magic because they show thoughtfulness, effort, and a personal touch that store-bought items often can’t match. When you create something with your own hands, you’re not just giving a physical object, but also sharing a piece of yourself—whether it’s your time, creativity, or care. This makes homemade gifts especially meaningful during the holidays, when the focus is on connection and creating memories. Whether it’s a jar of homemade pancake mix, a knitted scarf, or a batch of cookies, these personalized gifts convey love in a way that’s unique and heartfelt, making them the perfect way to make the season even more special for friends and family.

Homemade gifts are especially meaningful during the holidays because they show thoughtfulness and care in a way that store-bought items simply can’t replicate. When you take the time to create something with your own hands, it’s not just about the gift itself, but the love and effort behind it. This is particularly important for kids. It teaches them the value of giving and the joy that comes from making something for others. By involving children in crafting their own gifts, you’re helping them develop a deeper sense of empathy, creativity, and pride.

Children get to experience the joy of giving from the heart. Thus understanding that the thought and effort behind the gift matter more than the price tag. Homemade gifts allow children to participate in the spirit of the season. They building lasting memories and traditions that they’ll carry with them for years to come. It’s these kinds of thoughtful, hands-on moments that truly make the holidays special and meaningful.

What you’ll need to create this perfect DIY Gift

This Mason Jar Pancake Mix is perfect for several reasons. First, it involves only a few ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, and dry milk). Second, it can be made in large batches to give as several gifts. These can be bundled up in large Mason jars and given as Teacher gifts, office gifts, and so much more.

How to make Mason Jar Pancake Mix

Yield: 5 cups of mix

Mason Jar Pancake Mix

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups of flour
3/4 cup of nonfat dry milk
1/3 cup of sugar
2 tablespoons of baking powder
1 tablespoon of baking soda

Instructions

INGREDIENTS

Mix all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
Store in your favorite storage jar or gift it out in smaller jars!

Notes

To prepare mix for pancakes:

Mix 1 cup of mix with 3/4 cup of water to create batter.
1/4-1/2 cup of batter per pancake for desired size.

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Gift Giving Ideas for Teachers (and more!)

December 15, 2019 by Rachel 34 Comments

This post has been sponsored by Big Lots. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Think you’re set for the holidays? But did you forget anyone? Perhaps THE MOST important person (or people) of all time?? Whatever you do, do not forget your childrens’ teachers, babysitters, and daycare workers!

It wasn’t until my son started kindergarten last year that I realized just how selfless these teachers are. They take care of our babies, day in and day out. They’re underpaid and under appreciated. So I have made it a point to show my outpouring of love and gratitude at any chance I get.

But what do you buy for the person who has likely gotten every apple-themed, pencil-holding, knick knack under the sun?

Big Lots has us covered.

Teacher and Administration Gift Ideas

Yes, the teachers! But don’t forget about the administration and other necessary school staff!

Gift Ideas for the Foodies

Everyone gets cookies, right? But what about the foodie-teachers? I’m sure they’re cookied-out by Christmas break. Big Lots has a large selection of foodie items that will be perfect for your teachers.

Some notable favorites of ours (and our teachers) are the meat and cheese sets, lobster spread, smoked salmon, and spicy jalapeno hot sauce.

If you know the teacher is a drinkie (like a foodie, but with adult beverages!), you can also buy fun mixers and glasses!

Gift Ideas for the Caffeine-Obsessed

Like I said before, teachers are cookied-out. But is there really a limit on caffeine? I think not!

Big Lots has a large variety of coffee, tea, and even cocoa gifts for your favorite caffeine-obsessed teacher. There’s the 12-cocoa’s of Christmas, exotic teas from around the world, and more!

Practical Gifts with Fun Flare

Everyone loves a plush blanket for those cold winter nights, so pick one up from Big Lots! I can tell you from experience that the cozy blankets pair perfectly with the Dearfoam slippers!

Or perhaps an oil diffuser and some relaxing bath bombs to give your teacher an opportunity to treat herself (or himself!). Regardless of the type of practical gift you choose, I’m certain that the teacher will be forever grateful.

Other Hard-to-Shop-For People in Your Life

School staff aren’t the only ones who are difficult to shop for. Stop by Big Lots for all of your gifting needs!

Stocking Stuffers

I’m completely ready for Christmas morning thanks to the stocking stuffers I picked up at Big Lots. My kids are obsessed with lip gloss and bath stuff, so I grabbed a few character themed sets for them.

White Elephant Gifts

My extended family hosts an annual Christmas party two weeks before the holiday. This year I’m bringing my A-Game for our white elephant exchange thanks to the super fun gifts I picked up at Big Lots.

Someone in my family is going to end up with a huge gummy bear and someone else is definitely going home with a beer bottle belt (you’re welcome, family).

Spreading holiday cheer

Regardless of who you are shopping for, be sure to pick up all of the things you need for spreading holiday cheer at Big Lots!

Tell me — what are you going to pick up for the teachers this year?

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS

November 28, 2019 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you’re having a wonderful time and enjoying the company of your family and friends. I planned on simply sharing these deals on social media today, but it turns out everything is down! That’s right — it’s a Thanksgiving crisis! Instagram and Facebook are DOWN. But I’m still here to share these deals with you.

As a heads up, most of these are affiliate links. I do make a small commission if you decide to purchase something. That being said, everything I make on this goes right back into my blog.

Amazon deals

The Amazon Echo Dot is on sale for $22 (regular price is $49.99).

The Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, Cake Maker, and Warmer|6 Quart|13 One-Touch Programs for $89.99 (regular price $149.99).

The Echo Show 5 is on sale for $49.99 (regular price is $89.99).

B. Toys – One Two Squeeze Baby Blocks on sale for $11.99 (regular price $14.99) — these are a favorite with all of the littles I know.

edx Education Step-a-Logs – Balance Beam for Kids is on sale for $29.66 (regular price $49.50)

Green Toys Submarine – BPA, Phthalate Free is on sale for $7.06 (regular price is $14.99). My kids have LOVED this toy (both in the tub and out).

Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet, 8″ HD Display, 32 GB, Yellow Kid-Proof Case is on sale for $79.99 (regular price is $129.99). This gift is PERFECT for little littles! And it includes a year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited.

Experience Holiday Family Fun at Pinecrest

November 25, 2019 by Rachel 34 Comments

This post has been sponsored by Pinecrest. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Now that I’m a mom of three little kids, I’ve found that gift-giving to adults can be difficult, to say the least. We have two sets of grandparents to ‘buy’ for and, quite honestly, none of them need any more ‘stuff.’

But the act of gift-giving is still important. As is creating a magical holiday season for our children. So, as a family of 5, we are creating ways that our children can both have fun this season and make and create gifts that their relatives will enjoy for years to come.

Family-Friendly Events

There are so many opportunities for family fun at Pinecrest this holiday season.

Tomorrow, November 26th marks the beginning of Skate in Central Park and this event is open daily through January 5th, 2020! Bring your own skates, or rent at the rink!

If ice skating isn’t your thing, there are other events to check out. Mingle with Kringle while you’re out shopping, or check out the choreographed light show, Pinecrest Nights of Lights.

Check out the full holiday event schedule here.

Creative Gift-Giving

Gifts made with love are the best types of gifts, am I right? This year we decided to make all of our grandparents’ gifts at Pinecrest.

Color Me Mine

My kids ADORE painting. I, on the other hand, would prefer not to have them ruin my kitchen table. Color Me Mine brings both my desire for cleanliness and my children’s desire to paint together in perfect harmony!

Color Me Mine, a DIY paint-your-own pottery studio. Their options of pieces range from small to extra-large, and they offer over 60 colors.

My children took approximately five hundred minutes picking out their pieces to paint. But, where they lacked in decision making, they made up for in creativity.

I have to include major props to the employees of Pinecrest Color Me Mine. See, I had Mila with me and I was unable to be as hands-on with the big kids as I originally intended. But the employees helped my big littles bring their visions to fruition.

We picked up our finished pieces after the glazing process was complete (within just a few days). My kids are obsessed and they cannot wait to give them away as gifts to their grandparents.

The Candle Studio

Making candles is one of my favorite experiences. My kids have been dying to try their hand at it, so we decided to try The Candle Studio.

The employees at the Candle Studio were incredibly patient with my kids. They explained the steps from picking out their scents, to deciding on a container, and then mixing it all together. It was adorable to see them run back and forth to find scents they liked. It turns out they both like watermelon and bubble gum (shocker).

I sipped on a local craft beer as my kids decided the perfect watermelon to bubble gum ratio for each of their respective candles. Surprisingly, both of their candles smell different, despite both using the same two scents! Mixing is everything, friends!

I, on the other hand, mixed my own candle with a variation of hops and pine scent. Basically, it smells like Christmas beer.

I was surprised at how easy (and fun!) the Candle Studio was with young kids. I fully expected them to have zero interest and for me to be doing all of the work. But that wasn’t the case at all! They loved it. And just ninety-minutes later, we picked up our finished soy candles for the grandparents.

Making Memories Through Experiences

I know that these gifts aren’t extravagant, but they are perfect. Their grandparents will know full-well what kind of effort they put into these handcrafted presents. They will see the joy in the eyes of their grandchildren as they open up these gifts made by teeny hands.

The memories we’ve created will last a lifetime. Long after the soy candle has been burned down and well after the dust has settled on the unicorn tealight holder Remy made (sorry, Mimi — hope you like bright pink unicorn tealight holders! 😛 ).

Make your own memories this holiday season and discover all of the holiday magic at Pinecrest.

Holiday Gift Guide // The Uncommon, But Awesome

December 15, 2017 by Rachel 9 Comments

We are less than 10 days away from Christmas Eve! If you’re like me, you still have a bit of holiday shopping left to do. Specifically I struggle with stocking stuffer ideas for everyone. Oh – and what to get The Most Difficult Person In The World To Shop For (aka, my husband).

But thanks to the folks over at UncommonGoods.com, my work is nearly done! Not only do they make sustainability part of their goal and mission, but their products are unlike anything I’ve been able to find elsewhere.

Between their handmade items and a collection of geeky kitchen finds, I’m in love. Wanna learn to brew your own beer? There’s a kit for that.

Wanna get your baby an avocado or kale teether? You can find it at UncommonGoods.

Someone you know have a taste for hot sauce? Get them a make-your-own-hot sauce kit!

Have zero clue what to get your significant other? Just take advantage of Sunny, UncommonGoods virtual expert gift finder! How cool is that??

I love their collections of Gifts for Kids and Personalized Gifts (hellooooo, grandparent gifts!). And if you order now you’ll still have time for Christmas delivery! So hurry!

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post in credit to UncommonGoods.com, but, as always, all opinions herein are my own.

Northeast Ohio Holiday Gift Guide //

December 11, 2017 by Rachel 20 Comments

Hi. My name is Rachel and I LOVE Ohio. Like, I really, truly, have a passion for my home state. We produce amazing people, products, and industry. I always try to buy as local as possible, but it’s especially important for me at this time of year. There are just so many local options from amazing creators right here in Northeast Ohio.

Not sure where to start knocking off your holiday gifts? I’ve rounded up my favorite local ideas below!

Pope’s Kitchen Bloody Mary Mix.

I am a recent convert to the Bloody Mary. The spicy aroma has always been something that has reminded me of my grandmother. But Pope’s Kitchen puts a fresh, local, and extra spicy spin on the traditional bloody mary. When I was pregnant with Remy I used to just drink the mix straight up (I had a craving for spicy!).

Find it in any local Market District or order online here ($12/32 oz.).

Coffee from Akron Coffee Roasters.

Want fresh, locally-roasted coffee? Look no further than S. High Street in Akron! Their love for their coffee and the roasting process is evident in each pour over they serve.

Their coffees are available online for purchase to ship directly to your loved ones, or you can go right into their store on South High Street (and then head over to The Nightlight to catch a flick!). (from $12/10 oz.)

Middlebury Butter from Akron Honey Company.

Akron Honey is a family operated, artisan honey company, and they have recently opened up a brick and mortar store at the Northside Marketplace in Downtown Akron. I’ve personally tasted all of their honey, but the Middlebury Butter remains my favorite. I put it on everything — bread, apples, you name it!

It can currently be found at a variety of pop up markets (like the Cleveland Flea, Crafty Mart, etc) and their store in Northside Marketplace.

The Vitamix Ascent Series A3500.

Vitamix is the leader in culinary blenders and food processors — and they are also a local Ohio company, with their headquarters located in Olmsted Falls!

Their products are produced, manufactured, and distributed here locally — and for those of us in Northeast Ohio, that means we’re lucky enough to get the first peak at new products! This past year I received the A3500 and was able to get rid of my old Vitamix. Let me tell you, this new version is incredible and so easy to use!

You can pick one up in their local store in Solon or online here (A3500 $549.99).

A Family Membership to the Akron Zoo.

With the slogan “You’ve never been this close,” the folks at the Akron Zoo truly mean it! The zoo itself is the perfect size to take children of all ages for a few hours or an all day excursion. The recently renovated exhibits are absolutely stunning! And members are able to get discount admission on events ranging from Brew at the Zoo to Wild Lights!

Order a family membership online here or pick one up on-location in Akron (Family Membership, $80/year).

Tickets for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

The CVSR, operated wholly by volunteers, leaves either the Rockside Station in Independence or the Northside Station in Akron. You can hop on with a round-trip ticket or bike one way and take it one way back! Besides just regular train rides, the CVSR offers a variety of special events, such as The Polar Express and Ales On Rails!

Not sure when your recipient would like to go? The CVSR offers gift certificates in denominations ranging from $15 – $150 and can be purchased by calling 800-468-4070 x 1.

Shirts from The Social Dept.

We have a lot of options when it comes to local t-shirts here in Northeast Ohio. My favorites, by far, come from the Social Department. Located in my town of Cuyahoga Falls, they offer an eclectic variety of Midwest apparel.

Their sizes range from kids to adults, so no one will be left out! My personal faves are this Cleveland Indians shirt (which I bought for my husband last year) and this Go Local Sports Team shirt (which I should totally have because, sports!).

You can visit them in store at their Front Street location in Cuyahoga Falls, Tuesday through Sunday, or you can order online here with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve if you order by December 18th (Prices range from $22+ but gift certificates available in $10+).

Growler of the Month Club at HiHo Brewing Co.

Located right next door to The Social Department, HiHo Brewing Company is a welcomed addition to Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls this last year. And their beers are incredible, too! Former teachers turned craft brewers, Ali and Jon, have turned this spot into one of Northeast Ohio’s most popular breweries!

They offer a range of beer, from blond ales to stouts, and tapas style food options. Don’t know what you want? Try a flight!

Open Wednesday through Sunday, you can purchase the gift of their Growler A Month Club or just a plain old gift card! (Growler of the month: $180 – includes growler and punch card for 12 fills; gift cards available in all denominations).

The Gift of Play from Café O’Play in Stow.

Café O’Play, located in Stow right off of Route 8, is a safe and fun indoor play place for kids ages crawlers through tweens! They offer climbing activities for young and old, as well as a special toddler-only zone for a safe-space for those who are just past the crawling stage, 7-days a week.

In addition to being a safe place to play, owners John and Carolyn make sure that parents feel like they have a partner in this parenting journey. Sure, it’s not all fun and games, but they make it easy for the kids to have fun while the adults can (kind of) sit back and relax a bit on the café side!

You can purchase gift cards in person or online here (gift cards available in denominations of $25, $50, and $100).

There are so many more options that I could go into — soap from Saint Augustine and Suds; tickets to Playhouse Square; hot sauce from Not Yo’ Daddy’s; just to name a few!

Not from Northeast Ohio and still not sure what all of the fuss is about?!? Well how about this for a reason — Cleveland was recently ranked #14 in the 21 places you need to visit by none other than National Geographic! So get your butt to Northeast Ohio and see exactly why I’m freaking out about where I live all of the time!