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Gift Deliciously This Holiday Season: Creative Stocking Stuffers & A DIY Upcycled Makeup Brush Holder

The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with warmth, joy, and the delightful tradition of gift-giving. As our children grow older, however, the art of surprising them with presents can become increasingly challenging. Gone are the days of simple toys bringing boundless excitement; now, specific wish lists, brand preferences, and even price points dictate their desires. While the meticulous planning that goes into fulfilling these requests has its own charm, I confess I sometimes miss the pure, unadulterated surprise and awe that once lit up their faces on Christmas morning.

Last year, the presence of my youngest, Joseph, brought a fresh wave of that classic Christmas spirit back into our home. His wide-eyed wonder reminded me of the simple joys of the season. Interestingly, I also observed that my older boys, despite their detailed lists, found immense excitement in exploring the “unknown” treasures hidden within their Christmas stockings. This revelation sparked an idea: to focus more on delightful, unexpected treats and practical, heartfelt handmade gifts that truly capture the essence of holiday giving.

This year, I’m excited to share how you can blend the immediate gratification of delicious holiday snacks with the lasting charm of a personalized, DIY gift. We’ll explore ideas for creating the perfect stocking stuffers, featuring beloved treats like OREO cookies and Chips Ahoy!, and then transition into a surprisingly simple yet elegant craft project: an upcycled makeup brush holder, perfect for a friend, family member, or even yourself!

The Delight of Stocking Stuffers: Unwrapping Sweet Surprises

Stockings are, without a doubt, one of the most exciting parts of Christmas morning. They offer a treasure trove of smaller, often unexpected gifts that provide immediate joy. For my kids, the main event in their stockings is always a selection of their favorite snacks. I specifically stock up on classic treats like OREO cookies and Chips Ahoy! – these aren’t just snacks; they’re an experience. The boys immediately dive into them, often in lieu of breakfast, which buys me a precious few moments of quiet relaxation, a true gift in itself during the holiday rush.

Shopping for these festive treats is incredibly convenient. A quick trip to Walmart allows me to grab all our family’s favorites. This year, being pregnant added an extra layer of temptation. Walking past that inviting cookie display, I found it nearly impossible to only pick up a few boxes for the kids. So, I confess, a few “extra” packages of OREO cookies and RITZ crackers found their way into my cart, destined for cozy evenings spent watching Christmas movies – a perfect pairing for a little self-indulgence during the busiest time of year.

Beyond the sheer deliciousness, stocking stuffers offer a unique opportunity to provide small, thoughtful items that might not make it onto a main gift list. Think about incorporating other small essentials or fun novelties: miniature beauty products, unique stationery, quirky socks, a favorite candy bar, or even small gift cards. The key is to create a sense of discovery and delight with each item pulled from the stocking, making the start of Christmas morning truly special.

From Snack Box to Chic Storage: Crafting a DIY Makeup Brush Holder

After we had savored every last cookie and RITZ cracker, leaving behind only the sturdy cardboard boxes, inspiration struck. As I was wrapping some gifts, including a set of makeup brushes for a friend, I realized the empty cookie boxes were the perfect shape and size for a DIY project. Why not transform these everyday boxes into an elegant and practical makeup brush holder? It was an immediate “aha!” moment.

The beauty of this craft lies in its simplicity and the use of upcycled materials. Not only is it incredibly budget-friendly, but it also allows you to create a truly unique and personalized gift. These boxes, once destined for the recycling bin, find a new purpose, embodying the spirit of sustainable and thoughtful gifting. This project quickly became one of my favorite crafts of the year, combining practicality with a charming aesthetic, and I’m confident you’ll love making it too!

Gathering Your Crafting Essentials

Before you begin, ensure you have these simple items on hand. The beauty of this project is that most of these are likely already in your home!

Cookie Boxes: Sturdy cardboard boxes from OREO, Chips Ahoy!, or similar snacks work perfectly. I used three boxes to create a multi-compartment holder, but you can adjust the number based on your desired size and capacity. More boxes will allow for more compartments and a grander display.
Scissors: A sharp pair of craft scissors will ensure clean cuts through the cardboard and wrapping paper.
Wrapping Paper: Choose a festive pattern or a chic, simple design that complements the recipient’s style or your holiday decor. This is where you can truly personalize the look.
Tape: Double-sided tape is highly recommended for a seamless finish, but regular clear tape can also work if applied carefully.
Wire Ribbon: This adds a lovely decorative touch and helps bind the boxes together. Select a color that matches or contrasts beautifully with your wrapping paper.
Marker: Any pen or marker will do for marking your cutting lines.
Small Glass Ornaments: I used small glass ball ornaments to fill the bottom of the holder, providing stability for the brushes and adding a touch of sparkle. However, the possibilities are endless here – beads, decorative pebbles, even rice or beans can work!
Makeup Brush to Measure: Have one of the makeup brushes you intend to store on hand to ensure you cut the boxes to the appropriate height.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Elegant Makeup Brush Holder

Let’s transform those empty cookie boxes into a stunning and functional makeup brush organizer. Follow these steps for a beautiful result:

Step 1: Measure and Mark Your Boxes

Begin by placing a typical makeup brush (or the longest one you plan to store) upright against the side of a cookie box. Determine the halfway point along the brush’s handle or slightly below, ensuring the brush heads will be visible and easily accessible once placed inside. Use your marker to carefully draw a line across the box at this measurement point. This line will serve as your guide for cutting.

Step 2: Carefully Cut the Boxes

Using your scissors, meticulously cut the box along the line you just marked. Take your time to ensure the cut is straight and clean. A precise cut will contribute significantly to the overall neatness and professional look of your finished holder. Repeat this process for all the cookie boxes you plan to use.

Step 3: Wrap Your Boxes with Festive Paper

Now for the fun part – wrapping! Cut pieces of wrapping paper large enough to cover each box, with extra paper on the ends. Start wrapping the boxes from the bottom, working your way up. As you wrap, ensure you leave a generous amount of excess paper at the top edges. This extra paper is crucial for folding neatly into the inside of the box, creating a clean finish. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles for a polished look. Using double-sided tape for this step can help achieve a more seamless appearance.

Step 4: Secure the Top Edges

Once your boxes are wrapped, you’ll have excess paper extending beyond the top edge. Instead of cutting this off immediately (a mistake I learned from!), cut several small slits into the excess wrapping paper around the top perimeter of the box. These slits will allow the paper to fold cleanly. Then, carefully fold each tab of paper into the inside of the box and secure it with tape. This method conceals the raw edges of the cardboard and provides a much prettier, finished look. Trust me, avoiding rough cut edges makes a huge difference!

Step 5: Tie the Boxes Together with Ribbon

Arrange your wrapped boxes side-by-side in the desired configuration (e.g., three in a row). Take your wire ribbon and wrap it securely around all the boxes, tying them together. Finish with a beautiful bow on the front, ensuring it’s centered and neatly tied. The wire in the ribbon helps it hold its shape, adding to the elegant presentation.

Step 6: Adorn and Organize!

Your makeup brush holder is almost complete! To add stability and a decorative touch, carefully place your small glass ornaments (or chosen filler) into the bottom of each compartment. This will keep your brushes standing upright and prevent them from rattling around. Finally, arrange your makeup brushes in their new, beautiful home. You can even add a few extra decorative elements like small artificial flowers or glitter if you wish.

The Charm of Upcycling: Sustainable Gifting with a Personal Touch

This DIY makeup brush holder isn’t just a pretty accessory; it’s a testament to the power of upcycling and thoughtful gifting. In an age where sustainability is more important than ever, transforming discarded cookie boxes into a functional and beautiful item is a wonderful way to reduce waste and contribute to a more eco-friendly holiday season. It’s a gift that speaks volumes, demonstrating creativity, resourcefulness, and a genuine effort to create something special.

Moreover, a handmade gift carries an unparalleled level of sentiment. It shows the recipient that you invested not just money, but your time, effort, and creativity into their present. The ability to customize the wrapping paper and ribbon means you can tailor the holder to perfectly match their room decor or personal style, making it truly unique. Imagine crafting several of these, each with different themes, to organize various items – from pens and pencils on a desk to art supplies in a craft room. The possibilities are truly endless!

Why This DIY Project Makes the Perfect Gift

Choosing the perfect gift can be daunting, but this DIY makeup brush holder ticks all the boxes:

Practicality: Everyone needs good organization, especially for beauty tools. This holder provides a designated, stylish spot for brushes, keeping them clean and accessible.
Aesthetics: With endless choices in wrapping paper, you can make this holder as elegant, whimsical, or modern as you like. It’s a decorative piece in itself.
Thoughtfulness: A handmade gift always feels more personal and cherished than a store-bought item. It’s a tangible expression of your care.
Affordability: Using materials you might already have or can easily acquire for minimal cost makes this an excellent budget-friendly gift option.
Versatility: While designed for makeup brushes, this holder can easily double as an organizer for art supplies, pens, small craft tools, or even hair accessories.

Conclusion: Crafting Joy, One Gift at a Time

This holiday season, let’s embrace both the simple delights of delicious snacks and the profound joy of creating something with our own hands. From filling stockings with beloved OREO cookies and Chips Ahoy! to crafting a beautiful, practical DIY makeup brush holder from their empty boxes, one trip to Walmart proved to be a source for both treats and inspiration.

It’s truly incredible what you can achieve with a little creativity and a few everyday items. This project not only yielded probably the nicest makeup brush holder I’ve seen made from repurposed materials but also offered a wonderfully satisfying crafting experience. It’s a powerful reminder that the best gifts often come from the heart, not just the store.

Whether you’re looking for that perfect stocking stuffer to bring a smile, or a heartfelt DIY gift that’s both elegant and practical, I hope these ideas inspire you. Let the spirit of giving be filled with delicious moments and handmade treasures. Happy crafting and happy holidays!

Looking for more creative ideas to make your holiday season extra special? Click here to discover other wonderful crafts and festive inspirations!