Day Two: Glasses of Cheer

Today's idea goes to back to basics and puts a custom twist on a common household item that everybody can find a use for.

My True Love Gave to Me: Glasses of Cheer

For the following gifts I picked up glasses at a local dollar store like the . This alleviates the pressure of messing up or breaking it, and any imperfections in the glass itself can be covered up with decoration.

I also use nontoxic, 3D or "puffy" paint because the fine point makes it convenient to use straight from the bottle, and I also had a lot around from previous crafts. It adheres to glass and ceramic, but for decoration only (not dishwasher safe).

The 1 oz. size can be purchased for around a dollar. and both have some selections in their craft aisle, but for more color options try a specialty store like Michael's.

Specialty glass pens and paint are available for a higher price and will make your creation more durable, but I find with gentle care and washing the 3D paint works just fine.

Refer to the photos for more elaborate step-by-step instructions for the ideas listed below.

Kid's Table Spice Up

My family has always had a kids table at the holidays, but in my days of sitting at it, it always felt more like the banishment table. This year as you enjoy the gift of adult conversation, consider jazzing up the kid's table with personalized glasses for the children.

You do not have to be an artist to pull this off. Simply paint the child's name on the glass, and perhaps include something seasonal (snowman, tree, snowflakes, etc…) or of personal interest to the child (peace sign, dog, flowers, etc...).

Feel free to test your limits. Remember the glass only costs a dollar, and if your recipient is a younger child they'll be thrilled just to see their name on the glass and have something that is only theirs.

Polka dots, stars, and random swirl designs can be done by anyone, and look very festive in multiple colors. Hint: only be as serious about your glass decorating as the recipient would be if doing it themselves.

Cubicle Buddy Cheer Up

Have an office colleague that you're not quite sure what to get for the holidays, and don't really want to spend a lot of money on?

Personalize a glass for them and then fill it with a favorite candy or office supply (don't we all have a pen preference these days?). You could even put a gift card to their beloved coffee place or lunch stop in the glass as well.

As far as glass decoration goes, draw from office conversation: Do you have an inside joke that could be easily illustrated? Does he/she commonly quote a favorite movie or television show? Do they talk about their family a lot?

A simple chain of hand-holding stick figures around a glass would bring a smile to anyone working all day waiting to get home to their family.

Santa Preparation Pack

This idea fits best for neighbors or family friends with younger children.

Decorate a glass for Santa to drink his milk from. Include his name and some festive decoration. Buy some cookies and carrots (for the reindeer) and wrap it all together as a fun family gift.

Print off a free a copy of The Night Before Christmas for the family to read as they lay out their goodies for Santa. Free copies are available here. 

Family Cocoa Basket

This idea is great for families, saves on the cost of purchasing individual gifts, and promotes family togetherness.

Decorate a mug for every member of the family. Put the mugs in a gift basket with some hot cocoa mix. Below are some ideas to further spruce up the gift basket:

• A book of holiday stories
• A custom made CD of your family's favorite holiday tunes
• A gift card to a restaurant for a family dinner
• A DVD of your family's favorite holiday movie

All wrapped up this makes a beautiful holiday gift with a personal touch.