I have always loved homemade gifts. There’s something special about someone taking the time to hand make a gift for another. The thought seems to mean a little more than going out and purchasing an item that’s already made and you get to put your flair on it. With the holidays, the budget gets pretty tight and if you have several to buy for, it might be difficult to do so for everyone on your list. This is why I LOVE this simple, easy, and inexpensive gift that is perfect for the cozy holiday season. You can make multiple versions and package it in a variety of ways while using several supplies you already have or can find outside. These are also excellent housewarming gifts or for your camping enthusiasts.

I love gifts that serve a purpose and are functional – this one checks all of the boxes and would be so cute paired with a set of matches. Winter is upon us which means chilly temperatures and fireplaces getting put to use. I love warming up by the fire and these handmade starters are the perfect to have in a mason jar or basket near the mantel. These simple starters will put your recipients in the mood to cozy up next to the crackle and pop of a warm glow.

Why you’ll love this handmade gift:

• They are practical and beautiful. This is such a fun and rustic craft that serves a purpose while sourcing items that you may already have or can find in nature.
• Inexpensive and unique. You won’t be out much when it comes to cost and it also is something that others probably won’t be gifted.
• A fun activity to lead alongside your kids. This is an easy craft to let your kids take the reins on while also letting them scavenge for the supplies outside. It’s fun to see their various creations with items they’ve collected.

You’ll only need a few items to make these starters. I’ll also add a list of additional elements you may source below.

Supplies you’ll need:

• Silicone Baking Cups – They make this process super easy and peel off nicely when everything has set. You can also use paper liners – they will just burn in your fire. I personally like silicone just because I can reuse them over and over again.
• Candle Wicks – You can use wood or I just got a cotton wick roll and cut the length I needed.
• Beeswax Pellets
• Natural Elements – I sourced small pine cones, pine needles, cinnamon sticks, dried mums, and essential oils. The essential oil added makes them smell so good!

Other Natural elements you can source:

• Dried herbs and flowers
• Leaves
• Star Anise
• Dried Orange Peels
• Shredded Paper
• Twigs
• Shavings

There are a couple of ways you can make these. You can melt old candles down if you are wanting to use up something you already have or you can use beeswax that I listed above, which is what I prefer.

These are super simple to do, here are the steps:

1. Heat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The paper isn’t necessary but I lay it on there just in case of accidental spills.
2. Place your silicone baking cups on the baking sheet and fill 3⁄4 the way full with the beeswax pellets. Put in the oven and heat until the wax is completely melted.
3. While that is melting, I trim all of my wicks to about 3” in length and have all of my supplies gathered and ready, placing them into groups.
4. Carefully remove your sheet and place on a heatsafe surface or trivet.
5. Working quickly, I add a wick in each and then all of the natural elements, making sure each item is partially submerged and sets up in the wax when it dries. Pine cones, wicks, mums, pine needles, essential oils.
6. Let these completely cool at room temperature to set up, then remove the silicone cups. They will come out fully formed and ready to use.

I put all of ours in a cute basket by the fireplace. If you are gifting, you could package these in a cute mason jar or wrapped up in cellophane along with a book of matches and a gift tag.

To use, I place the starter in the bottom of the fireplace. When stacking logs around the starter, make sure there is room for airflow. Light the wick and allow it to do the work. These will typically last about 5-10 mins, depending on how many materials you’ve used and how big they are.

That’s it! These are so easy to throw together for an adorable, thoughtful gift. I hope you have fun with them. Merry Christmas from our ranch to you!

I also want to add that I had the privilege to be a part of this year’s Hillside Market Handmade Gift Magazine! Over 20 articles full of fun ideas like this one that you can make for others during the holidays.

This available starting today thru December 13th. You can use my link by clicking here to get the physical copy that also comes instantly in digital format! If you’d prefer the digital only, click here.