As much as I love gift shopping and giving, I think we can all agree that some gifts are trickier than others. One gift that I always find difficult to get just right is the teacher gift. It’s hard to find the thing that is thoughtful and/or personalized in a way that will adequately express your appreciation for putting up with your child without breaking the bank. This year the gift that made the cut are jars of homemade hot cocoa mix with a cute little tag!
Between both of my girl’s school and Sunday school teachers, we have quite a little collection of ladies that need to be appreciated this year. The great thing about these hot cocoa mix jars is that you can batch them! It only takes about 20 minutes to make half a dozen jars, and if you don’t have that many teachers in your life I am certain your mail person or coworker would like them as well. Worse case scenario you keep a couple for yourself to enjoy on a cool day, which is really not a problem at all.
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You might also like: Almond White Hot Chocolate
Now, I’d like to say that my recipe for hot cocoa mix is original, but I’m afraid it’s not. It’s basically the same as the one you’ll find here from Alton Brown. What is original to me is the tags. They took me a minute to create, but now that the work is done you can just print them and cut them out in a matter of minutes. This recipe makes about 6 half-pint jars. You can use regular mason jars or pick up some that are a little fancier. You’ll also need some ribbon to fasten your gift tags with, and of course some scissors and a hole-puncher to prep your tags with. I cut my ribbon in 24 inch lengths and wrapped it around the top twice for security.
Email me here to request a free PDF of the tags sent straight to your email!
This mix couldn’t be simpler to make. Measure all ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine.
Scoop the mix into the jars (about 3/4 cup in each jar to divide it evenly between 6 jars).
Cut out the tags, punch a hole in each one, and tie one on each jar with the 24 inch ribbons.
- 2 cups powdered sugar*
- 1 1/3 cups cocoa powder*
- 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
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Measure all ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Store in an airtight container and mix 2-3 tbsp with 1 cup hot milk or water when ready to use.
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Optional: If gifting, cut out tags and punch a hole in each. Measure about 3/4 cup into each of 6 half-pint sized jars. Cut six 24inch lengths of ribbon and fasten around the top of each jar, along with the tag.
*This recipe is mildly sweet. If you like your cocoa a little richer, add an extra 1 cup of sugar and 2/3 cup of cocoa.
These DIY gifts are my style: homemade with heart, but super easy. Why add extra stress over the holidays, I say!
That’s exactly my philosophy as well! Wishing you a stress-free Christmas!
My family used to make cookies and hot cocoa mixes to gift to our neighbors for the holidays! It really is the perfect things to let someone know you care without having to break the bank to give everyone a little something!
That’s so fun! Maybe next year I’ll up my game with some cookies too 🙂
Just a great gift idea. i love home made hot coco!
Me too!
OOO I love home made cocoa this is a great gift idea for sure! especially for the holidays 🙂
Yes! I mean, I guess you could give it as a gift any time of the year, but it seems especially appropriate at Christmas 🙂
I have gotten this as a gift before. I love it! I can’t wait to try to make it.
Hope you enjoy!