Cuddlebunny and other cute homemade gifts

The other day I was having a horrible migraine and I wished I had already had one of these that I could use. I used to have one but my ex-boyfriend got it wet and that just ruins them. This year I decided to make them for my girls (and myself).

Materials

• rice
• lavender
• bowls
• sewing machine
• cotton
• outer material

I wanted to make these with a cute towel material that had moons on them. I used some cotton for the inner layer to make sure there were no leaks. So with the cotton cut to an inch larger than desired size. Hem on three of the sides, trim the sides, turn inside out. Repeat for however many you are making. In a bowl combine seven cups of rice and twelve tablespoons of lavender, mix, transfer rice/lavender mixture in to bag, fold sides inward hem twice.

 for the outer layer of fabric if you are using one repeat the steps for the cotton fabric. Insert inner bag in to outer lining fold sides inward and hem twice. 

These are great and they smell wonderful, I have some culinary lavender and I might have to make some lavender rice. Anyway then you can put these in the microwave. These can not be washed and if they get wet they are ruined, I always put a towel down in the microwave just to make sure they stay clean. For one this size I microwave for two minutes then flip it over and microwave for one. 

They are great for aches and pains, babies like them too, just make sure and decrease the microwave time.

It was also my plan this year to give everyone cookie jars as well but then I realized after buying all of the supplies that I only had one quart jar, which you kind of need to make this work, so only one luck girl got one. Here is how you make them, directions via Williams-Sonoma.

This one-of-a-kind, do-it-yourself layered glass cookie jar comes with all the necessary dry ingredients already measured out! It is a "just add butter, eggs and vanilla" kind of gift, which will delight grown-ups and kids alike. Any favorite cookie recipe will do; however, we chose a recipe with walnuts, dried cherries and chocolate chips for a festive look and delicious taste!

Ingredients:

• 1-quart wide-mouthed jar (with a lid) in glass or clear plastic
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3-by-3-inch piece white card stock
• Hole punch
• 16 to 18 inches narrow ribbon or kitchen string

Directions:

Add each ingredient into the jar in the order listed. After each addition, use a large spoon or a small fist to level and pack down each layer. Attach the lid.

On the white card stock, make a gift tag that includes the following instructions: "For scrumptious holiday cookies in a flash, preheat the oven to 375°F. Beat together 3 ounces (3/4 stick) softened unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 egg in a large bowl or mixer. Add the contents of the jar and stir or mix until well blended. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake until golden, 7 to 10 minutes. Makes 2 dozen cookies. Enjoy!"

Punch a hole in a corner of your gift tag, and thread your ribbon or kitchen string through. When the tag is centered in the middle of the ribbon, tie the ribbon around the jar's neck, or secure it under the threads of the lid. Makes 1 jar.

Adapted from Kids in the Holiday Kitchen, by Jessica Strand & Tammy Massman-Johnson (Chronicle Books, 2007).