Dispensing Gifts

The Unidentified Sugarplum Entity has a new gift idea for you.

 This isn't only a good gift for a friend, but it's a great idea for a teacher.

 You'll need either Ball canning jars or just any jars you've saved, hand soap dispensers (the pumps are now available by themselves at craft stores), clear soap, and some decorative items to drop in the jars. 

You'll also need a drill with a large bit.

 If you're using recycled jars, remove the labels and use Goo Gone 

to get the residual glue off of the glass. Spray paint the lids.

Grab your drill, the lid, and a scrap of wood.

Head outside when your grandmother yells at you for using the drill at the dining room table.

 Drill a hole in the center of the lid.

Didn't see that coming, did you?

 Drill partial holes next to the main one to make an opening large enough for your pump.

 Don't worry about appearance as this will be hidden.

 Large enough? Cool.

Trim the pump tubing to size, making sure the end is at a slight angle to prevent clogs.

 Choose a decorative filling and put just a little in the bottom of each jar.

 Add the clear hand soap.

 Assemble the jar. On its own, this makes a nice enough offering.

But we never leave well enough alone.

 Grab some ziplock snack sized bags to include in your gift.

 Fill a couple with decorative rocks, sea glass, or vase filler.

Match different seasons, or the decor of the recipient.

EVERYONE has done the jar soap dispenser thingy, right?

This takes it a little farther.

The total cost of each gift was under $3.

And just for us, we also made extras for lotion to match.