Last week we showed you some fun gift ideas for Mother’s Day that you can buy, so this week we’re sharing some hands-on ideas for all you crafty ladies... 

Handmade Soap

Powder room soaps are always a lovely gift especially when you add your personal touch by making them yourself. We love this recipe, which uses fruit to give fabulous freshness and pretty fragrance. To create your own collection of pretty handmade soaps, all you need is:

• Glycerin
• Assorted citrus peels, berries, and fruit of your choice. We like to use berries with seeds (exfoliating!) and lemon, but use whatever fruit is your mom’s favorite.
• Clean, dry containers like yogurt cups, milk cartons, juice concentrate cans, etc. Get creative with your shapes and sizes and mix it up for a pretty assortment!
• Heat-resistant glass measuring cup or bowl
• Vegetable oil cooking spray or petroleum jelly
• Spray bottle
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paring knife

First thing’s first: make your purees. After washing and drying your fruit, mash and blend it until you make a fruity puree paste. If you have a food processor or blender, it might come in handy here. Once you have your puree, set aside. 

To determine how much glycerin you need, fill your mold with water and measure the amount. Once you’ve taken note of the amount, dry your mold completely and evenly coat the inside with cooking spray or petroleum jelly.

Chop the glycerin into ½ inch pieces and microwave it in your heat-resistant bowl in 30 second intervals until it’s melted but not boiling. Remove and stir until smooth and let cool (but not solidfy).

Once the glycerin is melted and free of lumps, mix in your yummy purees. Start with 1 teaspoon of puree per cup of soap – you can add more from there – be patient, though: the color will intensify as the puree steeps. 

Almost done! Now all you have to do is pour your soap into the molds. You can fill the mold partially for 1 bar, or fill completely to slice into several. Spray the surface with alcohol to prevent bubbles from forming. Now it’s just a waiting game – let the soap form for about 20 to 60 minutes depending on size, then transfer to freezer for about 2 hours.

Once your soaps are good and solid, tear away the cartons or pry soap out. Neaten the edges with a pairing knife and put them in a pretty package lined with tissue paper for a lovely heartfelt gift!

Dip-Dyed Stationary and Cards

Elegant stationary is a ladylike essential, so supply your mother’s correspondence collection with original dip dyed note cards and stationary. All you need is:

• Plain white stationary or notecards of your choice. We recommend purchasing your cards at an art or craft supply store where a salesperson can recommend card stock that will hold dye best.
• Plastic storage bin or galvanized-steel bin
• Stir stick
• All-purpose liquid or powder dye
• Paper towel (to test out your dye)

This crafty card trick is surprisingly easy. First, fill the plastic bin with at least 6 inches of hot water. Stir in the dye, adding it little by little and using the paper towel to test the color. If you go overboard, you can always add more water. Once you’ve perfected your color, let your mix settle for a minute so that no more air bubbles rise to the top.

Next, holding your paper level and straight, dip it into the dye to the desired line. Keep it submerged until it has gotten dark enough, then hang to dry. And that’s it!

Etched Glass 

Did you know that etching glass is incredibly easy? All you need is an adhesive stencil, etching paste, and a little patience to personalize any piece of glass. You can really get creative with this, but we think personalizing a baking dish or set of glasses is a pretty and thoughtful way to show mom you care. Here’s how:

Adhere your stencil to the glass, making sure there are no air bubbles near the area to be etched. Using a small brush, apply a thick layer of etching cream and allow it to set for about 30 minutes. After a half an hour, rinse off the etching cream under running water then wash with soap (wear gloves!).  Et voila!

We hope you give these fun and thoughtful gift ideas a try! If you do, be sure to upload photos and share your experience with us! To learn how to submit photos, click here.

Cookbook

This is one of Lauren’s favorite ideas: Create a cookbook for your mother. Include all of your favorite recipes that she makes along with a few new ones that you think she would like to try. Leave a few pages blank so she can add more in. Each year, you can provide her with a new recipe to add to her collection. Better yet, offer to make one of the recipes with her when you give it to her on Mother’s Day.

What other DIY gifts will you be giving mom this year? Tell us about them (and how to do them!) in the comments below.

Also, let us know if you’re going to give any of the above crafts a try!

XO Team LaurenConrad.com

P.S. Don't forget to check out Lauren's complete Mother's Day gift guide too!

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Photo Credit: MarthaStewart.com, 4.bp.blogspot.com, Elle Decor, A Better Bag of Groceries

Mother’s Day is less than two weeks away (it’s on Sunday, May 13th). Translation: It’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to do for your mom on her special day. While some may argue that Mother’s Day is just another “Hallmark holiday,” I beg to differ. I think it is the perfect excuse to show your mother how much you love and appreciate her. Whether you present her with a thoughtful gift or make her something special—it’s the thought that counts. At the end of the day, moms just want a little love and recognition. When I lived at home, I used to surprise my mother with breakfast in bed or I would cook her dinner. Now that I’m out of the nest, we usually do a family brunch and I get her a little something special. Seeing as many of you probably have Mother’s Day on your mind, I thought I would put together a little gift guide…

Here are ten sweet and simple gifts you can give your mother on her special day:

1. Love Knot Necklace… for a little extra sparkle.
2. Monogrammed Buckle Shoulder Bag… for the mom on the go.
3. Enamel Initial Cuff… for a stylish statement.
4. Monogram Cellphone Cases… because personalized is always better.
5. Cook’s Books Set… or better yet, sign up for a cooking class together.
6. MicroGreens Windowsill Grow Box… for the mother who loves to cook.
7. Gift Certificate for a Mani/Pedi… so she can be queen for a day.
8. ModClotch Apron… to stay chic, even in the kitchen.
9. Printed Summer Scarf… the perfect addition to her spring wardrobe. 
10. Brown Sugar Body Polish… for a touch of luxury.

Do you have any creative Mother’s Day DIY gift ideas? If so, share them in the comments below. My team will spotlight the best ideas in a follow up post next week!

XO Lauren 

P.S. Don't forget to install the "Pin It" button into your toolbar so you can pin things from my blog posts! 

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I don’t know about you, but when it comes to Valentine’s Day, chocolate is one of the only things on my mind. So if you’ve got a knack for crafts and a craving for chocolate, this is the Valentine’s DIY for you. Behold: Darling Dynamite! It’s simple, sweet and oh-so-clever. Roll a few up for friends or give one to your special someone with a cute card. No matter what, it’s a sweet way to say, “You’re the bomb!”

Makes 1 Darling Dynamite

What you will need…

• 3 packs of Rolos
• 1 sheet of red construction paper
• 2 black pipe cleaners
• scotch tape

Instructions

1. Trim the construction paper into three pieces and wrap each piece around a pack of Rolos and secure with tape. Hold onto the excess construction paper for now.
2. Wrap the pieces of construction paper around each pack of Rolos and secure with a bit of tape.
3. Gather the three packs of wrapped Rolos into a bunch and secure with a pipe cleaner.
4. Using the excess construction paper from Step #1, make a tag with the message “Darling, you’re dynamite!” (Other message suggestions: “You’re a blast!” or “You’re the bomb!”) String the tag onto the pipe cleaner.
5. Lastly, the second pipe cleaner in the middle of the three packs of Rolos, trimming off the end so that your “fuse” is an inch or two long.

Isn’t this an adorable idea?

Do you have a crafty Valentine idea? Share it in the comments below. Better yet—upload a photo and share the link for all to see!

XO Lauren

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Just because our days of exchanging Valentine’s Day cards at school are over doesn’t mean we can’t give our friends a little something on V-Day. Today I am going to show you how to make an adorable little DIY gift to give to your friends for Valentine’s Day. It’s called a Lucky in Love Jar!


Makes one Lucky in Love Jar

Here’s what you will need…

• 1 shiny, lucky penny
• red or pink ribbon
• mason jar
• hot glue gun
• gift tag
• 1 bag of Sweethearts (or your other favorite candy)

Instructions

1. Using the hot glue gun, glue your lucky penny smack dab in the middle of the tag (heads up, of course).
2. Next, take a letter stamp set or a Sharpie and write the message “Here’s to getting lucky in love” onto the gift tag around the penny.
3. Use the ribbon to tie the tag onto a mason jar and fill it with Sweethearts or your other favorite candy.

Are you going to give this DIY a try? Also, if you have a cute V-Day craft, share your idea in the comments below!

XO Lauren

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This is my favorite little craft to put together for Valentine’s Day: Spare Kisses! If you don’t have an alphabet stamp set, you can use pretty markers or glitter pens to write the script onto the bag.


What you will need…

• Small burlap bags
• Alphabet rubber stamp kit
• Red ink pad
• Hershey’s kisses

Instructions

1. Using the rubber stamp kit and red ink, stamp the phrase “Spare Kisses” directly onto the burlap bags.
2. Fill bags with Hershey’s kisses and enjoy!

Are you going to give anyone Spare Kisses? What’s the best Valentine you’ve ever received?

XO Lauren

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You’ve made a list, checked it twice, bought everything on it…except you just realized you’re still desperate for a few extra gifts and of course, stocking stuffers! Each year my mother has been known to forget stocking stuffers until the eleventh hour. And understandably so. It’s easy to lose sight of such details when you’re in the midst of the crazed holiday milieu. Needless to say, I’ve rounded up 10 great gift ideas, which are perfect for anything or anyone that may pop up at the last minute…

1. Good Luck Mini emergency Kit

2. J.Crew Satin Jewelry Roll

3. Obaz Hot Pink Mace Defense Spray (Perfect for the independent woman!)

4. Lush Gingerman Bath Bomb

5. LC Lauren Conrad Crystal Bobby Pin Set

6. Knock Knock Baking Notes Notepad (They have different versions of these notepads at almost every Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie—there are shopping lists, to do pads, etc.)

7. J.Crew Passport Holder (The luggage tags are cute too!)

8. L’Occitane Vanilla Flower Hand Cream

9. Gift cards are always great gifts! (Click here to learn how to make a Gift Card Snow Globe as seen below.)

10. Bucky Balls (These are great for guys or gals. And they are truly addicting. I’ve seen them at Brookstone, Urban Outfitters and even Aaah’s.)

If all else fails, candles are excellent last minute gifts (and nice stocking stuffers too). Click here to learn about my favorite candles and why they are perfect when you’re in a pinch.

What’s your go-to last minute gift?

If you have any other stocking stuffer ideas, share suggestions and links in the comments below.

XO Lauren

P.S. Looking for the perfect New Year's Eve outfit? Click here to check out my complete NYE Style Guide!

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During the winter, there’s nothing better than curling up with a delicious cup of hot chocolate after a long day spent battling the icy outdoors. (And when I say “icy” I mean temps dropping below 70-degrees here in California. At least we can pretend to have seasons…haha.) While store-bought gifts are wonderful, homemade presents are even better! Especially when chocolate is in the mix (literally). Today I’m going to show you how to make an inexpensive, yet thoughtful, holiday gift: Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar. Not only will you be giving your friends and family something sweet to sip on, you will also be giving them an excuse to take the time to snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa and relax. And we all know, nothing beats that.

What you will need…

• 1 mason jar
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup cocoa
• 2 ½ cups powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (Alton Brown’s secret ingredient!)
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• ½ cup mini marshmallows
• Ribbon
• Gift tag

Instructions

1. Mix together all ingredients except the chocolate chips and marshmallows.
2. Divide powder mixture into mason jars leaving room for chocolate chips and marshmallows. Then add a layer of chips and a layer of marshmallows on top of the mix.
3. Write these instructions on stationary paper: Combine ½ cup of mix with 1 cup of hot water. Spinkle with marshmallows & chips and enjoy!
4. Fold up instructions and place on top mix in the jar (or tie onto the outside of the jar). Seal tightly.
5. Finish it off by tying a ribbon around the lid of the jar or decorating the mason jar as your see it (the above photo is great decorating inspo).

Are you going to give a little sweetness this holiday season?

XO Lauren

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Recipe Source: Food Network

Photo: Andrea Doizer & Simply Photography via Ruffled

If you’re hoping to plan a casual gathering for the holidays, a White Elephant party is the way to go.

White Elephant is very simple and very fun! Essentially it’s a gag gift swap. But there’s a competitive element to it.

Here’s how it goes…

Everyone brings one wrapped gift and places it in a pile. I usually like to set a price range requirement such as a $10 maximum. Next, each person draws a number from a bowl. The number drawn determines the order in which they will pick a gift from the pile. Whoever selects the number one starts by choosing whatever present they want from the pile and unwraps it. Then the person with number 2 has the option to either pick any wrapped gift from the pile or take person number one’s already unwrapped gift. Each person thereafter has the choice to either take an unwrapped present from the pile or take another’s gift that has already been opened. They also have the choice to swap gifts. If the subsequent player asks to swap, they must do so. 

The fun part is that you never know what you will end up with!

If I am hosting the party, I usually include one special gift that everyone would want such as a bottle of wine or a gift certificate. It makes the competition even more exciting.

Anyway, here are a few gag gift ideas...

Unicorn Meat… Yes, it’s true. ($12.99)

Bacon Toothpaste… Oh yum! ($4.99)

White Elephant Creamer… Go literal? ($7.00)

Leopard Print Snuggie… Sassy and warm! ($15.00)

Spongebob Chia Pet… A must! ($14.99)

What’s the best gag gift you’ve ever received?

If you decide to throw a White Elephant party, let me know how it goes!

XO Lauren

P.S. Still holiday shopping? Click here to check out the blog I just posted about which gifts are off-limits for the holidays!

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How many of you save the cork after finishing a bottle of wine? If you do, you’re in luck because today’s DIY Gift Guide craft is just the project for you: Cork Coasters! They make for excellent presents for all the winos in your life. Or, tie them onto a nice bottle of wine for a simple yet thoughtful host gift. Below are instructions on how to make cork coasters.

Makes 2 coasters

Here’s what you will need…

• 16 corks (Make sure they are all equal in size as some corks are a tiny bit bigger than others.)
• hot glue gun + clear glue

Instructions

1. Lay out all of your corks and group together similar size corks for each coaster.
2. Using a hot glue gun, glue together eight corks in pairs of two. Make sure to apply glue in thin linear strips to avoid excess glue running over the sides.
3. Once the glue has dried, lay out paired corks in alternating pattern as shown in photo #3. Then glue paired corks together.
4. Allow glue to dry for one minute and voila—you have yourself an adorable little coaster.

Are you going to give this DIY a try?

XO Lauren

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Dear Santa,

While a partridge and a pear tree sound nice, I would love any one of the following items too…

Michael Kors Rose Gold Round Watch

Anthropologie Polished Platinum Dress

Urban Outfitters Mirror, Mirror Jewelry Box

Satomi Kawakita Tiniest Pearl Ring

Chloe Tucson Boots

Skinit iPad Case

XO Lauren

P.S. What’s on your wish list this holiday season?

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I have an unusual fondness for shopping for the ladies in my life. I literally get a shoppers-high whenever I score the perfect gift for a friend or loved one. And don’t even get me started about giving the actual present to the recipient. Sometimes I think I am more excited about giving the gift than the person is about receiving it. Needless to say, when it comes to girl gifts, I’ve got you covered. Here are 10 lovely lady-friendly gift ideas for all the women on your holiday shopping list…

1. Jewelry. What girl doesn’t love to add a pretty little piece of jewelry to her collection? These Kate Spade studs are adorably festive and reasonably priced. ($65)  Or put together a custom charm necklace at Anthropologie.com.

2. PJs! Beautiful pajamas are something most women don’t typically buy for themselves. The Vintage Slumber Tiered Chemise from my LC Lauren Conrad line is as stylish as it is comfy making it a thoughtful holiday gift. ($20)

3. Scented Candles. It’s no secret that I am a big fan of giving nice candles as gifts. I especially love Diptyque candles. They’re luxurious and they fill the room with an incredible aroma. ($60)

4. Nail Polish Set. Select three of the season’s hottest lacquer shades and give them as a gift. Most women don’t like splurging on luxury polish brands, which makes this such a great gift! Below, I have selected three polish shades from Deborah Lippmann: Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Boom Boom Pow and Stormy Weather. ($16)

5. Loop Scarf. Give a little warmth this holiday season by gifting your lady friends with a chic, cozy loop scarf. J.Crew has a beautiful selection of snoods, also known as loop scarves. ($50)

6. Coffee Table Book. I love giving my friends beautifully illustrated books to place in their living rooms. This year’s must-have book is Chanel: Her Life, which is a biography with drawings by Karl Lagerfeld (the current Chanel designer). This is a great gift for all the fashionistas on your list. ($55)

7. Travel Perfume. Kai Fragrance Oil smells incredible and the neat and easy to use roll-on vial makes it the perfect present for the on-the-go gal. ($48)

8. Gadget Case. This is the ultimate gift for any geek-chic girl. A beautiful computer case or skin (or phone, iPad etc.) is great for someone with techy tagalongs.

9. Balloon Speaker. Yuen’to Design’s Balloon USB Speaker is a great gift for the music-lovers in your life. The tiny, spongy speakers are combatable with phones and MP3 players so you can play your music—out loud—anywhere. (I would love to have one of these for those lazy days spent hanging on the beach, so I’m sure my girlfriends would love it too!)

10. Monogram Mugs. If you are looking for an inexpensive yet thoughtful gift, buy a monogrammed mug (a set of two or three is also nice) and fill it with the recipient’s favorite drink mix.

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I hope you find this gift guide helpful!

Click here to check out my gifts for him holiday guide!

What’s the best gift you ever received from a girlfriend?

XO Lauren

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