DIY Holiday Gifts, Cozy Bookstores, Christmas Shopping, and Natural Gift Wrapping 🎄📚

[@jessicajordan680]

The thing about homemade gifts is that most people don't appreciate them these days 😢 if it doesn't come from a box store they don't know what to do with it. It warms my little handmade heart to see these gifts, dear lady. Your peppermint bark would not have made it to the tin if I "helped you," haha 😄 omnomnom!!

[@TheAmicoblu]

So true!! I gift my mom’s wool hand knitted scarves and headbands and no one appreciates it!

[@alisom8210]

Not always true… My children love handmade /homemade things, and so do those I surround myself with…. My other half didn’t in the beginning, but does now! At first I think it reminded him of being poor, instead of the love that was put into them…

[@Oldzampire]

I love getting and giving handmade gifts but the truth is, most people who appreciate these are also crafty and know how much time and heart you put into these. I usually combine DIY gifts with store bought ones. I made wooden hand painted ornaments this year, snow globes last year. If I have more time, I make cards too!:) I love your ideas and your tags are sooo adorable! I would be so happy to receive such bath salts. I have just a shower but I would use it to soak my feet. The peppermint bark looks so yummy too! Have a lovely day/night!

[@ediedee9931]

So cheery and healing. Thank you!!!

[@writerdreamerreader]

In my family, we love homemade gifts. My mother always encouraged us to be creative and I carry that legacy deep within me. When I see beautiful ornaments, before buying them I always think if there is a way I could make them myself. It brings so much joy to have a home that is so personal. I'm sure your presents will bring joy : it all starts with the beautiful wrapping! Have a wonderful Christmas time, dear friend🎄

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Homemade gifts are truly the best, and I couldn't agree more about creating a home filled with meaningful personal items!! Merry Christmas and happy holidays, dear Maren!! ❤️

[@janjentz1053]

All of the gifts you made with love are so special. Love how you wrap them. The brown paper with the natural touches look so nice and festive. It makes me sad that so much gift giving is so stressful and somewhat of a competition. Your message about having a low spend Christmas and the meaningful way to gift give to loved ones, warmed my heart. Thank you for sharing.

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much, Jan--I'm so happy you enjoyed the video and the wrapping ideas!! ❤️ Have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season 🎄

[@ManikaTheStrangerWhoReads]

Another vlog which hits home perfectly! Not you always bring me a heartwarming sensation but you also speak to me on a level which i wish i could see more. I also have a low budget this year due many unforseen events throughout the year which touched our finances very hard so even if i wanted to, i could not have joined all the shopping. You have certainly given me so much inspiration and ideas for homemade gifts which actually align with my personal values. So thank you so very much for keeping on inspiring us with ideas coming from your heart ❤️ Merry Christmas and many beautiful things for the new upcoming year ✨️

[@readsandeats2263]

What a thought provoking video. Thank you for all you said.

[@heidirothbart6254]

What a beautiful video and beautiful thoughts! i totally agree with your sentiments, Haley

[@x.bev.x3006]

We have quite a large family and friend circle and it can get expensive at Christmas. I love thinking of gifts they would like to receive. For my son we buy a gift, thrift a gift and make a gift. I love doing this as it shows you don't have to spend a fortune to get thoughtful presents. Merry Xmas to you both🎄🎄

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

That's such a wonderful idea for gift giving around the holidays--I love that idea so much!! Thank you so much for being here and merry Christmas, my friend ❤️

[@shantanu13mitra]

I love watching your lovely videos and you are so thoughtful

[@kathleendebondt6886]

Watching a video of yours is like opening Christmas presents. Thank you so much🙏.

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

That means the world to me, thank you so much for saying that, my friend ❤️❤️❤️

[@linp1268]

Haley you are such a beautiful soul. You are very wise. What a wonderful goal to have in front of you to save for a home. It is so true, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves at this time of the year. It can also be a very expensive time of the year. Your idea for making homemade gifts is so special and it is truly a way to express our love and appreciation for someone else. Your gift tags alone are so so pretty. You should be very proud of yourself. You have captured the true meaning of gift giving. I love to receive gifts that others have made. The town where you go to shop, looks so quaint and right out of a Hallmark movie. I always save your videos so that I can go back and have a look at all your amazing recipes and crafts. Well you have made my day!! I wish you a really nice weekend filled with laughter and fun!! 🤗💞🤗

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Linda, thank you so much for all of your kind words-I am so happy that you enjoyed the video and all of the gifts and packaging!! And I was delighted to hear that you think the town looks like a hallmark movie, I was thinking the exact same thing as I was filming!! 😂💕 Lately, I’ve been experiencing some self doubt around creating videos, and sometimes I slip into a mindset where I question if my videos are making a difference, and I wanted to let you know that your comments have truly lifted me up and kept me feeling positive about creating during this rough patch ❤️ People like you are the reason why I create videos 🤗Thank you for being here and sharing your kindness and positivity with me-you truly make a difference and I am so grateful for you!!

[@8MC8342]

What a beautiful video, Haley. I ❤ how you consciously choose to imbue positive energy into your gift wrapping/giving. I have been so much more aware of these kinds of things as well and it has had a huge, positive effect on my life. I hope you and your loved ones had the Merriest of Christmas' ♥💚♥💚

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much for your kind words, my friend--and I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas, as well!! ❤️ Wishing you a happy, healthy, and wonderful New Year 🤗

[@jc3teacher265]

Your holiday vids rock! Thank you!

[@arikaleaagee]

I am so happy i cam across you today you have given me so many ideas for this year. And you will keep me company at work ❤

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

That makes me so happy, Arika--and welcome!! ❤️ I can't wait to keep sharing videos with you!

[@juliannearlene7244]

One of the most memorable gifts I ever received was a small bouquet of garden flowers. That was the first time I encountered the divine Sweet Pea! 💐

[@susanspisak65]

So beautifully lovely ❤ your videos bring so much peace and love into our world !

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much, Susan!! 🥰

[@lynda1307]

Beautiful video 🥰🎄thank you for sharing all the lovely thoughtful gift ideas! 🎁 I absolutely love the Icelandic book giving tradition (not going to attempt to spell it 😅) sounds like the ideal way to spend Christmas Eve 🤓☕️📚

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much, Lynda!! 🥰 I’m so happy you enjoyed the video, and happy holidays!!🎄❤️📚

[@vanessaaguilar-griffith1349]

Haley is darling to watch. Her content brings me immediate joy and solitude. Thank you Haley for making our lives as much as your vlogs💘

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Aww Vanessa, that truly means so much to me!! ❤️ Thank you so much for your kind words, my friend 🥰

[@ljdiben7774]

In the short time that I have been subscribed I have learned so much from you and your videos! I am going to make a few homemade goodies that you showed in the coming week! You said it perfectly about gift giving and having a lower budget to save money for a big item like a house and how here in the states we look at gift giving in such a different way....i have so much family living in Italy and their giving a gift of an amazing sweet treat or a bottle of a favorite wine or liquer to just say "thinking of you and wishing a merry christmas" is such a thoughtful way to show them you care. I wish there was more of that here...I would so much rather recieve a homemade gift than a store bought one. This year hubby bought tickets to The Nutcracker for my gift and the time we spent together was a wonderful gift ....Beautiful video Haley, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy healthy 2024! May it be everything you wish it to be! Much love to you! xoxoxoxo

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

It truly means so much to me that you've been able to learn a lot from my videos--thank you so much for saying that!! 🥰 I completely agree with you that the simple or homemade gifts can be the most meaningful ❤️ And oh my goodness, tickets to the Nutcracker is such a perfect gift for the holidays, I'm so happy you and your husband had a great time together!! Sending you the biggest hug, and happy holidays!! 🤗❤️

[@soniaadame5234]

These are great gifts! Do you have a Valentine's Day simmer pot recipe?

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

I don't but that's such a wonderful idea--I just added it to my list to create one for next Valentine's Day! 🥰

[@soniaadame5234]

@@MyMoonstoneKitchen yay, looking forward to it!

[@tayblaine]

I love these homemade gifts! I have made homemade canned apple jelly, knitted dishcloths, and a bamboo cooking utensil finger painted by my toddler for everyone on our list. I think I might add your simmer pot jar too! I had a book that I was excited to read that was ruined by water many years ago. I could only remember the cover in my mind, and the opening scene. I have been searching for it for years, and you picked it up at 14:07! The Book of Lost Things! ❤️

[@jillychandler]

I love handmade gifts, and would much rather have these that bought ones. I so enjoy making something for someone, as it has love in it's making, and in it's giving. Thank you for such an uplifting, lovely video. xxx

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much, Jilly ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@missmusicalphoenix]

I agree with you so much about rethinking gift giving. I wish we could normalize handmade, recycled, and upcycled gifts. I would much rather receive a homemade or repurposed gift than the commercialized, throw away, made in China type stuff Christmas is inundated with. We are having a low-spend Christmas as well this year due to several unexpected emergency expenses. I am doing Candy Cane Body Scrubs, Woodsy Beard Balms, Citrus Hand Scrubs, and Lavender Coconut Hand Lotions for some gifts this year plus lots of home baked goodies. Oh, and we also celebrate Jolabokaflod! I didn't think we would be able to do it this year, but I discovered that books at my local thrift store are only 99 cents each! Side note, that peppermint bark looks amazing. You can't go wrong with chocolate and peppermint, lol. Every Christmas we make a Chocolate Peppermint cookie recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction that is sooo good. Thank you for a sweet cozy vlog!

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Your Christmas gifts and homemade treats sound absolutely perfect, Stephanie!! I love that we have so many shared interests--you and I are truly kindred spirits! ❤️ And Sally's Baking Addiction is the best, her recipes are always my go-to whenever I'm baking or making desserts! Thank you so much for watching and happy holidays!

[@claireberry1564]

What beautiful handmade gifts and I love the tradition of giving books and reading them together. What a lovely way to spend a winter's day! x 🎄

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much, Claire--happy holidays!! ❤️

[@coke-cinelle]

I really love the simple things like that. I love wrapping presents and decorating them too, even if only my mom actually cares 😅 Taking the time to create something makes me happy so I guess it’s reason enough to keep doing it. Thank you for your videos, they always inspire me to turn to the simple things that bring joy and I love all your ideas. Have a happy holiday season ❤

[@evakaufman3835]

What a joy to see the alert for a new lovely video! Thank you for so many charming and thoughtful gift suggestions. Its so easy to get swept into spending far more than expected to show our love for others, but I agree that its actually the personal touches that convey our love best. Cheers to your journey through saving for a house

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much, Eva--and I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the gift ideas!! ❤️ Have a wonderful holiday season

[@moniquecarcel5500]

I enjoyed watching all the gifts you made and wrapped so thoughtfully for your loved ones. It's gifts that come from the heart. Looking forward to your next video ❤

[@debyoakwitch]

❤❤❤

[@dpcaw]

Your videos always brings joy to me.:) Would love to see how the book flood went with actual real time reactions from you and Alex!

[@CormacASparrow]

❤❤❤❤

[@LaurieNic]

Haley, this was such a fun and spirited video!!! I love the book tradition you spoke about and plan to do that!! I also loved your simmer pot gifts. I know you're encouraging homemade activities but you could sell those, especially for people who live in warmer climates and can't obtain some of the fresh ingredients. Have an absolutely cozy weekend and sending happy thoughts to everyone as we prepare for the holidays.

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Laurie--and thank you so much for saying that!! 🥰 I would absolutely love to sell little homemade products like these, I'm hoping to eventually open a shop--which would be a dream come true! Thank you again so much and have a wonderful holiday season 🎄

[@LaurieNic]

@@MyMoonstoneKitchen absolutely!!! You should start your store!!

[@stephaniemccone2827]

Your videos are magic! The gift wrapping is absolutely beautiful! I also love making handmade gifts for friends and family. I usually knit them a hat or a scarf!

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much, Stephanie! 🥰 I absolutely love receiving hand-knit items from my family members who knit--that's such a wonderful and thoughtful gift idea ❤️ Happy holidays!

[@XeniaSketchbookPages]

I love the idea to make a Christmas book flood! And handmade presents are the one you make with love ♥ I made some handmade projects this year too. The holiday starts at the moment you start to create a gift ♥

[@quietlife7186]

❤🎄❤️🎄❤️🎄❤️

[@april4427]

Awesome video! I will definitely be doing the simmer pot jars and bath salts, and the home made tags are so cool! I am from Southwestern Wisconsin, the Driftless Area where we have a large Norwegian population and the book flood is one of my favorite traditions. Home made gifts are the best. 😊

[@amomentofwonder]

Hello dear Haley, oh, I love homemade gifts 😍 It's such a delight to receive a gift that was made by the hands of a loved one or kindred spirit, and i feel like it shows a lot of appreciation. I myself like to give homemade bath bombs (with coconut oil, so that they nourish the skin wonderfully), knitted scarves (but I have to start early for that, because I knit very slowly 😂😓) and macramé key rings. Thank you so much for your ideas and inspiration, I especially love the simmer pot jars: feel-good atmosphere and coziness in a jar, haha 🤗 Your wrapped gifts are so beautiful, it's almost a pitty one has to unwrap them again. Have a lovely weekend! 🎄

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Oh my goodness, your bath bombs, scarves, and key rings sound absolutely delightful!! Your friends and family must absolutely love the beautiful handmade gifts you make them ❤️ Thank you so much for your kind words and have a wonderful holiday season, my friend!!

[@thegabismaria]

Your videos are so heartwarming ❤! Thank you!

[@sheliar9541]

Doylestown Book shop !. I live about 30 minutes or so from there !. I love how you decorated your sweet gifts. So beautiful, Haley. Merry Christmas to you and Alex. 💖.🎄💖

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

It's such a cute little gift shop--so much fun to visit!! 😊 Thank you so much, Shelia, and Merry Christmas and happy holidays!! 🎄❤️

[@linp1268]

Happy Holidays dear Haley!! 🤗 Linda

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you SO incredibly much, dear Linda-your support and kindness mean more to me than words could ever express 🥹❤️ I’m sending you the biggest hug 🤗 thank you for this gift, and all the love and encouragement you’ve sent my way-I am so grateful for you!! Happy holidays, my sweet friend!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheMennomilist]

I am having a lovely season so far, and am glad you are too. Homemade gifts are the most fun and sweetest. I am thinking of making a basket with some bread and other goodies for my in-laws, which I did once before using teas and such). I love the chocolate brittle you made. I have made some with matzoh bread and caramel and chocolate during Easter time. It is soooo similar to what you made here. Mmm mmm! What a cute tin for them too!!! I really love your idea. The simmer jars. . .wish I could smell them now!! Mmm! I have never heard of star anise. Where would I find some? Saving money is so important and the houses in our state are the third most expensive in the country! We also don't own a house (we are in a two family house). One day!! I have never heard of Terrain. It is so pretty. Aw I love Jan Brett stories. I read a few to my baby this month that I got from the library). My husband and I have not exchanged gifts in over a decade. Sometimes in the year we just will get something small for each other though. I am a brown paper packages tied up with string fan too. It is "one of my favorite things."

[@hannahm153]

My family is celebrating Jolabokaflod this year, too, for the first time! I’ve been wanting to do this for years and I’m excited to finally do it!

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Yayyy I’m so happy you’re doing it, too!! ❤️❤️ I hope you and your family have a wonderful time, and happy holidays!

[@hannahm153]

@@MyMoonstoneKitchen thank you! Happy Holidays to you, too!

[@fatapinta3433]

I love your videos, they are cozy and very relaxing … I follow you from Italy

[@lucasfabregatbarreda6695]

Excelentes ideas,Felices Fiestas

[@KJ-wh8fu]

So delighted to have found you on KZbin! Thank you for all your warm, lovely and creative ideas for heart-felt gifts. (Subscribed!) Happy holidays to you and yours, Haley!

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Aww welcome, friend!! ❤️ I'm so happy you enjoyed the video and gift ideas, can't wait to keep sharing with you! Happy holidays 🥰

[@ricardapoznanski5604]

❤❤❤What a lovely lovely video....I enjoyed every second of it and absorbed your heartwarmingly special gift ideas...very personal and thoughtful...the artistic wrapping -up adds another quality . Your videos are a joy for my heart...and -I will share it with my teenage students-who tell me,they LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!! much love from Germany...

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Your messages mean the world to me, Ricarda!! Thank you so much for your kind words. Sending you and your students best wishes for a wonderful holiday season! ❤️

[@linp1268]

Haley, I am sure many are like me, we don't wait to click "Like". I know it is going to be amazing!!. I am watching now! 🤗

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Awww you are the best, Lin!! I am so excited for you to watch it, enjoy, my friend!! ❤️🤗

[@hollytaylor3643]

Lovely holiday video and meaningful messages. Merry Christmas!

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Thank you so much, Holly!! 🥰 have a wonderful holiday season!! ❤️

[@santsikupponen]

Simmer pot jars must smell amazing. thank you for this video. your voice is always so relaxing to listen to! especially when im anxious. Happy christmas time Haley

[@santsikupponen]

ps. Your hair looks gorgeous! :')

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Oh my goodness, your comment made my day!! Thank you so much for your kind words, sweet friend ❤️ Happy holidays!!

[@MatildaTheBookDragon]

Such lovely thoughtful gifts ❤❤ Is it common in US to give gifts to friends as well on Christmas? In Sweden most people as far as I know only to family we celebrate with. My sister didn't want to exchange gifts this year because of money and because I'm actually not spending Christmas with my family this year, going to my boyfriends family up north. But I wanted to buy something for her and mum anyway...

[@jenniferwilson2918]

Is this the Terrain in Glen Mills PA? I love that place!!!

[@Samanthascreatescozy]

Your videos inspire me. If you don’t mind sharing, which camera are you using for your videos? I love the colors of your videos 🫶🏼🎄

[@MyMoonstoneKitchen]

Aww thank you!! 😊💕 absolutely, I’ve made a page on my website with all of the equipment I use! mymoonstonekitchen.com/favorites