There are lots of “angels” and “elves” and “Santas” to be found at this time of year…and I’m not even talking about the make-believe kind!

I see so many people that are busy making things merry for everyone around them right now – like the teachers at my kids’ schools, the extra-cheery employees at certain stores, the friends hosting festive parties, the moms and dads lighting up the yard and trimming the tree and cooking special meals (not to mention working extra hard to pay for it all!), etc.

It’s always great to recognize these people with a special thank you for all they do, and that thank you doesn’t need to be super expensive or fancy…just thoughtful and from the heart. I’ve partnered with Coca-Cola and their #ShareaCoke program this month to encourage more people do just that – to shine a spotlight on those special people and “unsung heroes” that go the extra mile to make the holidays a special time for other people!

DIY Holiday Gift Bottles and Notecards

One of the best ways to make a person feel appreciated is simply to tell them! But of course there’s nothing a little creativity can’t make even better, especially when it comes to the holidays. ;)

So on that note, I’m excited to share a few ways to turn personalized #ShareaCoke glass bottles into thoughtful holiday gifts with you today -– by using simple crafty details and festive presentation. I also designed a matching notecard for each bottle style so that you can pair them with a heartfelt message. All of the printables are available to download for free below, along with the instructions.

Gift Idea #1 – ELF (The Merrymaker)

We all know a few people that seem to have an extra big dose of holiday spirit…the ones that take the decorating and gifting and parties to the next level! This “Merrymaker” gift idea was designed with those people in mind. It would also make a great hostess gift for a holiday party!

For this design, you’ll need Printable Elf Hats, mini craft poms, and felt.

Hot glue the mini craft poms to the elf hats for added detail, and use adhesive glue dots to attach the hats to the bottle caps. Cut small strips of felt to tie around the necks of the bottles as “scarves”. For the packaging, I found a cute $3 metal pail in the dollar bins at one of my favor stores and used felt and mini craft poms to add a decorative border to the rim.

I customized this particular gift for a friend that’s also a fellow mom at my daughter’s new preschool (we moved across the state earlier this year). She’s definitely gone above and beyond as far as planning fun playdates and helping out with creative projects at the school and coordinating parties and events… the true definition of a “merrymaker” (all year round, really!). Download the matching Elf Notecards below.

And if you want to add an edible treat to this gift, white chocolate confetti popcorn with coordinating sprinkle colors is a great choice!

Gift Idea #2 – SANTA (YOUR Favorite One)

When it come to Santa, there’s usually someone that’s REALLY playing that role in your life. For me, it’s my dad. He works super hard and gives a lot of what he makes away to help both immediate and extended family… not just during the holidays, but all year round. He may not literally wear a red suit or fluffy white beard, but we all know he’s got them in spirit. ;) There might be someone else playing the role of “fav Santa” for you – and of course the bottles can be customized however you like!

For this design, you’ll need the printable Santa Elements and craft pipe cleaners (1 black, 1 white).

Hot glue the beard and belt pieces to the center of pipe cleaners for easy on and off, then twist in the back to secure. Using pipe cleaners also keeps the printables securely on the bottle even when the bottle is ice-cold! (Adhesives can lose their stickiness when condensation happens.)

This cute red drink holder is also from the dollar bins section at my favorite store. I hot glued mini bells to the handle for a little “jingle bells” flair. ;) For the finishing touches: confetti popcorn with red, black, and white sprinkles + a printable Santa Notecard.

Gift Idea #3 – ANGEL (The Giver)

Last, but not least, is the Angel design! I really love how this one turned out… it kinda makes me want to have an angel themed party just for an excuse to cover a drink station with these fun bottles. ;)

I customized this design with “A Giver” because it feels especially appropriate at this time of year… and the term “giver” doesn’t just have to mean monetary – it can be someone that’s generous with their time, their advice, their efforts, etc. My mom is definitely a giver all year round and has given a lot of time to helping out with my kids lately, for which I am eternally grateful!

For this design, you’ll need the printable Angel Wings, 2 silver pipe cleaners, and hot glue.

Wrap one pipe cleaner around the neck of the bottle twice and twist to secure. Trim off the excess pipe cleaner and set this leftover piece aside to use later. Take the 2nd pipe cleaner and form a small halo on one end, twisting to secure the loop. Fold the “tail” of the halo upwards, in half, and twist together to form a sturdy “base”. Hot glue the halo to the pipe cleaner that’s wrapped around the neck of the bottle, then glue the leftover piece across that. This is where you’ll attach the wings, as shown here:

I also think this angel bottle duo would work great with words like “an inspiration” or literally “an angel”, depending on how the recipient has affected your life. (“Inspiration” would work really well for a teacher or mentor too!) Download the matching Angel Notecards below.

I hope these bottles inspire you to spread a little holiday magic to the special people in your life!

*****

Disclosures: This post is sponsored by Coca-Cola, and the Coca-Cola Company will provide the Giveaway prize. The Coca-Cola Company is not a sponsor, administrator or responsible in any way for the Giveaway. As always, all thoughts, opinions, and designs are my own. Thank you so much for supporting the companies that make it possible for me to keep the creative content coming your way!