Peppermint Cocoa DIY Neighbor / Teacher Gifts

I made these yummy peppermint cocoa gifts to give as neighbor gifts and/or teacher gifts (as well as some of the staff at my daughter's preschool). I gave these for Christmas but I was thinking about how great these would be as a "winter" gift because it certainly stays cold for several months and who doesn't love a bit of peppermint/chocolate in their tummies to warm them up when it's cold!?!  These are relatively inexpensive and very quick and easy to make.

The Peppermint Hot Cocoa Gifts have instant hot cocoa, chopped up peppermint candies or candy canes and marshmallows, layered over each other. Here's how you make them:

1. Buy medium Mason jars from my local craft store
2. Purchase a large 27 oz. canister of Nestle hot cocoa from Target. You could make your cocoa from scratch but I wanted to make this quicker and easier!
3. Buy 2 bags of peppermint candies. You can also use candy canes but the bag of candies were less expensive
4. Purchase 2 bags of mini marshmallows
5. Pull out your favorite Christmas or Winter ribbons and papers.

To assemble:

1. Scoop hot cocoa mix and fill the jars about 3/4 full
2. Add a layer of peppermint. I used more than I expected since they are heavier than the cocoa mix and the bottom layer kind of sunk into the cocoa.
3. Lastly, add a layer of marshmallows. I packed them in because I know how much kids love marshmallows!

To label them:

1. I created an instruction label document in Photoshop, which you can DOWNLOAD HERE. Just load it into Photoshop, if you have it and change the name! If you don'w have PS, I will try to create a PDF version and will post if soon.
2. I cut a larger tag out of red cardstock and then cut a smaller tag our of green and adhered it over the red.
3. I used my American Crafts Kringle & Co stamp to stamp the to/from frame over different kinds of pattern paper. I'm a variety, no two gifts the same type of gal. :) Plus, it's a great way to use up scraps.
4. I tied ribbon (also from American Crafts) through the tags and around the jars.

The kids and I really enjoyed delivering them to the neighbors and school staff. I only hope they enjoyed the cocoa as much as we loved making it for them!