Around this time of year, I start gathering the supplies to put together easy, perfect-for-anyone gifts. These gifts, which can be given to a hostess, co-worker, neighbors, and teachers, have to be quick to assemble, but also have to have that “special” handmade look. Avery provided me with a big ‘ol stack of various printable labels to get me going on my holiday organization, and you should have seen how giddy I was as I sorted through them, trying to decide which to use (or which to hoard) first! Today I’m sharing two variations for Hot Cocoa Printable Labels.
I’ve layered the makings for hot cocoa in mason jars for many years and it’s always a hit! This year, I used 12-ounce mason jars for individual hot cocoa servings. When the jar is opened (and marshmallows removed), you can add 1 cup of boiling water right into the jar and have a rich, warm treat ready to drink! I set out a group of jars and added each layer of ingredients, assembly line style–the jars were ready in no time. On their own, the layered hot cocoa mix is pretty, but adding a custom label to the top of the jar and a nice ribbon gives the gift that extra special touch.
I used Avery Design & Print Online to create these labels. The design interface has an abundance of backgrounds (like this awesome houndstooth), font styles, color customization, and image customization options. You can choose from their many images/backgrounds/etc. or even upload your own images and add them right into the design. For these labels, I purchased the hot cocoa image online, saved it to my computer, and had it uploaded to my label template all in a matter of minutes. And THEN…you just hit print right from the online screen. Pop your sheet of labels into the printer and out come the finished labels.
I absolutely love the glossy finish on these 2″ labels and they are the perfect fit for the tops of these regular mason jar lids.
Alternately, you may want to wrap up a housewares gift set for someone and include hot cocoa mix or simply package it differently than in the jars. I created some Hot Cocoa Mix tags that can be added to a mug handle or to the outside of a package. I also designed these tags using the Avery Design & Print Online–I started with a pre-set design and customized the text and graphic to make it my own.
These printable tags include the little plastic strings to hook the tag right on. Love that–don’t be surprised if you see these tags pop up again and again. I have visions of little dresses all lined up and labeled with custom tags–seriously, the tags alone are going to inspire sewing projects ’cause I’m in love with organization like that.
I like that the tags have a little more space where instructions or ingredients can be included along with a holiday greeting. You can download either of my two label sheets below:
Hot Cocoa in a Jar Labels – for use with Avery 2″ Print-to-the-Edge Round Labels 22807
Hot Cocoa Mix Gift Tags – for use with Avery Printable Tags with Strings 22802
Once you download the PDF label files, simply print onto the corresponding label sheet – be sure to uncheck the “Fit to Page” box in your printer pop-up box.
If you’d like to design your own labels and tags, please don’t be intimidated. It usually takes me for.ever. to do anything graphic design-like, but I designed both of these label sheets without any prior experience in less than 30 minutes (which included searching online and purchasing the additional graphics that I wanted for the project). It is completely do-able!
And now for the hot cocoa ingredients list. For each 12-oz. mason jar, I layered:
1/4 cup nonfat, dry milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
dash of salt
mini-chocolate chips
mini-marshmallows
The milk, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar will mix with 1 cup of boiling water to make a standard hot cocoa. Other toppings such as the marshmallows and chocolate chips will greatly increase the richness of the drink. Amounts can be adjusted for your personal preference or other toppings like crushed peppermints, caramels, or toffee bits can be substituted. And while the hot cocoa can be mixed directly in the mason jar, please do so with caution as the glass jar does not provide insulation between the boiling water and your delicate hands!
Before you go…
Avery is so generously offering a $100 Visa Gift Card to one lucky reader. To be entered to win, please leave me a comment and tell me:
When are labels typically useful for you?
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “”#SweepstakesEntry””; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post”
c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 11/11/13 – 12/15/13.
Be sure to visit the Avery Labels Page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
Comments & Reviews
Alicia K says
labels are great for organizing around the house
pixystik4u at gmail dot com
Alicia K says
tweeted : https://twitter.com/pixystik4u/status/399957024575725568
Brook says
Labels are great for keeping our family organized. I label dresser drawers, storage containers, or anything that isn’t moving.
rachel of OddModicum says
Ok, seriously clever easy handcrafted gift idea! And I’m always at a loss as to which labels & paper to get, so I tend to default to Avery just cause I know the quality is there. Actually need to buy a ton to use as shipping labels w sticky backs for my tiny home biz… and that’s where I use labels most frequently, but often use them for crafts… labeling apothocary jars… using to affix images I create myself to small sheets of acetate for jewelry.
Thanks for the chance to win some moola, and as always, amazing blog feature! 😉
Hugs & Hope,
rachel of OddModicum
http://www.OddModicum.etsy.com
Lucy says
I use labels for food gifts, home food storage, address labels and holiday stickers. Thanks so much for sharing this post!
rachel of OddModicum says
& a tweet!
https://twitter.com/orachel54/status/399964651196145664
Jess M says
I love using labels for Christmas cards or any large party, really saves my hand!!
Jess M says
Tweeted https://twitter.com/JMac_momma/status/399966285036941312
kristin says
This idea is so cute! Love the hot cocoa in the jar. It looks so great–you are the best–seriously–adorb pics and yummy idea.
Stacey Iadevito says
I love Avery Labels. I have used them for party events and even day to day organizing around the house. They go on school snacks and more.
Rachel says
I love using labels for organizing, and every year I look for the perfect tags for my Christmas presents 🙂
Niki says
So cute! I am addicted to using the Avery 2181 labels for labeling everything in the house. Our basement plastic totes are useful now!
Rosellen Ralph says
To be honest I don’t usually use labels but I have a friend who organized her laundry room and printed labels to put on the baskets. These do look like they would be really cute on Christmas gifts!
Tansey Hall says
Beautiful labels!
This would be very cute for christmas gifts.
Love, love your blog XXOO
Tansey Hall says
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/tanseyh2001/status/400000372187484160
Ashley H says
I use them a lot during the holidays.
the cape on the corner says
I use labels when I can’t see what’s inside a box, like for greeting cards I keep on hand. they’re divided for occasion in a bin.
Sarah G says
Labels are useful in pretty much any situation. But I love using them for my homemade Jams and Preserves!
Sandra says
I use them most for organizing my kiddos toys and the pantry.
Elena says
I use them on wrapped Christmas gifts
Elena says
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/400016948357918720
kristin says
I use labels for mailing out Christmas cards each year – have my “master address list” saved in excel that I keep updated, and it works great! 😉
Thanks for the giveaway, Stef!
Lisa says
I have labels on a bunch of leftovers in my freezer because I love to freeze leftovers!
Mami2jcn says
Labels are useful for storing our homeschool materials.
Mami2jcn says
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/400049058699419648
Jessica To says
I use labels to put on my son’s things for school. They make me feel so much more organized!
Ashley Bliss says
I print out addresses on Avery labels when I do large mailings for work. This hot chocolate recipe looks so fun and delicious!
Barbara P. says
I use Avery labels to make my own return address labels. I also label my bins of crafts and fabrics to make things easier to find and of course for the kids toy storage bins. I love labeling!
drue says
I love labels for my jars and bins and drawers of craft items. Also use them for all my containers in the kitchen…….nuts, seeds, spices, etc.
leslie says
i like to use them for gifts
leslie says
tweet: https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/400233871783903232 .
Sandy says
I love to give away baked goods at the holidays and put beautiful labels on my goodies.
Rea Liz says
I use labels to organize my kids toys!
Rea Liz says
I tweeted at https://twitter.com/Reatex123/status/400287367967162368
Lisa Brown says
Labels are useful to me for storage boxes of all kinds.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
Lisa Brown says
my tweet https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/400316793320767488
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
Teresa says
Labels are so great for getting and staying organized. And these are the cutest for gift giving!
Cindy says
I love to label everything I can; it helps keep me organized- supplies, food, toy drawers, clothes drawers, craft drawers. I also love labeling things for school.
Melissa@TheChicDream says
I usually just use labels for purposes like this, a homemade gift. I’m hoping to set up a craft closet soon and will probably use labels to organize my goodies. There’s nothing like an organized closet!
Kristi Lee says
Hello there! I love to use labels as seals on cards – they look sweet with monograms, and who doesn’t love a customized envelope in the mail?!
Lindsay says
I am using them to make my own business cards and I use address labels at Christmas, too. Thanks for the chance to win!!
kellie rose wilson says
I use them to organize materials for school!
Michelle says
For gifts!! I usually make most gifts, and I need to include care instructions and so forth.
Great giveaway!!
~Michelle
Charity says
Those are seriously cute… love the argyle ribbon. And if you were only making these for a few people you could add to the cuteness, bring in some sewing, AND protect delicate hands by adding a jar cozy. =) I’m normally anti-cozy, but having felt a glass jar with hot contents, I’d say it’s use would be warranted here.
I used some square labels on some treats I made and gifted last Christmas… loved it. =) Though mine weren’t nearly as cute as yours are.
Sara B says
I love the idea of the hot cocoa in a jar — and the ribbons and labels make them really special — these would be a great teacher gift!
I use labels all over the house — organizing files, boxes in the garage and basement, storage in bedrooms — everywhere!
Heidi G says
I put labels on my yarn bins and crafting supplies.
Tami says
great labels. I use labels in my pantry and in my office the most
God Girl Goth says
For labels that visitors will see, like those in the pantry, I use the computer and printable labels to save everyone from trying to interpret my illegible handwriting.
One Frugal Girl says
Labeling all of the storage containers filled with my son’s toys and clothing. I’m hoping for a second child and want to keep everything organized so we can easily access the hand-me-downs.
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
One Frugal Girl says
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/401016936542138369
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
Bernadette says
I never would have thought to put a sticker on the top for something like this. Very clever and easy. I’d probably have gone the long route and cut out different layers of cardstock and used stamps. This looks just as good and is so much easier and cheaper!
D Schmidt says
I use labels in a variety of ways around the home and tend to find them perfect for organizing my children’s craft supplies. I also use them to address gifts over the holiday season! I have never used a template though but I really think I should because they create fantastic designs.
D Schmidt says
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/401431345743667200
Susan Smith says
I love using the peel off labels on Christmas gifts and on my childrens school supplies.
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/401533978634510336
Erica Best says
when i am storage food
Erica Best says
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/402165792055115776
Jessie C. says
I use labels to organize toy bins and pantry.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C. says
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/402279727722795009
Shannon says
Sometimes I use labels for addressing mass mailings but I honestly prefer handwritten envelopes whenever I can so it has to be a truly mass mailing. Otherwise, I use labels most often for homemade gifts. I especially love the brown paper looking label sheets 😉 I also use them for home organization.
Rosa Jackson says
I use Avery Labels for school and to organize my home.
Kylene says
Labels are most useful for me when I make soups and meals for the freezer and need to know what they are!
Heidi says
Labels are most useful for me when I am sending out Christmas Cards 🙂
Jessica w says
I like to use them in my pantry and our storage area so we know what is in which boxes.
Jessica w says
I tweeted too! https://twitter.com/jessrwarfield/status/403172237085126656
cw says
Labels are particularly useful during christmas for mailing out xmas cards
Erika says
I have lots of plastic totes in the closets, and it’s nice to label them to keep things organized.
chambanachik at gmail dot com
stacey says
I like to label my jam with Avery labels. It is so nice and easy.
Robin says
I make homemade goodies for Christmas gifts and these labels would be awesome!
Susan says
SO CUTE!!!! Was thinking of something like this for wedding favors this winter.
robyn windsor says
i love making homemade gifts using a creative touch to christmas is awesome merry christmas
rachel says
They’re lifesavers for wedding and baby showers. They can really make a gift super cute!
Madeline says
I label my daughter’s clothing and lunch items for summer camp.
Madeline says
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/405499886461657088
Tina M says
address labels and gift tags on Christmas gifts
Tina M says
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/405860079611547648
Wild Orchid says
Labels are most useful to me when I am completing home organizing projects.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Wild Orchid says
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/406779991452418048
Debbie B says
i like using labels for address labels
Debbie B says
i posted a tweet:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/407016000744206337
Amanda Christensen says
I love using labels for my craft supplies and my pantry!
Heather says
I used labels for when I freeze leftover ingredients! i write the amount that is in the packaging.
Heather says
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/heatsgiveaways/status/407279856364187648
CookieS. says
Love Avery! Use labels at work and at home. Makes life easier, neat, and organized.
maria cantu says
Useful for gifts anytime of the year.
Amy Tong says
I use labels all the time. I make strawberry jams, peach preserves, etc when they are in season and give them to friends and family. Christmas is another time I use lots of labels for my homemade gifts. I’ve gotta check these out. Totally awesome and way better than my hand writing! hahaha…thank you so much for sharing Avery with us.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/408851054965436417
amy [at] utry [dot] it
karen medlin says
I use them a lot in the garage work area, I label all the bins for my DIY projects,with the different size screw, nails, nuts and bolts etc. When we need a wood or metal screw, we know which bin to pull up.. saves us time. I also label all the kids school supplies when they start back in the fall. I try to use a cute font and add their favorite character to the label, so it sticks out and they can find their folders or books quicker.
Kelly Massman says
Labels are extremely useful to me when it comes to Christmas mailings or for postcards when my husband has a woodturning show!! thanks for a chance to win! kmassman gmail
Sheila Vives says
These labels in the review look great ! I love labels for organizing, gift giving and for making sure others know “what’s inside”
Sheila Vives says
I TWEETED ! https://twitter.com/Candymom321/status/409511700841238529
Tatjana Coric says
I use a lot of printable labels during the canning season for my homemade preserves and pickled vegies.
Jess says
Labels are great for organizing!
Pam Bonesteel says
These tags are a perfect addition to my hot cocoa gifts!
LAMusing says
I use labels on my plastic shoe boxes, on storage boxes and small ones on my spice jars.
Norma says
Return address labels and labels for files.
Shannon says
I don’t use labels at all, but I’m TOTALLY inspired!
Shannon says
https://twitter.com/channynn/status/410951986159165440
Kelly D says
Labels are useful when organizing my storage bins, to keep track of what is inside
Kelly D says
tweet
https://twitter.com/kellydsaver/status/410966564498722816
Wanda McHenry says
Labels are useful when I’m re-organizing in the Spring
Rebecca Graham says
Labels are useful to me when organizing supplies.
Wanda McHenry says
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/411010566547726337
Connie says
I like having organization! So, I use labels for many different things. I use them in my classroom to label children’s portfolios, their cubbies, any special gift they make as presents( such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, etc). I use them to create gift tags and to label my the inside of my baby’s clothes and personal belongings I sent to daycare. Basically if it needs to be labeled I label it!
Carmen says
Now that my daughter is beginning to dress herself, I’m thinking of reorganizing her clothes and using labels to help her find what she needs.
angie lilly says
I never label anything really. I do have some things that could use labeling though. LOL I would love to label the two multi-drawered plastic units in my hall closet so that I know what is in each drawer!
angie lilly says
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/411563701758488577
Teresa P says
Labels are useful to me all the time. I tend to be unorganized so I love it when I finally get things together and can label them so I can identify them quickly.
Teresa P says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/didyouyarnthat/status/411893925465849856
Betty C says
I use labels for organizing my craft and sewing supplies and for labeling opaque containers in the kitchen.
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/412093195841839105
Amanda Sakovitz says
Labels are useful for me when I’m storing things.
Amanda Sakovitz says
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/412269735439372288
Thomas Murphy says
Labels are very useful for gifts
Thomas Murphy says
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/412283460183543808
ewhatley says
I use labels to organize my mountains of paperwork.
Tabathia B says
During the holidays for christmas presents
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/412348383446061057
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com