Guest Post by The New Black: My 2011 Gift

Hannah from The New Black is my favorite fellow Seattleite blogger. Her commentary on movies, tv, music, books, fashion, etc is always witty and right up my alley.

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When Christina asked me to write a guest post I was a little stumped as to what I'd write about. I figured a little {and easy!} holiday hint would be just the thing. So, here it is....I've got a little secret I'd like to share with you all. My 2011 Gift. Yes, that's right...I want to share My 2011 Gift with you.

Every year I put together a holiday gift that will serve all my generic gifting purposes for the season. I have ever so cleverly named it My {insert current year here} Gift. It took me ages to settle on the official name...can you tell?

I keep dozens of them on hand for all those situations you find yourself in during the holidays where something in a pretty bag overflowing with tissue paper and tied with elaborate ribbons is due...this gift always fits them all.

~ Hostess gift? Check.

~ Gift for neighbors? Check.

~ Secret Santa Gift? Check.

~ A little something extra for the mailman/dog sitter/hair stylist? Check.

~ Gift for someone who unexpectedly gave you a gift and you need to appear as if you had one all prepared to give them too? Check!!

The gift I decided on this year is Starbucks Hot Cocoa Mix with one of the following flavored syrups: Peppermint {my personal favorite!}, Toasted Marshmallow or Salted Caramel.

I've been a fan of Starbucks Peppermint Hot Cocoa for years and have been making it at home ever since I realized you could buy their mix online and not spend $4 for it through the Starbucks drive thru. In the recent years they've added these other yummy flavors and they can all be made from the toasty warm comfort of your own home. I wish really Torani sold these syrups in mini bottles so that I could give all three flavors with a hot cocoa mix {hint, hint Torani!}.

I wrap the cocoa tin and a flavored syrup up all festive-like and attach a little card that has a charming variation of 'hope you have a warm holiday season' and I am good to go. For some gifts {depending on the recipient} I like to add a hand selected mug to make it a little more personable.

I ordered up all the goods in November so that I could have them all assembled before the busy holiday buzz even begun. It has sure helps to have them ready so I can be rid of any stress and just enjoy the festivity of the season.

So, there is My 2011 Gift. Anyone else have a perfect go-to gift? I'm already brainstorming for My 2012 Gift...