Christmas Gift Ideas: Seed Packets with Markers

Christmas is coming. . . really. I'm sorry to remind you, but it is. One of the many great things about herb gardening is that you have the raw material for some wonderful gifts. If you plan ahead, you can make unique herb offerings quickly and inexpensively. For the next couple of months, I'll be giving you some examples.

Here's one: Fabric Wrapped Herb Seeds with Popsicle Markers

This fall, gather up your seeds and place some of each variety in four inch squares of fabric that you've lined with cellophane. Tie them with ribbon to which you've attached a small card describing the herb. Offer some growing instructions, or send them over to me for planting information.

Place the packets in a presentation bag with handmade plant tags that you've fashioned from this summer's leftover Popsicle sticks. (Start saving them now.) Just paint the sticks green, write the herb names in black marker, and you're ready to go.

If you are feeling creative, make tags on your computer, something on the order of "From the garden of …", fold them onto the top of the Popsicle sticks, glue them in place, and you have instant designer seed starter packs. Anyone who has complimented you on your garden, herb cooking, or herb crafts, will be delighted with this personal gift.

You can do this in no time, and it makes a thoughtful and useful present. It's inexpensive, and if you take the time to sew a presentation bag, it's also creative, and chic. Really, what more could anyone ask for?

Quick Tips: Using pinking shears on the fabric squares creates a finished look, as does using lengths of narrow, good quality ribbon.