Don't Forget to Feed the Reindeer! Upcycled Gift Bottle


Happy Wednesday, Friends!  Have you ever accidentally started a Christmas tradition? Sometimes those that aren't thought out or planned, but just stick on their own can be the sweetest. Here's the story of how I became the annual reindeer food maker....


reindeer food upcycled gift bottle tutorial


Several years ago, I put together a Christmas bag for my friend Carly's little boy, Maddux. Inside, I tucked several small gifts, including a little plastic tube of "reindeer food" that I'd bought on sale. The packaging was cute and I thought it was a fun gift idea. At the time, I remember thinking it looked like granola with glitter added ;) Well, Maddux was delighted and couldn't wait to scatter it outside. Since then, he has requested it every year. Although Carly has offered to make it, Maddux seems convinced that I have a secret recipe, so I am happy to oblige. This year, I decided to create an upcycled gift bottle. It was just after the holidays last year that I found these favorite coffee drinks marked 75% off and the bottles have just kept on giving. I've used them as upcycled bottle vases for both St. Patrick's Day and Mother's Day as well as craft storage. Why not reindeer food? 


reindeer food upcycled gift bottle tutorial



I started with an empty bottle...


reindeer food upcycled gift bottle tutorial



....then raided my craft stash and came up with some sparkly foam snowflake stickers. I'd spray painted the bottle lids some time ago.


reindeer food upcycled gift bottle tutorial


Now to raid the pantry, or in my case the fridge where I store cereal that I eat infrequently enough that it becomes stale otherwise. Actually, since this project will be scattered in the yard, it doesn't matter if it is a little stale. I used about a cup and a half for this bottle. Use what you have on hand and add sprinkles, which I use instead of glitter to make it edible/safe for curious little tasters and pets. 


reindeer food upcycled gift bottle tutorial


Last, add embellishments to make it festive for gift giving. I added a small chalkboard label, 


reindeer food upcycled gift bottle



tinsel trim and jingle bells! 

upcycled gift bottle reindeer food



So this year, when you leave milk and cookies for Santa, don't forget the reindeer food!


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reindeer food upcycled gift bottle


I've really enjoyed visiting link parties during the holidays and seeing all of the festive decor and creative ideas. There's two opportunities to link here this week: Come back tomorrow for the Vintage Charm party...


Vintage Charm Thursday link party


...then link as many times as you like at Creating Christmas, thru Christmas Eve! 


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Would you like to comment?

  1. Those bottles of reindeer food are just too CUTE! Such a great way to reuse and recycle. Anyway, those bottles are too nice to throw out. Maybe Maddux will carry on this tradition to his family someday ☺

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  2. What an adorable idea. Funny Maddux thinks you have the magic formula. How sweet! And getting to upcycle the bottles into something cute? Win! Anyway, I love this idea. I'm going to pin it for the someday hope of grandchildren. Plus I think I'll send it to my sister who does have young grands. Just too cute! :-)

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  3. Charming idea, and wonderfully presented!! Certainly the wildlife will appreciate the treat too.

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  4. Love it Cecilia!!! The "Reindeer" that come in our yard will eat just about anything. What a meaningful gift for Maddux. I have been saving some small plastic bottles and this might be a good use for them. I will share this idea with others who have young grand kids. Thanks.
    Merry Christmas

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  5. O MY!! What a cute idea!! I am going to save this idea for gifts for my great nieces for next year!! Thanks so much for the inspiration!!
    Thanks again for visiting!!
    Merry Christmas!!

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  6. Reindeer food is so fun for the kiddos. The bottles are perfect and I love how you dressed it up!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  7. How cute! Children would really adore this! Wishing you all the love, joy and peace of season as well as a very Happy New Year!

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