Why I Built this Project

We love to give gifts that inspire adventure, memories and experiences together!  I thought a hot cocoa gift set would make a great gift for a family wanting an outdoor adventure, maybe it's sledding or maybe it's skating - all you need is a hot thermos of water!  How fun is that?

The gift crate also can be flipped to create an organized serving center, so all the hot cocoa stays in the same area, on it's own little "table". 

Why We Love this Hot Chocolate Gift Crate

• The wood crate is substantial and sturdy, and won't fall apart on transporting
• The wood crate grounds the set and makes it a gift, instead of just some ingredients
• Fill with your favorite hot cocoa supplies
• Add a thermos for hot water
• Flip over to create a serving station
• Wood crate can be used for many other uses
• Very simple and inexpensive to build, could even build with scrap wood

How I Built this Project

This project is very easy to build!  First, I cut the 1x6 for the bottom and the sides.  Then I used glue and brad nails to nail the sides to the bottom.

Next, I cut wood lath strips for the sides.

Then I nailed the lath strips to the sides with glue and brad nails.

I did this on both sides.  Maybe don't use as much glue as me.

Then I added a whitewash stain, but you could stain or paint any color.  

From there, I just took a scrap piece of wood and spray painted black.  I used my Cricut to cut out the lettering and applied it to the label.  I just glued that on.

Now the fun part!  I filled up the wood crate with hot cocoa supplies!  The cups were a find at Micheals, everything else was sourced from the grocery store.

Watch!  Quick Build Video of Making this Hot Cocoa Gift Crate

Free Plans to Build Your Own Hot Cocoa Gift Crate

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!