“Energy Balls” are my favorite thing to bring someone who could use a little boost.
First day of school? – The teacher needs energy balls.
New baby? – Those parents need energy balls. (Add brewer’s yeast for a breast-feeding mother!)
Recovering from surgery or fighting a disease? – Your friend needs energy balls.
Full-time caregivers? – They need energy balls.
This is a very simple recipe to make. My 9-year-old makes them all on her own.
Just throw everything in the bowl and mix well.
Stick the bowl in the fridge for an hour.
Then, scoop a very small spoonful into your hand. Roll it into a ball.
Repeat.
You can also use plastic wrap to help form your balls.
Put a spoonful of mixture into the center of a square. Then, gather the corners and twist them together, using your hands to press the mixture together at the same time.
Everyone I’ve shared these with has loved them (even the pickiest kids) and has asked for the recipe.
I think using recycled jars for this type of gift is excellent – there’s no pressure to wash and return the container.
I’ve created a small gift tag for it. The booklet style is perfect for this type of gift because you can put a personal note or recipe on the inside.
I like to include the recipe so they don’t need to spend their limited energy asking for it later.
Keep scrolling down for the free project files and instructions for use.
My preschooler’s teacher recently lost her sister.
I found out her favorite candy is Reese’s, so I made this gift for her. (A perfect use for some of that Halloween candy!)
The message fits anyone who’s lost a loved one.
How to use the mini card SVG in Cricut Design Space
Two versions of the booklet and pages are in the free SVG file. One has holes in the corner and the other doesn’t.
Upload the free SVG file (design #85 – Mini-Booklet Gift Tags) to Design Space.
Add it to the canvas, then Ungroup it.
Next, select the line in the center of the booklet cover (as shown below) and change the Operation to Score.
Now click on the layer shown to select both the Score line and the cut piece below.
Click the Attach icon (the paperclip.)
Now the little booklet is ready to be cut and scored.
Four booklets can be cut from one piece of 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
The sentiments below, plus the one about picking up the pieces after a loss, are included in the file design #86 – Gift Tags Energy Balls & Pieces.
The bottom-right design I gave to a friend recovering from a mastectomy.
The ZIP file contains PNG images which you can use for Print-Then-Cut or also just print out with your computer and hand cut.
For more possible messages, look at this post on Cards to Support Friends.
How to use this file in Design Space
Download design #86 – Gift Tags Energy Balls & Pieces.
Unzip it.
In Design Space, click on the Upload icon, then on the Upload Image button.
Drop the PNG file you want to use into the upload area.
Choose “Print Then Cut Image” and click on the green Upload button.
On the next screen, choose “Complex” and click the Continue button.
Make sure the ratio lock is on (indicated by the arrow below.)
Now, change the width of the image to 2.3 (inches).
The message is ready to make. Design Space will use Print Then Cut and it fits into the gift tag booklet perfectly.
Supplies needed for the mini-booklet gift tags
- the free SVG file – it’s design #85 – Mini-Booklet Gift Tags in the Free Files Folder
- the free PNG files – design #86 – Gift Tags Energy Balls & Pieces in the Free Files Folder
(If you don’t have the password for the free files, fill in the form at the bottom of the page and it will be emailed to you.)
- cutting machine such as the Cricut Maker or the Explore Air
- Brayer (I have both the Cricut brayer and the Speedball soft rubber brayer; I’m always setting them down in the wrong place)
- scoring tool – either the scoring stylus or scoring wheel
- bone folder to crease on the score lines
- 65 lb. letter-sized cardstock – my favorites are these bright colors from Recollections or the essential pack with 20 colors from Recollections
- printer – I love my Epson XP-1500 Wide Format Photo printer
- Glue such as Aleene’s Tacky Glue, Art Glitter Glue, or Beacon’s 3-in-1 Craft Glue
- jars or disposable containers for the goodies to go in
* Links to products are for your convenience in finding tools and materials, however, they are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. *
I have lots more sentiments and ideas for gifts to share. If you’re on my email list, you’ll be the first to know when the updates are added.
Looking for other possible sentiments? Check out my other cards to support friends and cards to give when it’s not a happy occasion.
Susan Johns says
These sound amazing, but I can’t eat coconut, is there anything I can substitute?
Emily says
I would leave the coconut out, and just add a bit more of the dry ingredients. This is a very flexible recipe!
Mix everything up (leaving out the coconut) and see how ‘mushy’ it is. Add more oatmeal, flax seed, and chia seeds as needed. As long as you can make it into a ball, the consistency is fine.
Barb says
I love this idea and the sentiments! Thank you!! I’m going to make these for a friend who is battling breast cancer; about how many 1″ balls would you say this recipe will make? I’m trying to figure out the best size jar to use. Also, do they stick to each other in the jar if they are not individually wrapped? 🙂
Emily says
It makes quite a few! I make the balls more like 1/2 inch so they are very easily bite-size. No one wants to eat just one! They don’t stick together in the jar, but will crumble a little.