The Perfect (Cheap!) Last-minute Gift: Personalized Mugs

The title says it all.  This is the perfect last minute gift.  Head to the dollar store for everything you need.

I was very skeptical of this since it seemed too easy and has been all over Pinterest, but it works...sort of.

Grandma

We captured C's writing!  It was quite difficult for him on a mug.
I was really nervous, until later when I realized I could wipe it all off prior to baking!

What you need:
Mug/ bowl/ plate (whatever item desired)
Sharpie

Wash and dry your item.
If desired, use a pencil to trace any special lettering.  Otherwise, using your sharpie, freehand your writing or design.
Don't forget to date or write your name on the base of the item!
Place item in oven.
Set to 350 degrees.
Once oven is preheated, set timer for 30 minutes.
Once the 30 minutes are up, turn off oven.  Leave the mug in.
Let  the oven cool and remove later when you think of it.

Tips:
See also, my Personalized Porcelain Plates for more ideas!

Leaving the mug in while the oven is preheating and cooling down is key to the sharpie staying on!  If you don't follow this, the sharpie will wipe right off!  I had to experiment to figure this out.  The first time I wiped gently and it wiped right off.

Scour the fonts in word for a special way of writing something.

Use stencils if on hand.