This year, we have decided to focus on "quality" instead of "quantity" when it comes to the kids. So the kids are taken care of. However, we are either giving gift cards and/or homemade gifts to the adults. In the past, I have made both flavored coffees and flavored coffee creamers (message me your email if anyone wants the recipes). So I'm looking for something cost effective (not expensive) and easy like those. Also any ideas that I can make for hubby to hand out to his clients that are not cookies. Last year I made containers of Puppy Chow, which is always a big hit. I am neither crafty nor a good cook so I'm having a hard time thinking of new things. Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks mamas! =)
I am making some Soup Mixes in a Jar for some family members. Lots of recipes are on line...I just looked up homemade gifts.
I think we may make some of these this year: http://www.adventuresinsavings.com/2010/12/great-gift-ide...
We are also making some homemade coffee syrups found here: http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/11/make-...
I'm looking forward to reading your responses also, as I always love new ideas!
This year I'm doing all-natural hot cocoa powder and crocheted hats or head-wraps. If you don't know how to crochet you can check out bobwilson123 on youtube for really helpful tutorials! :)
for the readers on your gift list: bookmarks made from gossamer ribbon. Attach a silver charm on one end & a bead on the other.
For the guys, we're using manly ribbon, with a bobber on one end & a weight on the other!
Got these ideas from the Dec issue of Disney's Family Fun mag:
1) Two Tubs of Rub - make Jamaican Spice Rub & a Montreal Steak Rub & put into 2 small stainless steel tins, instructions, ingredient list & wrap up.
Jamaican Spice Rub:
3 Tbs brown sugar
3 Tbs paprika
1 Tbs cinnamon
1 Tbs salt
2 tsp ginger
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp grated nutmeg
3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
* makes about 1/2 cu of rub
Instructions for card:
Brush 3/4 to 1 pound of shrimp or poultry with oil, then coat with 1 Tbs of the seasoning. For maximum flavor, let the rubbed chicken or shrimp rest several hours before cooking.
Montreal Steak Rub
2 Tbs paprika
2 Tbs granulated or minced onion
2 Tbs granulated or minced garlic
2 Tbs coarse salt
1 1/2 Tbs coarse-ground black pepper
1 1/2 Tbs dill weed
1 Tbs ground coriander
1 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
* makes about 2/3 cu
Wording for instruction card:
Brush 3/4 to 1 pound of steak or 1/3 pound hamburger patties with oil. Coat the steak with 1 Tbs of rub, the patties with 1 tsp each, or mix 1 Tbs of the seasoning into 3/4 to 1 pound of ground beef before forming the burgers. For maximum flavor, let the meat rest several hours before cooking.
I also saw some cute homemade candles, but I can't find the magazine they were in. They had some really cute ones that you could do in a triangular shape to make into Christmas tree candles.
Good luck!! Sounds fun, and now you've inspired me to do the same for our adults this year.
ETA: Oh, duh, the candles are in the same magazine...I can't scan them in, but the link to the online version is:
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/candle-making-101-1030153/
This is the basics, and then to the right of the article there are pictures of the specific candles I saw in the magazine.
Our church is actually doing this on the next two Saturdays. Click on this link and you will see the ideas they have:
http://www.christfellowshipeldorado.com/christmasconspiracy/
See Merry Mainstreet on left.
Puppy chow is great. Something similar but not quite the same is white trash. Some people call it reindeer munchies. I was gifted this once in a little mini plastic trash can. It was adorable and so delish
http://www.food.com/recipe/alton-browns-white-trash-226723
What about those cake pops but with candycakes,etc. Or chocolate dipped pretzels.My favorite are the round pretzels with a rolo melted in the middle=) My friend always made peanut clusters . They are super easy and delish . Haven't had one in three years because of my son's peanut allergy though Have a good one !
Oh and those damn Oreo balls that are impossible to pass up=)
I do candied nuts and spiced candy nuts. Everyone seems to love those. I just found a recipe online. Plus sunflower market is going to be 4.99lb tomorrow for the mixed nuts.
This year I'm making origami mobiles with cranes, butterflies and maybe boats and frogs. I'm using some beads and crystals left over from my jewellery making stint a couple of years ago. I'm very excited about this project! My husband is making genuine buttery melt-in-the-mouth shortbread, hopefully with chocolate drizzled on it.
There is a cookbook called "Gifts from a Jar". It's all foods like brownie mixes, cookie mixes, bread mixes, soup, etc. that you layer in a jar and attach the recipe for them to make later. You can cover the lid with pretty fabric and ribbon. I make peanut brittle for people to give away.
