Christmas/Solstice Gifts!
I know I am echoing the sensationalist news outlets right now, but let's face it: almost no one has the money to go nuts at the holidays the way they might have in the past. It's just the truth!
So, as a person who is pretty damn knowledgeable about stretching a penny, here's a couple tips for affordable but GREAT holiday gifts that will impress without making you look like a cheapskate.
Seriously, I have made all of these gifts and people loved them. One year I bought nothing but the ingredients for 21 loaves of banana bread. That was about 3-4 Christmases ago and friends still comment on when I am going to make more awesome banana bread!
Instant mocha mix: I have the recipe somewhere, but it is easy enough to Google. Take instant hot cocoa mix, instant coffee and powdered coffee, mix them all together and put the stuff in little decorative jars. (mason jars work, and nice containers are always easy to find at the dollar store.) On a little gift card, put the ingredients list and attach it to the jar with ribbon. Simple and easy.
Chocolate-covered anything: One year I made care packages with chocolate-covered goodies. Melt chocolate and apply it to things like pretzels, potato chips (yes! give it a try!) cookies and etc. My personal favorite is dipping pretzel rods into the chocolate then rolling it in things like coconut, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or just leaving it plain.
*TIP: Don't use that 'melty' chocolate substitute crap. It's waxy and it's cheap and people can tell the difference. Milk (or dark) chocolate chips go on sale a lot during the holidays and they melt nicely. Add a very small amount of shortening and microwave the chocolate chips in the microwave in 10-15 second intervals, less if you have a powerful microwave. Chocolate can burn easily and does NOT smell good.
Shortbread cookies are pretty easy to make and who doesn't love a shortbread cookie,esp. with a nice cocoa, coffee or tea. Find a recipe that is as simple as possible and you'll get a good cookie that is very traditional. Also, PLEASE never use margarine in place of the butter! I know that margarine is even more cost-effective, but the butter really makes these worthwhile.
If you have a family recipe that will travel well and is really exceptional, then just give that to everyone! Like the year of the banana bread - that is what everyone got and I still get comments. Make sure it is a stellar recipe that you are familiar with to alleviate any further holiday stress.
Like they say, the way to a person's heart is through their stomach, and I have never once gotten a wayward glance or a raised eyebrow at my home-baked Christmas gifts. Maybe some of these ideas will work for you!
So, as a person who is pretty damn knowledgeable about stretching a penny, here's a couple tips for affordable but GREAT holiday gifts that will impress without making you look like a cheapskate.
Seriously, I have made all of these gifts and people loved them. One year I bought nothing but the ingredients for 21 loaves of banana bread. That was about 3-4 Christmases ago and friends still comment on when I am going to make more awesome banana bread!
Instant mocha mix: I have the recipe somewhere, but it is easy enough to Google. Take instant hot cocoa mix, instant coffee and powdered coffee, mix them all together and put the stuff in little decorative jars. (mason jars work, and nice containers are always easy to find at the dollar store.) On a little gift card, put the ingredients list and attach it to the jar with ribbon. Simple and easy.
Chocolate-covered anything: One year I made care packages with chocolate-covered goodies. Melt chocolate and apply it to things like pretzels, potato chips (yes! give it a try!) cookies and etc. My personal favorite is dipping pretzel rods into the chocolate then rolling it in things like coconut, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or just leaving it plain.
*TIP: Don't use that 'melty' chocolate substitute crap. It's waxy and it's cheap and people can tell the difference. Milk (or dark) chocolate chips go on sale a lot during the holidays and they melt nicely. Add a very small amount of shortening and microwave the chocolate chips in the microwave in 10-15 second intervals, less if you have a powerful microwave. Chocolate can burn easily and does NOT smell good.
Shortbread cookies are pretty easy to make and who doesn't love a shortbread cookie,esp. with a nice cocoa, coffee or tea. Find a recipe that is as simple as possible and you'll get a good cookie that is very traditional. Also, PLEASE never use margarine in place of the butter! I know that margarine is even more cost-effective, but the butter really makes these worthwhile.
If you have a family recipe that will travel well and is really exceptional, then just give that to everyone! Like the year of the banana bread - that is what everyone got and I still get comments. Make sure it is a stellar recipe that you are familiar with to alleviate any further holiday stress.
Like they say, the way to a person's heart is through their stomach, and I have never once gotten a wayward glance or a raised eyebrow at my home-baked Christmas gifts. Maybe some of these ideas will work for you!