Christmas Gifts for Relatives?

[wimbly11]

So each year I like to get a little something special for my aunts and uncles. I've given them lotto tickets, last year I baked goodies. I'm trying to come up with ideas of what I can do this year. Something inexpensive, but special. Baking something is always an option, but it would need to be quick recipes as we all know how hectic the holidays are. Any ideas out there?

[Littlemoe0]

I have a quick baking recipe that freezes well too, will dig it out for ya wimbly.

[madchives]

ever considered making something?
that would last- ie crochet/knit?

[wimbly11]

Well I don't know how to crochet or knit, so that's probably out. I wonder what else I could make? Hmm...

Would love the recipe littlemoe

[madchives]

well then, come over here, wimbly. i can teach you
holy shoot sounds suggestive, sorry

[Lynn49]

Have you tried canning, Wimbly? Perhaps a nice jelly or jam that you can't normall get off the shelf...like apple jelly or butter...here's a nice site for easy treats to make

http://www.pickyourown.org/jam.htm

Pack it along with a sleeve of crackers and a spreadable cream cheese and it's such a nice treat to give and receive!

I just came across this recipe that requires no processing...and would look so festive since it's red!
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2005/06/norecipe-yikes/

Also, any freezer jam recipe is SO easy!

[wimbly11]

well then, come over here, wimbly. i can teach you
holy shoot sounds suggestive, sorry

LOL Too funny!!

Lynn, I've never tried canning. The only problem is, I don't get home until a week before Christmas, which limits the amount of time I have. So I would need to buy all of the canning stuff once I got home.

[Littlemoe0]

What about a small donation to a charity that your relatives ike to help out in there names. And I will get ya that recipe, it's super easy. It has to be, I love to cook, but I am not a baker at all.

[Natalka]

Gifts in a jar! You layer ingredients for making cookies, etc. - they are awesome!
The dry ingredients go in a jar, then you add a cute tag with instructions on what to add to finish.

Big variety of ideas out there -

http://www.craftbits.com/gifts-in-a-jar
http://christmas.organizedhome.com/g...r-recipe-index
http://www.kitchenlink.com/holiday/merrygifts.html
http://www.cookingcache.com/cat/gift...r/default.aspx

http://tipnut.com/free-gifts-in-a-jar-recipes/

[nanoush]

I make bath bombs and they are very inexpensive to make and also very quick, just need to dry overnight

[Littlemoe0]

Love that idea Nat, and nanoush, that sounds like an awesome idea. Man, there are some great gift ideas going on.

[Judstir]

I purchased the New Heart and Stroke calendars for my family this year instead of Lottery tickets I usually give. The Calendars are supposed to have prizes all year long...if you have a lucky one. (lol) And you are helping out a Charity besides.

[wimbly11]

Awesome ideas everyone! Love the gift in a jar idea though! Going to look at some of those links now

[Lynn49]

Gifts in a jar! You layer ingredients for making cookies, etc. - they are awesome!
The dry ingredients go in a jar, then you add a cute tag with instructions on what to add to finish.

Big variety of ideas out there -

http://www.craftbits.com/gifts-in-a-jar
http://christmas.organizedhome.com/g...r-recipe-index
http://www.kitchenlink.com/holiday/merrygifts.html
http://www.cookingcache.com/cat/gift...r/default.aspx

http://tipnut.com/free-gifts-in-a-jar-recipes/

Good ideas, esp if there's a soup one somewhere there...I once did a "Cowboy Soup" one for a friend who always seemed to be running their kids to hockey/dance, etc...she really appreciated it!

[Natalka]

Those links I gave, especially the last one which has a great listing of other links, include everything literally from soup to nuts - even rice pudding - and some beauty recipes, too.