This year I came up with a great gift idea that allows me to accomplish two objectives that have been really key as of late: a.) to stretch my dollar in these hard times and b.) to bake yummy things and hone in on my arts and crafts skills. Now, how did i find a gift that can be made on the cheap as well as afford me some quality time in the kitchen? AND appeal to everybody's gift desires young and old? Two words: Gift Baskets.
My first task was to think of what goodies would compose my delightful smorgasbords. I thought long and hard and I came up with the following:
- 1 lb. of coffee (Starbucks Christmas blend tastes wonderful this year)
- 1 coffee mug
- my signature holiday treats: macaroons, sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, and chocolate truffles (look for recipes in future posts)
-homemade lemongrass salt scrub for the ladies (find preparation instructions in future post).
-a bottle of wine
That's it!
I had so much fun baking the treats. I popped open a bottle of wine and put on some carols and baked the night away. I did some investigating to try and find the cheapest accessories like baskets, ribbons, and containers. Thanks to a 2 for 1 sale at Michaels I was able to come away with the best stuff for less than what I would have normally been satisfied with at Smart and Final! Excuse my shameless endorsements here, I'm only trying to give you an inside look at the types of money saving tactics I employ.
So, enjoy the following pictures...
I made seven baskets and Gizmo's having as much fun with them as I did...
Here's the lemongrass saltscrub, so easy to make and such a neat gift ladies! Underneath are 2 gingerbreadmen and a wreath shaped sugar cookie. . . mmm.
Here is one finished product in a wicker basket.
And here's an adorable drum basket I scored at Michael's...
And here's a close up of the mugs I simply stuffed with deliciousness.
And there you have it!
Please feel free to comment with your thoughts and ideas...
As always, standing the heat,
Jennifer
