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Holidays:  Christmas Gifts  |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 10 2005 : 09:01:56 AM
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| Hey ladies I am really dreading this holiday season only for the gift giving part of it. It's always a struggle to come up with gifts for our families that will not cost us a fortune. We just don't have the money and this year is going to be worse because my DH job has not been real busy this summer like it normally is so we are going to be even more tight. Any ideas that I could give our parents that would be inexpensive? I bake a lot and make lots of holiday candies so I can put those together in tins as gifts. I saw on another thread that someone was going to roast coffee beans as gifts. That would be great as both our families drink coffee but I would have no clue how to do it. I don't drink coffee myself so if any of you have a tried and true recipe for that, that would help. In November all the pecans on our trees will be ripening so I can maybe do candied pecans. Do ya'll think those are nice gifts? I know I love getting homemade gifts but some don't so I don't know if these ideas will be good. But I also need ideas for my 13 and 11 y/o niece and nephew that I really don't have much contact with. My kids are little so what are kids this age into right now? TIA ya'll. |
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quiltedess
True Blue Farmgirl
296 Posts
Nancy
Priest River
ID
USA
296 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2005 : 1:03:14 PM
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Homemade gifts are the BEST! I don't know anyone who wouldn't like candied pecans. As for the younguns, the niece would surely love a hand knitted scarf. I'll have to think a bit about what a boy would like.
Nancy |
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greyghost
True Blue Farmgirl
650 Posts
Lynn
Summerville
Georgia
USA
650 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2005 : 1:34:38 PM
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Hey Kristi I'm going to be fairly cheap this year too - in money not on love!
I just posted an idea I had for making our Christmas cards this year - using some nice cardstock and gluing or sewing buttons on the front in different holiday shapes. From there a nice metallic pen on the inside for a little message!
I'm still working on figuring out my gift ideas, since I want them to be fairly individual. For my 14 y/o sister, 10 y/o niece and my friend who makes jewelry, I'm going to take some old picture frames, cut a thin piece of wood for the back, cover it with some nice fabric and insert a few rows of antique drawer knobs through the wood - as a bracelet and necklace holder. I saw the idea in a magazine.
For the gals that like baths and stuff, I wanted to make milk baths and linen powder & sprays. The flea market is going to be my friend this year to find bottles and containers for all this stuff!
My parents... hooboy. I may be buying them wine from Habersham.
I also have no ideas for my nephews (5 and 18 mos.). One is big on dinosaurs but the kid has more dino-oriented stuff than he has room in his bedroom!
I find ribbon seconds at thrift stores and flea markets to use on packages. I save money on the wrapping by buying a big roll of butcher's paper & then have more fun dressing the package up than I did in finding the gift! |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2005 : 4:12:43 PM
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Nancy I can't really knit my niece anything because that is what her mom does. Last year I got a knitted scarf. But my SIL knits purses, blankets, scarves, sweaters.
Lynn I had thought about my BIL and SIL buying them some wine from our local winery. I guess I could do that for my in-laws too but not my parents, they live here so they can buy it anytime. It's hard enough coming up with gift ideas and then adding a small amount of money really makes it tough. |
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CityCat
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Catherine
Toronto
Ontario
Canada
198 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2005 : 4:54:21 PM
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I'm usually short on the money side of things come December too. I always bake cookies. Who doesn't love cookies and with everyone having busy lives, a bit of homebaking is very much appreciated. For the kids, I'd suggest doing huge gingerbread cookies and decorate them. Wrap them neatly in plastic wrap, and tie with ribbon. My cousin put in a special request this year: all he wants is a gigantic peanut butter cookie! My mom has gotten so used to my bringing home Christmas baking that she doesn't do any of her own anymore, and puts in an order!
Cat
ps. I don't know anything about coffee, but you could do your own tea blends. What about mixing up some spicy chai tea, put it in a baggy with instructions how to brew the perfect cuppa, and package it with a nice mug or tea and saucer that you find at a second hand store. I'd appreciate something like that! |
Edited by - CityCat on Sep 10 2005 7:47:04 PM |
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BlueApple
True Blue Farmgirl
430 Posts
Julia
Oregon
USA
430 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2005 : 5:54:36 PM
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I went in search of material for aprons today and saw the cutest thing...someone had knitted cotton hotpads, then made an envelope type case to put them in out of vintage material or muslin with rickrack around the edges. For young teen girls you could make a handmade scrapbook out of cardstock and add a disposable camera. Bath gels are fun too...buy them cheap at a dollar store but put them into a vintage style jar. An inexpensive gift is to make a cake plate out of glass plates and slender glasses or dessert cups. I find these at antique stores for a couple of dollars each. You buy heavy duty glass glue (couple dollars at a craft store), and glue the glass (which is upside-down) plate to the glass. I made several of these for a wedding shower I gave for my niece. Another thing I make is a tray. Buy or make (I never pay more than $5) a wooden picture frame (the kind with glass). Take the thin bottom piece out and using fabric glue, glue a piece of vintage looking fabric to it. Put it back in the frame and cover the back with a piece of felt. Then I take two drawer handles and put one on each side, add knobs on the bottom for feet. Let's see....pillowcases made out of a fun fabric are nice - I make those for my day care children for Christmas gifts. Hope some of these ideas are helpful.
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2005 : 6:09:50 PM
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| OH wow Julia you are a crafty one aren't you? Those are some really great and unique gifts. So many wonderful ideas, thank you. |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2005 : 6:27:47 PM
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Last year, I gave MaryJane food packets for a few of my gifts. Everybody thought it was really unique. I put them in a basket with a couple of other inexpensive edible items, and made it look homey. Baskets can be found for a dollar or two, and then tied with a red kerchief hankie. A splatter painted camper coffee mug and a packet of coffee along with a MaryJane packet of food in a basket....the entire things costs under ten dollars.
Teen-age girls like candles, and you could do a shabby chic one in a mason jar. Mason jars come by the dozen at the grocery store, and can be used for so many things. Soup and hot chocolate mixes, painted with dried flowers in them, covered with cloth on the top and filled with funky collections of beads, shells, or buttons.
Young kids love art supplies, and a set of colored pencils and a sketch pad does not cost a whole lot.
Boy, thinking of this subject makes me realize I had better get started!
jpbluesky
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Edited by - jpbluesky on Sep 10 2005 6:34:24 PM |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2005 : 7:07:14 PM
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I am giving alot of aprons (grin) knitted dish cloths, homemade soap and embroidered dish towells this year. For the guys it is always harder..my brother is getting a throw pillow with
"I smile because you are my brother, I laugh because there is nothing you can do about it" on it and a nice peiced border. I tend to make dolls or doll clothes for the littlest neices and bears or race track mats for the boys for their hot wheels. My hardest one to come up with an idea for is 13 year old nephew. He is very spoiled and very picky and I tend to give up and get him a walmart gift certificate..but decided that I won't do that this year...so I would love any ideas for him. I am trying (like every year) to give as many homemade gifts as possible. We have alot of family in Calif and so that means I look to things that arn't too heavy to send too...I blew it one year in that department and now I am more aware.
I am really hoping to get my oldest daughter a sewing machine for Christmas this year. Not a fancy or expensive one, but one of her own. I am working on Christmas stuff now for sure...I love to get an early start. I have several (like 8) birthday gifts to worry about (2 of them my daughters!) before that, as well as 3 relatives or very close friends having babies in the next two months too!! So...busy busy busy!!
I love all the ideas you all had...I will be back looking over this section for sure.
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2005 : 8:26:36 PM
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I have to ship all of my gifts to California as well so I too am looking for things that are inexpensive to make or buy but will be light enough I can afford to ship. ARRRR--I hate being short on funds!!!  Since I don't make my own soaps, I was thinking of the gift sets that are sold on soapmaven.com I can't get over how wonderful her soaps are. Gift baskets with different foods...that's an idea too. For those of you that have tried the MJ foods, which ones would you recommend? How are the breads and desserts, those are the ones I really had my eye on to buy.
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Edited by - lonestargal on Sep 10 2005 8:29:08 PM |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2005 : 11:21:21 AM
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The breads and the desserts are my personal favorites!! I love the blueberry blonde brownies and the garlic pesto fry bread.
You could make MJF's biscotti and that would be great with a packet of flavored coffee as a gift. Directions on how to make it are on page 107 of her most recent magazine.
A soup mix and a packet of gourmet crackers is a nice idea. You might be able to find an old soup mug at a flea market to include as a keepsake.
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Edited by - jpbluesky on Sep 11 2005 11:30:35 AM |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2005 : 2:28:38 PM
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| Thanks JP..I'll have to get my hands on a copy of the magazine. Do you have to order from here or can you get it at places that would be around town? |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2005 : 3:23:50 PM
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I found a place in the next town here that sells MJF things..not everything, but some. It is a food storage/backpacking type place...I wonder if you can get a list of people in your area who sell the foods from CindyLou??? Or anyone at the farm for that matter.
I personally love love love the black bean and corn chowder..can't say enough good about that..and the garlic pesto fry bread is amazing too. I havn't tried the desserts..will have to do that I guess. I have a big enough family that I need a bigger dessert so I tend to just bake things. I like having the soups and fry breads on hand for a quick lunch for me while the kids are at school.
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2005 : 4:09:03 PM
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lonestargal - if you cannot find a local source, order online. There is shipping involved, but the farm is so quick and efficient at sending items, and they communicate so well. I have found one local store that carries some of her items. It is a camping/ski shop. Sometimes, I am tempted to ask MJfarm if I can become a distributor in my area!!! They could use me! I hope you can find a local source, but if you need to, order online from MJF. You will not regret it!
Tomorrow, when I am not tired, I will post the Biscotti recipe for you. Had a glass of wine tonight, and feel like I want to curl up and rest! :)
jpbluesky |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Sep 11 2005 4:10:29 PM |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2005 : 4:34:39 PM
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jpbluesky...I would really appreciate the biscotti recipe. Thank you so much!!!
Aunt Jenny...I had my eye on the garlic pesto fry bread so maybe I'll order that and the biscuits to put in a gift basket.
bayoubunch...I've always wanted to make little mixes in jars like you describe but I've never known what to put in it. I mean is there a certain recipe that you have to use since it will sit for a little while or can you just use any favorite recipe and tie the directions for adding the wet ingredients?
Thank you all so much!!! I'm getting such wonderful ideas, I knew you guys would be the right ones to ask!!!! |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2005 : 6:49:28 PM
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I have a book of recipes for jar mixes...it is called "jazzy Jars" I think..and I have a recipe called turbo brownies for the best brownie recipe for a quart jar. A co-worker gave it to my husband a couple years ago at christmastime and I got the recipe from her..it is so easy and always good.
Also, have you tried baking cakes in jars? I have done some in pint wide mouth jars that were so good..applesauce cake and nut bread...let me know if you want any of those recipes ..I could round them up for ya..they are fun. YOu bake the cake in a jar and then seal it and waterbath and it lasts a long time.
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things |
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Whimsy_girl
True Blue Farmgirl
576 Posts
USA
576 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2005 : 11:34:22 PM
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I for one would love some of those recipes!!!
you can be oh so smart, or you can be oh so positive. I wasted a lot of time being smart I prefer being positive. |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Sep 12 2005 : 10:04:10 AM
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| Ohhh Jenny, those sound soooo good. I would especially like to have the brownie recipe. I've never heard of baking a cake in the jar before. I've heard of doing it in a terra cotta pot but you would have to eat right away like any other cake. That would be interesting...I'll have to try that one too!!! Thanks!! |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Sep 12 2005 : 10:58:51 PM
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Okay...here is the Brownie mix in a jar recipe..I will search out and post the cake baked in a jar recipes tomorrow..I am pooped tonight!
Turbo Brownie mix
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 C. all purpse flour
1/3 c. cocoa powder (clean inside jar with paper towel after this layer)
1/2 c. all purpose flour
2/3 c. brown sugar
2/3 c. sugar
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Layer the ingredients in the order given into a wide mouth 1 quart canning jar. Pack each layer in place before adding the next ingredient.
attach a gift tag with the mixing and baking directions:
Turbo brownies
1 jar turbo brownie mix
2/3 C. vegetable oil
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla
walnuts or pecans, optional
Preheat the oven to 350. In a large bowl, mix the oil, eggs and vanilla. Add the jar of brownie mix and stir until the mixture is well blended. Add nuts if desired. Spread batterin a lightly greased or sprayed 8x8" pan. Bake for 30 min. Cool in pan. Cut into 2" squares.
Decorate jar top with a fabric circle and tied with raffia or jute twine.
these are really really good brownies!!
I hope you gals like them!!
What I do is line up a bunch of jars and then do the layers in each jar like an assembly line and then make up a bunch of fabric jar toppers and tags..viola!!! instant gifts!!
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2005 : 05:11:24 AM
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As promised, here is MaryJane's Biscotti Recipe:
1 pound MJF Scones Mix (3 cups)
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 T. grated orange zest
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place parchment paper on a 18x13x1 inch baking sheet. Blend scones mix, orange juice and zest to form a soft dough.
Turn the dough into a slightly floured surface. Shape into a 1/2 inch thick rectangle and place on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from baking sheet and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
Using a serrated knife, cut into 1/2 inch slices. Arrange on a baking sheet and cook biscotti slices for an additional 8 minutes on each side.
Remove from baking sheet and let cool on a wire rack. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
Yield: about 20 biscotti.
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The Pinup Cowgirl
Farmgirl in Training
36 Posts
Holly
Tacoma
WA
USA
36 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2005 : 10:35:42 AM
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Hello Ladies!!
I'm getting some really great ideas off of here for this year!! I'm trying to make all of my Christmas presents, and I really liked the idea for making notecards with pictures that I've taken. I'm taking beginning photography this fall for my art credit, which I am very excited about, and would be a prefect way to get prints with my 35mm!!
One of my favorite present to give is really simply, but always makes a thoughtful gift. I always save my old calendars that I get. Most of them are from my favorite artists, like Maxfield Parish, Jack Vetrianno, or one was the most famous pin-up artist from the 40's (which spurred my name- I love the 40's era!!) Then I find a print that applies to a person, and the pictures are usually perfect 8 by 10 size for framing. Target always has good cheap frames, but of course craft stores or flea markets would have fun ones too. It's a great way to re-use my favorite pictures and spread art!!! I gave two to my sister from the pin-up artist. I had noticed she loved a day calendar that I had from him, so I framed one of a fire-girl, since she wants to be a firefighter, and she thought is was the greatest gift. Plus, the style fit in perfectly with her and her boyfriend's decor in the bedroom. He actually really liked them too, so it worked out wonderfully!!
"We can do no great things; only small things with great love."
-Mother Teresa |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2005 : 06:52:23 AM
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| I don't know why I just now saw the recipes on this thread for the brownies and biscotti. Thank you Aunt Jenny and jpbluesky, those recipes will be used for sure in gift baskets!!!! |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2005 : 9:28:40 PM
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I usually make most of my Christmas presents and believe it or not I actually start early! Here are a few ideas: I make notecards out of old family photos (copies of course) and put them in a set to give to my aunts and my children. Sometimes I have a funny saying on them. They love seeing the old photos.
I made "cookbooks" out of the recipes I made for my 3 children. They are all grown now but they loved having recipes they liked as kids. You can photo copy them or type up new ones and put them in a notebook of some kind.
I bought white pillow cases this year and wrote in pencil on the ends "Naughty" and "Nice" Then I embroidered a simple backstitch. They look great!
My husband bakes the best biscotti in the world. We bake lots of cookies from scratch (like my Italian lemon frosted cookies - old family recipe) and give them as gifts.
Stu also makes tons of his fabulous Pickled Cucumber and Onion salad from our garden cukes, put it in Mason jars and give that away.
I always give my grandkids (and usually their parents) reading material. I buy books on half.com that I know they'll appreciate really inexpensively. Last year I found 3 Sopranos books and a tape for my son Patrick, who is a Sopranos fan. He loved it and it didn't cost much.
I also knit a lot of scarves and hats.
In the past I have also given "coupons" for redeemable for baby sitting, a hot meal, a back rub, etc.
That's all I can think of right now. I hope it helps! HO HO HO!
Hugs,
Patricia
Happy Wishes! |
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tiffany01
True Blue Farmgirl
134 Posts
Tiffany
Indiana
USA
134 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2005 : 10:35:14 AM
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| What great ideas! I am definately going to put some of them to use! This isn't a gift idea but was a great holiday de-stresser I read in O magazine last year. I planned a "get ready day". I set aside a day early in November and stocked up on wrapping supplies, baking supplies, shipping boxes, birthday cards (I have eight between November and December), stamps, cold and flu meds, my favorite tea, Christmas cards, anything that would keep me from running to the grocery/craft/drug store unless I absolutely had to. My favorite part ended up being having all the birthday cards on hand! Of course if you can plan your "get ready day" with a friend, all the more fun. |
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The Farmers Daughter
Farmgirl in Training
46 Posts
Sherry
LeRoy
Kansas
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2005 : 11:30:57 AM
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I love this thread! One of the gifts that I like to give is this..I take an old basket, line it with a piece of homespun (I like mine ripped and raggedy looking!). I then add a couple of coffee cups from Wal-Mart (You know, the kind that cost a dollar each...Although these could be bought at a yard sale/thrift store) and different kinds of Biscotti that I have made. I wrap the Biscotti in clear plastic wrap and have little stickers on the outside telling what kind it is. Everyone I have given this just loves it. Right now I'm trying my hand at soap making (Have two batches done...Won't know until it cures how good it really is!) and if it turns out, I'll be using this for gifts too. Once again it will be going into baskets with "bath things" that don't cost a lot. Oh, be sure and buy your baskets at thrift stores or yard sales! Sher
Sher, The Farmer's Daughter |
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thehouseminder
True Blue Farmgirl
361 Posts
USA
361 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2005 : 5:45:35 PM
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Oooh, I love this thread. Lots of great ideas.
I agree, Aunt Jenny, teenage boys have to be the most difficult to buy for. The problem for me is, you never know if they'll remember to use a gift card or if they will just let it go to waste. Then there are the "music" CD's (and the use the word music loosely) which they would like to have but I won't buy because I can't stand the lyrics.
Here's what my 13 and 18 year old nephews are getting from me this year. Shopko had gym bags in the clearance aisle for $3 each last week so I got one for each of them in their favorite color. Since the school year started 2 months ago, everyone seems to have gymbags and knapsacks at rockbottom prices. Then I snapped up shampoos, razors, anti-perspirant, etc and one grey bath towel each (this way, they won't show the dirt 'cause you know how often most boys actually empty their gym bags and was stuff ) I put it all in the bag and put a bow on it. Voila!
Last year the older one got an "Emergency Kit" for his pickup, made up of a blanket, disposable hand warmer packets, cat litter (for traction), a coffee can and some candles, as well as waterproof matches, so that he can light the candle inside the coffee can to heat it up and melt snow behind a stuck tire, and some edibles like granola bars, crackers, and tuna. I also included one of those "flashlights on elastic bands" which go on your head 'cause there is nothing worse that trying to hold a flashlight in the mouth while using both hands to check things out under the hood. I got the flashlight on sale too .
Lucinda
Who loves a garden still his Eden keeps, Perennial pleasures plants, and wholesome harvest reaps. ---Bronson Alcott
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Holidays: Christmas Gifts |
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Christmas Gifts
