What gifts have you started already?

[Stacy]

Hi. I will try when I make it. I haven't made one yet. Just got the idea. How do you post pics on here? I never did that before. I don't have a digital camera (hope to get one for CHristmas) Can I use a scanner, we have one of those.

It might be a few weeks before I get it done. CHeck back. THank you .

Stacy

[AnnaInOhio]

Hi Katie-

I allow them to cool in the pan first then gently loosen and then wrap in saran wrap or place them in freezer bags or you can just double wrap in aluminum foil. They freeze very well and stay good for months. Hope this helps, it's a good time of year for these vegetables and if you have a food processor it takes very little time.

[dinsky]

Hi Stacy! I totally forgot about all of the cooking/baking I do for Christmas. Many of the things that I bake and send can be mixed up and then frozen. Then about 2 weeks before Christmas I go on a baking spree - slicing homemade cookie dough or cutting cookies, etc. Some things I make while the frozen things cook and cool. Then I mail everything by FedEx so that it arrives fresh. I send coffees and/or teas with some. It makes a nice gift for those who have everything.
Another idea. My siblings and I try to only give gifts that can be enjoyed but leave no residue. We have given baked goods but we have also given donations to a variety of charity and research groups in the recipients honor.
Have fun!
dinsky

[katydid987]

Those are great ideas. I'm gonna bake ahead of time this year. What a great idea. I didn't know things would keep so well like that. I can't wait to try it.

I have no idea about the scanner. Have one, but I don't know how to use it. I just call the kids when I need to do something and they take care of it. Gotta love em!!!

Katie

[AnnaInOhio]

Hi again Katie-

I should mention that the freezer I'm using is a deep freezer, not the one attached to your refrigerator although it probably would work just as well?

[jeanie]

I cannot for the life of me find my "dammit doll pattern' and don't remember where I found it on here. do you??? I had planned on making some and now?????????/

[nagymom]

Harriette,

Would you be willing to post your "recipes" for soaps, buble baths, etc? I'd love to make some homemade stuff like this. My dd's and I enjoy giving as well as receiving home made items. Christmas is so commericalized and this puts a lot of joy back into the season for me.

Jayne

AKA

[Harriette]

Baking breads, cakes, etc., ahead is a good idea but DO NOT put in a frost free freezer for more than a week or two. Your deep freezer should be the type that you must manually defrost as a frost free freezer will pull the moisture out of any food you put in there. The frost free will cause "freezer burn" on meats, vegs, fruit, etc.

This concept is easily tested. If you have a frost free, make a tray of ice cubes, just leave there for one month and see how small they will get.

Don't let your good efforts go to waste.

[nagymom]

Here are a couple of ideas that are easy enough for kids to do:
Recipe File Box - This is a great activity for the whole family. Take an index card file box (3x5 or 4x6), and let the kids cut out small pictures of food from magazines. Cover the box, one side at a time with white glue, and glue pictures on. When box is completely covered (outside only), let dry thoroughly. When dry, mix 2 parts white glue to 1 part water, and brush this mixture over entire outer surface of box. Let dry. Include a package of
index card dividers marked for different food categories, a package of plain blank cards and about 25 of your favorite recipes to get their collection started.

ALSO

gift for the Teacher

Materials:

1 china cup (from yard sale) or pretty mug (from the dollar store)

Shredded ribbon in coordinating color

1 packet of bath salts

2 or 3 fancy tea bags

1 Hershey's Symphony chocolate bar

1 facial sponge

Optional: perfume and lotion samples

Clear cellophane gift wrap

Ribbon, tape, pinking shears, hole punch

Copy of the following poem:

Soak in the tub, have some tea.

Relax and enjoy the "Symphony".

Kids are tough, make no mistake;

you handled it well; You deserve a break!

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."

(Philippians 1:3)

Directions:

1. Fill clean teacup with shredded ribbon

2. Add bath salts, tea bags, and other items as desired

3. Wrap cup in cellophane and tie with ribbon

4. Cut poem out with pinking shears. Let your child sign and decorate

it. Punch hole in top and tie on package.


Jayne

[katydid987]

I hope it does, cause I don't have a seperate freezer. I'm gonna try anyway. We'll see what happens.

Thanks for the heads up.

Oh, I just found this site. You gotta check it out!!!! They give you the recipes for gifts in a jar and then they have the labels and tags to print out to give them a wonderful finished look.
www.holidayorganizer.com

See what you think.

Katie