Creative Gift Giving

In times like these, you've got to be creative.  Don't stress over all those gifts to give to everyone this year...walk to your pantry (or wherever) and let the ideas start flowing.  What could you pull together or make to show someone how much they have meant to you this year?   Think about something you already know how to do well and share that with others. These are just suggestions:

• Make a gift basket.  Take a look at the gift baskets that were made this summer at our canning night.  Ideas include:  Game day basket, Decorative, Dinner and a Movie basket, Neighborly Basket, Breakfast basket.  Put those home canned goods to good use. 
• Homemade mix.  There are dozens of mixes you could make using ingredients you have already stocked in your pantry.  hot roll mixes, pancake mixes, cookie mixes, soup mixes, etc.  Something simple like this could be much needed and appreciated in our economic times.  Search these online for specifics. 
• Make it from scratch.  If you are good at bread making, share your talents.  These are always devoured quickly at my home and I'm sure yours too. Try making something new and ask an experienced friend to help you along.  Quick breads, pumpkin rolls, bread braids, candies, etc.
• Tried and True Recipes.  Type up or write out some of your favorite recipes and give that as a gift.  You can laminate them and bind them with a ring clip or just tie them with ribbon.   
• Service Coupons.  Create some homemade coupons for a meal, watching kids, learn how to, or whatever your talents lend themselves to. 
• Food Storage helpers.  Everyone needs a little boost to their food storage.  These could include canned goods, non perishables, cake mix, bottled water, recipes, everyday tips in using your food storage, pasta, etc. 
• Create a music cd.  Gather some of your favorite songs and "burn" it.  These could be themed or just your favorites. 
• Sew great.  Take some of those scraps or unused fabrics and put them to use.  A new apron, blanket, pillowcase, table runner, t-shirt applique,handbag, etc.