You’ve heard it time and time again from PF bloggers: a handmade card or gift is more thoughtful than a random gift bought at a store.
Sure, sounds great, right? Here’s where my question comes in….has anyone ever gotten a negative reaction from the recipient of a homemade gift?
I’m thinking of making food-gifts for my family and the BFs family for Christmas, and while I think it’d be cool…I’m kind of nervous that someone is going to think that I’m just trying to be cheap or to save money on “their gift”.
Is this silly of me? Is there any truth to it, or should I just get in the mentality of thinking ”too bad for you if you don’t appreciate my gift”?
That being said, I’m starting to look out for recipes for food gifts (its a bit early, I know). Anyone have recommendations on things they’ve made or received? So far I’m thinking chocolate truffles, as seen on SugarLaws.com, but I wouldn’t mind some variety.
August 20, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Oh man, I ALWAYS struggle with gifts. I usually spend way too much because I’m never quite sure how to express my love (haha, that sounds awful), and I spend a lot of money on myself so why not spend on others?
As far as homemade gifts, it really depends, you know? There are some people who are jerks and who will really care that they got you a necklace and you only got them cookies. If you’re at a party, you may feel uncomfortable if someone hands you a wrapped gift and you say, “Oh, that peppermint bark is your present!” On the other hand, peppermint bark is delicious and if presented well, I think a lot of people would love it as a gift.
As far as ideas for food-related gifts:
- Molded Chocolate done well can be perfect. Most craft stores carry molds and chocolate. If you practice, you can make multicolored candies or lollipops.
- Fancy hot chocolate. Buy high-quality chocolate powder, milk powder, and powdered sugar. You can then add crushed-up candy canes or something else to add flavor. Put into a fancy tin, and voila!
- This opera fudge from Martha.
Actually, the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of giving food as gifts! Imagine chocolates and cocoa and cookies and fudge all together in a basket with a cheery bow. No one could complain about that!
August 20, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Oh God, I wrote you a novel, I’m sorry!
August 20, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I like the idea of baking something for someone as a gift. Homemade gifts are iffy unless you are super talented. I think if something is handcrafted and rivals a storebought item, then go for it. Or if it is really unique and can’t be compared to anything go for it.
August 20, 2008 at 7:28 pm
It’s really tough to know how some people will react. My mom and mother-in-law would probably love a homemade gift, but my sister on the other hand would immediately make a comment about my frugality (but then again, she does it all year too, so it wouldn’t be a surprise).
Personally I would love to get homemade gifts like peppermint bark or candy. We don’t have any room in our apartment for anything else, so food is great!
August 20, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I agree, this is a tricky subject. I always struggle with this during the holidays!! I would like to think that my family knows I can’t afford tons of presents for them and that I love them enough to spend hours baking for them! But I always chicken out and go with regular presents.
Some ideas:
Peanut Brittle (I would DIE of joy if I got this as a present!!)
Frosted sugar cookies
Buckeyes (chocolate-covered peanut butter balls)
August 21, 2008 at 9:16 am
As long as the homemade gifts don’t look shoddy or rushed I find people really love them. I’ve never had a negative experience, usually it’s the opposite – “wow, you must have spent so much time on these, they look great” – just make sure you try to make them look as professional as possible.
As for ideas… I’ve been meaning to try these for a while (but just haven’t gotten around to it) I love choc. mint candy: http://www.recipezaar.com/4075
August 21, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Good tips. Thats why I wanted to get thinking on this now so that they don’t end up ugly or half-assed. My BF is going to be real happy….I’m going to have to practice a lot!
(Mmm…peanut brittle, peppermint bark, truffles, and biscotti…I’m getting hungry!)
August 21, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Oh, and as for the “homemade” gifts I was thinking of making…I had vintage-style aprons in mind for a few of the older girl cousins, and maybe some handbags for the little girls. (I gotta learn to sew first though, lol)
August 22, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I just read an article–somewhere like Bon Appetit? Gourmet?–that tells the story of some English toffee a man used to give as Christmas presents, and people *loved* it. The trick, according to the article is to never share your recipe (or people won’t value the food as much). There was a great recipe for cranberry-pistachio biscotti, which apparently looks very festive with red and green.
August 22, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Good point…I made the mistake of telling my boyfriend how I made my Kahlua Ice cream dessert, and now he has no appreciation for it!! lol. I’ll be sure to keep my recipes a secret from here on out! Hmm….cranberry pistachio sounds good, I’m looking it up as I type!
August 30, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Thoughtful.
Takes more work, love and effort to make something than it does to buy.
But if it’s a laptop
… Not so hot to give a piece of paper with the laptop ad on it LOL!