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Ideas for making presents for birthdays, Christmas, etcLottieEvergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 17 Mar 2006 03:06 pm Post subject: Ideas for making presents for birthdays, Christmas, etc -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I used to make all my presents for everyone when my children were small and money was tight. I would still like to do the same, as I hate the commercialism especially for Christmas. I can't do wine or beermaking OH is against that. And can't knit, but do have a sewing machine somewhere, and a studio/shed space I can do things. Presents for? Adult sons and daughters and in laws. Cookies go down well, and fudges. Grandchildren - ages this year Boy aged 10years Baby boy aged 1 year Girls - aged 5yr and 12 years (going on 25) Thought it might make an interesting thread and we could post ideas 'recipes' seperately so that we can easily find them. Who is going to start off then? _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top n Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 334 Posted: 17 Mar 2006 03:23 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wooden blocks for the baby. Off-cuts, sanded. Broom handles chopped up will make column shapes. Skip-scavenged wood would be fine. Hard wood will have fewer splinters, if chewed... Lloyd is probably the wood expert. Lloyd??? How girly are the girls? I was never a girly girl, so wouldn't have thanked anyone for pink anything. n Back to top Plocket Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 865 Location: The playroom! Posted: 17 Mar 2006 03:34 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the adults how about preserves: pickles of one sort or another, marmalade, stuff like that. For parents, home-made "vouchers" for babysitting, days out with the kids etc. are always appreciated. I'll think some more!!! _________________ A balanced diet is chocolate in both hands www.plocket.co.uk Back to top Plocket Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 865 Location: The playroom! Posted: 17 Mar 2006 03:36 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oh for the babies, I did a wonderful string of painted wooden cotton reels. You can buy baby friend paint these days, and I used the three primary colours. I also put on wooden rings which threaded over the cotton reel "beads". _________________ A balanced diet is chocolate in both hands www.plocket.co.uk Back to top Jesse Site Admin Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 2188 Location: West Sussex Posted: 17 Mar 2006 04:08 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I like the wooden reel idea for baby presents, shame I don't know any babies! A lot of our pressies at xmas for the grownups were preseves, I also gave some people homemade bacon and fresh eggs as a present (obviously not to be wrapped up and left under the tree for a week!) I made some beaded bookmarks, unfortunately didn't take any photos but here's something similar http://www.deadzoom.com/member/maryannwilkin/cranlmp-bookmk2.jpg, I didnt' bead all the way through the middle, just the two ends and the middle section was a leather/suede thong. Homemade biscuits, sweets, fudge etc packaged in homemade paper boxes. Soap, bath oils, bath salts. Homemade herb oils, vinegars salad dressings etc. You can go to town with the packaging to make it look pretty. For girls, if they're into dressing up, you could make skirts, handbags, hats, scarves etc. You can add sparkle to the clothes with sequins, beads and feathers etc. Old net curtaining makes for frilly multi-layered skirts. Back to top Becki Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 1106 Location: Over here and not there. Posted: 17 Mar 2006 06:19 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We gave lots of earrings away this year! Covered notebooks too. _________________ www.thecardbee.com Back to top Plocket Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 865 Location: The playroom! Posted: 17 Mar 2006 06:49 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the girls, could you put together kits for making a bracelet or necklace? If you've got a lot of beads (with decent sized holes in for the younger girl) put a pack together along with cord, clasps etc. I love the idea of making dressing up stuff - I made dressing up skirts for LP from cheap coloured voile - all I did was fold it in half and stitch below the waist end so I could thread elastic in. I'm struggling a bit with the boys!!! _________________ A balanced diet is chocolate in both hands www.plocket.co.uk Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 17 Mar 2006 11:23 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They are great ideas - I love the cotton reels too - I wonder if you can buy just the reels - or could anyone save some for me please. I have made marmalades, but would love tried and tested other recipes for pickles and chutneys Dressing up clothes for the younger grand daughter would be good. A dressing up box with things in. I could start looking now. I could do with ideas for making the clothes. The 12 year old...........Last year I put together a proper scrapbook kit and some money (in disguise). She just looked at the scrapbook kit is a disinterested way - they get so much at Christmas. Then when I played with them and eldest grand daughter and explained about it, gave her suggestions, sat and helped her. She came alive, and had so many ideas - and they all joined in. My grandson will be a bit more difficult. He is football made and Karate mad, and has a birthday in December too. Perhaps start a scrap book of his achievements and some photos if his mum and dad have any of him playing etc. Perhaps make a bag for his football kit in West Ham colours or do they buy bags these days? Last year I bought wool, and some handles, and felt, needles and a pattern to make a bag - I was worried it would not go down well, but it was the first time my step daughter in law had ever shown real appreciation of a present and genuiney loved it - and sent me a photo when she had made it.. So something like an earring kit or something might be an idea. Keep the ideas coming - they will be useful for others too. They are really great - and I appreciate them very much. It has given me lots to think about and plan _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top GREENWIZARD Perennial Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 370 Location: SCOTLAND Posted: 18 Mar 2006 12:32 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- flavoured oils & vinegar alcoholic truffles & fudge .......adults only patchwork throw ~ for the girls collection of easy to grows seeds for the younger ones to grow their own garden basic homemade bird table with a selection of foods ~ something to occupy your footie mad grandson when the seasons over _________________ Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 18 Mar 2006 11:55 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nice ones green wizard - patchwork too hard for me. Now a bird box would be good - can you do woodwork Hanging feeders and food that would be different - he might like that. And dosh of course. Always money youngsters want! No clothes they plead - just money!! _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top Plocket Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 865 Location: The playroom! Posted: 18 Mar 2006 12:17 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I found the cotton reels in a junk shop!!! I'd had them for a while and then when I was pregnant decided to use them. I'm still thinking for you but the scrapbook ideas are lovely. _________________ A balanced diet is chocolate in both hands www.plocket.co.uk Back to top n Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 334 Posted: 18 Mar 2006 12:50 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If he's karate mad, forget home made and get him a mouth guard! You could look for kick pads on ebay, for him to spar with a non-karate adult. Something to hang his medals on (at that age they get medals a lot). Mittens in his teams colours.... I have a pattern (well I would, wouldn't I?) for fleece ones, easy to do with a small zig zag. You can get fleece in zillions of colours from http://www.pointnorth.co.uk/ n Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 18 Mar 2006 09:48 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes please n - is it ok for an absolute beginner then? _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top n Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 334 Posted: 19 Mar 2006 09:27 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes, and if you do a pair now, well in advance of next Christmas, you'll get hooked and guess what? Your gift problem is solved. It will become the Year of the Mitten. You need fleece, (stop getting excited Kathy, calm down, we are talking about thermal fabric, not sheep), and possibly some ribbing if you want rib cuffs. Wait till I send the pattern. What I'll do is send it to you, it's easy to trace because mittens are simple shapes, and then if anyone else wants it, you can pass it along. I'll put it in the swaps thread too so people know it's available. You could either buy new fleece, or recycle old fleeces from charity shops.... KATHY, SIT DOWN!!!!! n Back to top Kathy Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 1008 Posted: 19 Mar 2006 01:21 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _________________ Take care Kathy Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 19 Mar 2006 02:55 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks N - sent you a pm _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top D Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 528 Location: North Yorkshire Posted: 19 Mar 2006 05:05 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.thriftyfun.com/Christmas_246.html CHECK THIS GIFT BASKET IDEA LOTTIE AND DO HAVE A GOOD LOOK ROUND THE WEBSITE ITSELF, IT IS VERY GOOD. dX _________________ my new blog is here...early days yet! http://www.manicfish.com/myblog.php?bbn=mrsnesbitt Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 19 Mar 2006 06:08 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for that D - just off for a nose _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top Aqui Moderator Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 316 Location: my desk, Londonish Posted: 28 Mar 2006 10:42 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last year I made some jam for everyone... Homegrown rhubarb and ginger and wild blackberry and homegrown apple. It all went down really well (my sister has put in another order for rhubarb and ginger). Also made some plum, which I've had orders for at work, but I've run out. I must remember to make pretty labels for them this year! Oh - can you make pear jam? I've got loads of squishy pears. I was going to make rhubarb chutney too (I have a lot of spare rhubarb!) but i ran out of time. Great ideas everyone - I shall be making more things this christmas. If I get my act together early enough I should get there in time! There are lots of little ones in my family now: girls aged 12, 6, 6 and 3, plus another one aged 12 who's severly handicapped and one boy aged 3. plus the baby. So I shall be stealing ideas for them (especially light things, as they need to be posted - they live too far away). I like what DP did on the other board - made jars filled with dry ingrediants for cookies, etc with instructions on what to add and how to make. Might have to get around to sorting that out (only it's a bit heavy to post!) really must make some soap by then. (off to read that section now)! _________________ The quiet power of growing things is truly magical Back to top Jesse Site Admin Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 2188 Location: West Sussex Posted: 28 Mar 2006 10:46 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I made pear jam last year, it was pear and cinnamon but quite runny, more like a compote. It's okay but I'm not that delighted with it, not sure I'll make it again. Back to top Cabbagepatch Perennial Joined: 02 Mar 2006 Posts: 478 Posted: 28 Mar 2006 11:05 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aqui wrote: I like what DP did on the other board - made jars filled with dry ingrediants for cookies, etc with instructions on what to add and how to make. Might have to get around to sorting that out (only it's a bit heavy to post!) Sounds a great idea...more info please. Back to top Aqui Moderator Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 316 Location: my desk, Londonish Posted: 28 Mar 2006 11:53 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CP - http://www.recipes4all.co.uk/index.php/topic,265.0.html Unfortunately the picture is gone, but hopefully it'll give you more of an idea. _________________ The quiet power of growing things is truly magical Back to top Becki Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 1106 Location: Over here and not there. Posted: 28 Mar 2006 11:53 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We did that for the kids at Holiday Bible club. Need quite big Jars. I'll see if I can dig a recipe out. _________________ www.thecardbee.com Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 28 Mar 2006 12:48 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oooo that would be lovely. When I went to USA for my BIG birthday a number of years ago - it was December so I bought lots of unusual Christmas presents and bought some jars back filled with ingredients. It reminded me of jars of sand from the Isle of Wight that I saw years ago. I meant to make some for presents but ended up giving all the jars away, so never kept any to copy _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top Becki Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 1106 Location: Over here and not there. Posted: 28 Mar 2006 12:58 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We made the coloured sand too, used baby food jars. _________________ www.thecardbee.com Back to top Haize Perennial Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 389 Posted: 25 Apr 2006 07:25 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Now what would be cool would be a double walled glass jar, so you could put the pretty different coloured sands (or use paprika and other colourful herbs) in the outer layer, and then maybe a something-infused oil in in the middle container? Actually, just infused oils can be pretty in the right bottle. Nice present for people who like to cook. We've done chilli oil before, worked perfectly. _________________ Status of our house: No heating, no bathroom, no kitchen. Washing machine, fridge, and boiler sitting around in boxes. No door on room with toilet! http://www.manicfish.com/myblog.php?bbn=haize Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 25 Apr 2006 07:55 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [quote="Aqui"]Last year I made some jam for everyone... Homegrown rhubarb and ginger and wild blackberry and homegrown apple. It all went down really well (my sister has put in another order for rhubarb and ginger). quote] Could I please have your tried and tested recipe for the rhubarb and ginger as my rhubarb crop is just ready to pick. I really would appreciate it. Thanks Aqui _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 25 Apr 2006 07:57 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I make garlic oil, and rosemary oil, and bay leaf oil, and I add pepper corns - and this year hope to make chillie oils if mine grow. I now have my little food drier so am really going to experiment. Lots of herb drying methinks - eh Greenlady? _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top Haize Perennial Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 389 Posted: 25 Apr 2006 10:34 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hehe, Lottie, I PMd Aqui a while ago asking for the rhubarb and ginger jam recipe! Has to be my favourite jam of all time... Do you think they'll ever make a TV show called "50 greatest jams of all time"? There's been plenty of other stupid shows along those lines A little set of a few types of oils, all in matching bottles, could be quite pretty. Maybe it could go in a mini wooden crate, or something. _________________ Status of our house: No heating, no bathroom, no kitchen. Washing machine, fridge, and boiler sitting around in boxes. No door on room with toilet! http://www.manicfish.com/myblog.php?bbn=haize Back to top mrutty Perennial Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 309 Posted: 25 Apr 2006 10:47 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Haize wrote: rhubarb and ginger jam recipe Same amount of sugar to fruit and leave overnight. add ginger to taste and boil until ready (God bless my Gran) _________________ I'm a sprout, I'm green and I make you fart! Back to top debbie Seedling Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 103 Location: Exmoor Posted: 26 Apr 2006 12:16 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- one of our favourites - I add some chopped stem ginger just before bottling too _________________ www.hiddenvalleypigs.co.uk The Exmoor home of rarebreed/traditional pigs. Back to top GREENWIZARD Perennial Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 370 Location: SCOTLAND Posted: 30 May 2006 09:19 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are 208 Days,21 Hours,33 Minutes, and 50 Seconds left until Christmas!! _________________ Back to top Becki Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 1106 Location: Over here and not there. Posted: 30 May 2006 10:55 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks _________________ www.thecardbee.com Back to top Haize Perennial Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 389 Posted: 30 May 2006 10:56 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There's rather less than that to my birthday _________________ Status of our house: No heating, no bathroom, no kitchen. Washing machine, fridge, and boiler sitting around in boxes. No door on room with toilet! http://www.manicfish.com/myblog.php?bbn=haize Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 30 May 2006 10:59 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Is it today? Tomorrow? _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 30 May 2006 11:04 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aqui wrote: Last year I made some jam for everyone... Homegrown rhubarb and ginger and wild blackberry and homegrown apple. It all went down really well (my sister has put in another order for rhubarb and ginger). Also made some plum, which I've had orders for at work, but I've run out. I must remember to make pretty labels for them this year! ! Just to let you know that I have made rhubarb and ginger jam - 7 jars and I have also made over the weekend orange and rhubarb jam x 7 jars. Just need to work out how to print pretty pictures onto labels. Do you have the rhubarb chutney recipe that you use? It is nice to have a tried and tested one. If not I will look something up the in the internet _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top Haize Perennial Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 389 Posted: 30 May 2006 11:35 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Less than three weeks, but I'm not feeling enthusiastic as we need to start moving house *on* my birthday, after we've hopefully got the boiler working That was very productive of you, Lottie! Be very careful with printing labels if you are using "MS Word", Lottie, as it sometimes decides to change the size of margins, and so on. Printing out a copy onto plain paper and comparing to the label sheet is a good idea. _________________ Status of our house: No heating, no bathroom, no kitchen. Washing machine, fridge, and boiler sitting around in boxes. No door on room with toilet! http://www.manicfish.com/myblog.php?bbn=haize Back to top Kathy Moderator Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 1008 Posted: 30 May 2006 12:01 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I print labels onto plain paper, cut them out and stick with prittstick or something similar. Lots cheaper than peel off labels and no fussing with borders etc. I've got a rhubarb chutney recipe that I'll be looking out later, I'll post in the right forum later. _________________ Take care Kathy Back to top Lottie Evergreen Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 740 Posted: 30 May 2006 12:09 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks to you both for that. _________________ I am at that purple age! Back to top |