Category: Simple Gifts

Food Gifts

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I remember once reading an article about a young woman who baked a mini birthday cake for each of her friends and family members on their birthdays.  I wanted to be that person, baking little tiny cakes and helping people celebrate their special day with a surprise treat.

Well, that never happened, but that doesn’t change how much I love food gifts!  As a gifter, they’re a great, low-pressure choice, and as a recipient, I love that they are, quite literally, consumable and don’t add to any clutter.

I have a soft spot for homemade food gifts, for environmental reasons and that added personal touch, but I’ve also been the happy recipient and proud sender of store-bought items as well.  There are zillions of ideas on food gifts anywhere you look, but here are just a handful that have worked well for me:

-Cocoa Mix

-Granola

-Chocolate Chip Cookies or Oatmeal Choc. Chip Cookies

-Brownies

-Homemade Vanilla Extract

-Homemade Oreos

-Mochi Muffins

-Bread (homemade or from a local bakery)

-Local delivery (It’s sometimes easier than I realize to set up a local delivery from long-distance.  I once came home to a cooler of local mini cheesecakes on our doorstep for my birthday, sent from my sister’s family a state away.)

-Food baskets!  (My personal favorite.  I love a collection of fun, snacky foods, whether homemade or local treats or store-bought favorites.  There’s something about seeing them all together, collected by someone who knows what you like that is truly special.)

-A collection of favorite snack foods  (Somewhat redundant, I know, but food collections are so rad I had to give them two entries.)  (After giving birth to my first baby, my sister sent me a whole package of baby-sized/mini-sized snack foods.  I still remember how wonderful they all tasted (New mamas are HUNGRY!).  So, I definitely don’t discount the awesomeness of well-chosen store-bought foods, especially favorites or unique items)

 

Sometimes the toughest part for me is figuring out how to package items, since I am an environmental over-thinker.  If I’m mailing a food item and sending it Priority where the weight doesn’t matter, I love reusing cleaned-out glass jars for items.  But a well-cleaned plastic container could definitely work too.  In fact, I try to keep a stash of empty jars and containers on hand for just such an occasion.

If I’m sending cookies or granola in the mail, I like to make them ahead of time and freeze for a few days to give them a bit more time, just in case.  (It’s always good to have cookies in the freezer anyway for last-minute food gifts or for rainy days.)  And then, of course, there are definitely items that won’t send well in the mail but that are great for local deliveries or gift giving.

Food gifts shine for pretty much any occasion–birthdays, new babies, break-ups, illness, graduations, anniversaries, loss, apologies, and my favorite–just because.

 

Oreos – Homemade

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Cookie Recipe

Filling Recipe
1 stick (8Tbs) butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 + 1/8 tsp vanilla extract

Combine with beater.

 

There is a definite Wow! factor when making your own Oreos.  It’s a great way to impress people at parties, and it can be a unique food gift.  But, these are also something you’re going to want to have extras of to enjoy for yourself.

Store-bought Oreos contain high fructose corn syrup and GMO canola oil, among other unhealthy and unnatural ingredients.  Besides that, there’s the plastic packaging that comes along with store-bought products.  So, I started making my own several years ago, and I’ve never looked back.  As usual, the homemade version is FAR superior in taste and quality.  You’ve got control over the ingredients, if you’d like to go organic, etc.  And they are more of a special treat, so there’s less likelihood of binge eating.

I’m gonna be totally upfront here and say that these do take some effort.  Not the dough or filling, but cutting out the cookies and assembling them.  And the buttery dishes…  But, if you’ve got a good podcast going or a good friend with you, and you know what you’re getting into, it’s really not that bad.  And the results are truly worth it.

I forget the reason, but, years ago, I used a different recipe for the middle of the cookies.  I’ve modified it since then, and I can’t seem to find the original source.  The filling recipe on the cookie link above looks similar enough though.  I used to buy non-hydogenated vegetable shortening just for these, but I found it went to waste, since I don’t make these that often.  I think using all butter works just fine.

A couple more tips:

-I don’t think the link above suggests this, but after flattening each cookie, I use a small circle cookie cutter.  I like to do mini cookies and regular-sized ones.  Just make sure you have an even amount of each.  Or not…  They’re super yummy to eat on their own.

-I don’t pipe the frosting.  I just smear it on with a knife and squish between two cookies.

-These freeze really well, so as much of a pain as it might be to make more of the cookies, I find it’s worth doubling the recipe sometimes and freezing them.

These make a unique food gift, and they’re great for a sweet tooth craving.  Hope you enjoy!

Video Gifts

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Update:  There are so many wonderful services that do all this for you now!!   This post (below) feels outdated, because given the choice I feel it’s definitely worth it to use a service to do this!

Get Montage
This one is brand-new to me, and I am in love with it.  It lets participants add their own pre-recorded videos or use their site to film.  It stitches all the videos together with light music and even offers a reaction video.  The site sends all participants a copy of the final video.  Having made these on my own for years, I’m just beyond grateful for this option!

KudoBoard
While the GetMontage above is focused more on videos, I like that KudoBoard offers itself more to a combination of videos, old photos, and even visual “cards” and typed messages.  I’ve been a participant and organizer for a few KudoBoards, but I’m sure there are still features I have yet to explore.

 

I’m positive there are other great, similar sites out there, but those are the two I’ve come across.  Here are the steps I used to take to create these “from scratch.”  While I probably won’t do many this way anymore, it might be a good option if you have a specific vision or you want more control over editing other people’s videos or the background music choices.

I love making videos for people!  The idea is simple– I reach out to friends and family asking for a short video message for the recipient.  I compile the videos.  I send it!

The process doesn’t always feel as simple…but it’s always worth it.  I’ve done this for friends and family when it’s a birthday, a graduation, a wedding, and, a couple of times, for people who were very sick.  It’s a way to show someone you love how much they’re loved.  And, it’s something they can watch again and again.

This digital world has made it easy for us to gather messages from friends and family, no matter where they are.  And this year, especially, the video projects have been a great way to “be there” for people when we couldn’t actually be present.

–I start by sending out an email or texts to friends and family asking them to record a short message.  I explain who it’s for, who I am (if some of the people may not know me), and what occasion it’s for.  I like to let people put their own spin on the message, but sometimes a bit of guidance helps.  Letting people know it doesn’t have to be long or fancy.  Letting them know it can be silly or creative, if that applies to the celebration.  And, then the important part–setting a deadline.  It feels weird creating a deadline when I know I’ll usually be compiling these at the last minute anyway, but many of these projects would be impossible if every video came rolling in at the end.  And, people tend to need reminders…

–Send a gentle reminder as the deadline is approaching.  Remind the people who haven’t turned a video in yet, how much it will mean to the recipient to see them.  Also, remind them their video can be as simple as a selfie wave and “Happy birthday!” or whatever the occasion is.

–Start compiling the videos on iMovie, or whatever program you have, as they come in.

–Don’t forget to acknowledge and thank each participant as you receive the videos!!

–Leave time for technology to be difficult.  It happens every time, without fail.  It seems so straightforward, and then technology gives me the runaround-argh.

–I load the completed video onto Dropbox so I can share the link, since the finished videos are usually too long for any message.  Perhaps Google Drive works for these too?  And others, I’m sure.

–Remember to send the video on the special occasion!

–I like to reach out and thank all those that have participated one more time and let them know how much the recipient enjoyed the video.

 

I mentioned some of the occasions I’ve done this for, but the possibilities are endless:

-Birthday (especially milestones, but doesn’t have to be..)

-Anniversary

-New baby

-Engagement or wedding

-Graduation

-Retirement

-Holiday (This one has become especially timely this year.  If someone is forced to spend a holiday alone, holiday messages or songs could be a wonderful way to cheer someone.)

-Mother’s Day or Father’s Day from the kids

-Congratulations for an accomplishment

-Someone who could use cheering up (You can ask for jokes or silly/unique videos.  Or just messages of love)

-Someone who is hurt or sick (Again, especially in this time when those who are sick aren’t always able to see visitors.)

-Someone who deserves extra appreciation (Videos of gratitude are so wonderful to collect and send!)

 

Other ideas:

–You can also do solo videos, obviously.  While there’s definitely something special about a heartfelt handwritten message or a phone call, a video can be a nice way for your friend or family member to “see” you, and it allows you to have a chance to speak from your heart and say what you’d like to say.  This works great for those times or occasions when you might like the idea of a video message, but might not be up for making a whole video collection.

–The videos don’t have to be messages, necessarily.  You could ask people to tell jokes or stories, perform songs or dances, read poetry or book passages, teach a skill, etc.

 

For someone who shies away from technology, I sure do appreciate what it can do.  Watching the messages people contribute for these projects warms my heart so much.  I love this memorable and free group gift.

 

You might also like:

Audio Books Gift

Gift Tags

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I love this very simple reuse idea!  Before you go to recycle food boxes, tissue boxes, toy boxes, or greeting cards, upcycle them into gift tags!

(Here’s the other video I made about Gift Tags.)

Making your own gift tags is…
-easy
-fun
-free!
-a great way to upcycle
-a great way to cut down on the packaging waste of store-bought gift tags

The idea is super simple…

-Use old greeting cards, cereal/cracker/packaging boxes, old calendars, wrapping paper–really anything with a blank back.  Use your imagination!

-Use a gift tag punch or large circle punch to cut out some tags.  No punchers?  No problem.  Borrow one, ask on Freecycle, or just trace and cut your own shapes!

-Punch a small hole at the top of your gift tag using a regular hole punch or sharp pencil.  Or just skip this and tape/glue the tag to string or gift.

-Add a small thread or thin string.

-You’re done!

Tips:

-A thick paper or thin card stock is usually best, but not necessary.

-Make a bunch at once and save for future gifts.

-Give as part of a eco-friendly gift wrap set to your eco-conscious friends.

-Reuse tags within your household.

-If they qualify, recycle scraps when punching tags and recycle tags when their time is done.

-Experiment with chalkboard paint on the blank side, so you can reuse the tag using a chalkboard pencil to write.  Or simply save the tags within your immediate family for use on future gifts.

 

Even though a small one or two inch piece of paperboard might not seem like a huge environmental difference, I love that this project is one of those gentle reminders that we can find ways to give our “trash” new life.  It also cuts down on the need to buy store-bought gift tags, which, while not super expensive, still has an environmental cost in its production and packaging.

Your actions can and WILL make a difference!

Pinterest page for ReduceReuseReimagine

 

 

Hot Cocoa

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There’s something about a rainy winter day that just begs for a cup of hot chocolate. I grew up with the store-bought hot chocolate packets, but in my quest of going homemade many years ago, I started making our hot cocoa mix and have never looked back.

Why homemade?

Hot cocoa mix is ridiculously simple to make. It’s also cheaper, healthier (I don’t even recognize some of the ingredients on store-bought packets), and way less wasteful in terms of packaging. I also love that once I make a batch of this, I put it in a large Mason jar and it lasts for such a long time; it’s rare that I suddenly run out. (And, an added bonus, I don’t have to support companies like Nestle.)

How?

There are a ton of recipes online. Some use powdered milk in them, so you can just add water. This mix might be really good if you’re on the move or on a camping trip. At home, I tend to like the recipes with just cocoa, sugar, and salt that can be mixed with cow milk or alternative milk. Someday, I’d love to do a taste test comparison, but so far I just stick with the first one I tried, which I found in Jennifer Reese’s book Make the Bread, Buy the Butter. I make a big batch and store it in a Mason jar with the “recipe” written on a label on top. Her recipe also suggests adding vanilla extract after everything has been mixed.

Gift Ideas

Homemade cocoa mix is a very simple gift, but also a very welcome one. Small Mason jars of cocoa mix would be great for neighbors or co-workers or even party favors. A larger jar could stand on its own as a gift, especially when decorated with ribbon or a nice label. Cocoa jars could be a fun addition to a homemade food basket. And, you could even make your own Hot Cocoa Basket and include jars of crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks or spice, measuring spoons, mugs, or anything else that might be a tasty complement to the cocoa. 

Hope you enjoy!