Credit crunch : Ideas for family presents anyone

**jenig12** · 15-10-2008 03:21 PM

Hiya

Just thought as most of us seem to be getting poorer I would start this thread for ideas.

What am I up to, well i have started a pile of lidded jars for the kids to fill for their gifts to granny etc (don't know what to fill them with yet though?) As a jewellery designer I can't give any more away as it seems a bit cheapskate and my family have most of my range anyway but I thought of drilling the tops of the lids of the jars and making a bead design so that they don't just look like an empty pot of jam!!

I am also going to make my own cards, not really a card maker but we are all about to go on a leaf hunt in a mo as i thought these would make pretty reminders of the lovely weather in the cold December.

What are the rest of you up to?

Also if the moderators will allow can we use this thread for anyone that offers craft discounts to forum members for Christmas? I have just bought a shower cap from dillydaydream that I found here and I am just delighted with her designs - i know she offers us discount as she gave me some!

I will offer discount too but won't add my business details unless the idea for this is approved.

**BlueShedCrafts** · 15-10-2008 03:38 PM

for a thread. I haven't given Christmas Gifts a first or second thought yet and so I thank-you for getting my thought processes started. I'll let you know what I come up with.

Rachael

**Poppy4lee** · 15-10-2008 03:51 PM

We've agreed (my family & my OH's family) not to give gifts this year. On my family's side, we're going out for a meal, early next year, instead. We decided that a family get-together in January, or February would be something to look forward to. We'll choose a nice restaurant & really put the boat out and, as we're sharing the cost, it will work out loads cheaper than presents. I'll still buy gifts for my niece and nephew but at least I won't have to worry about getting presents for 7 adults

. For my friends, I was thinking of making biscuits, or, chocolate truffles, they are really easy, really yummy and look wonderful in a pretty box, or, even a cello bag with a nice riboon tied 'round it.

**Aviya Glass** · 15-10-2008 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by Poppy4lee

chocolate truffles, they are really easy, really yummy

Could I be so bold as to ask for a recipe?? Pleez

**Poppy4lee** · 15-10-2008 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by Aviya Glass

Could I be so bold as to ask for a recipe?? Pleez

I'll pm you tomorrow, if that's OK, I've just realised that I've spent hours on the computer (on the forum & twitter) and still have a pile of pots to wash etc. etc.

. I should warn you that there's one problem with the truffles ...when you've made them, you have to keep tasting them, just to make sure they're OK

**Caroleecrafts** · 15-10-2008 04:33 PM

I always make for the female side of the family, cousin a winnie the pooh cross stitch now framed, sister a cockerel cross stitch again will be framed. Cards all made and some of the gifts are ready to be collected from rele's from distant parts already.

Men are a problem and will have to spend out for them but like you keeping cost to a minimum. Elderly relatives never seem to want much but home made choccy's always go down a treat, cordials and fudge etc.

I think it is fun and more caring to make and give as shows you care, it is easy to go to a shop and buy but making you are giving your time.

**ladyrat** · 15-10-2008 06:42 PM

Other than giving handmade jewellery to people I am ....

-Making my sister a Zoidberg from Futurama tote bag
-Putting together scrapbook kits
-decoupaging and laceing (lasaying)christmas cards like no tomorrow
-plus stuff in jars!

**goldy1** · 15-10-2008 08:13 PM

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/indexpage.htm

**Poppy4lee** · 16-10-2008 12:18 PM

Chocolate Truffles
8oz plain chocolate (with a high cocoa content)
3oz butter
2oz icing sugar
cocoa powder
brandy/rum/whiskey - about 3 tbls - more if you like!!

Break up & melt the chocolate in a bowl over gently simmering water.
Take the bowl off the pan.
Add the butter & stir until melted.
Add your chosen spirit to the icing sugar, stir, then add to the chocolate mixture.
Leave the mixture until firm (I pop it in the fridge).
Now the messy part - form the mixture into balls, I usually put cocoa powder on my hands at this point.
When you've formed all the truffles, lightly dust them with cocoa powder and leave them to set (after tasting one, of course, just to make sure it's OK

)

**jenig12** · 17-10-2008 08:03 AM

Thanks for the truffles recipe, my old one had fresh cream so this one is a much better idea for my jars but probably not for my waistline.

If anyone wants an easy Christmas cake recipe let me know - I have a great one that always turns out moist and although fruit packed not as dark. Any i have made for friends weddings all disappear in tums instead of the bin xx