[Bionic]

The florentines sound lovely. They always look christmassy and are a real treat 

[sabrina]

This year I have made some jam and pickled onions but these are for New year gifts. What about giving a few packets of veg seeds done this in the past and always well received. I have also made home made chocs and made up in a  fruit basket with these added. woman who work would love home made mince pies etc. things like this often mean more than any expensive gift.

[FrostyM]

Wow, so many responses! Thanks everyone 

Today I put the blackberries in with a bottle of brandy. I had considered using vodka but I have some raspberry vodka made so decided to try something different. And don't worry I won't be giving it all away, I will need a sample for quality control 

I made some chutney at the end of the summer with bits and bobs I had in the garden. I have tasted it and I am pleased with it. I think a few jars of that would go down well but when I made it I used whatever jars I had lying around the place. Would it be okay to take it out of the jars and put it in new ones that I have bought. Sterilising them first of course.

I like the idea of checking around some local markets. I could find some nice things I couldn't make or I might get some ideas of things I can do myself. My Mam currently has the Christmas cake/cupcake/mince pie/cookie market cornered in our family and I dare not compete with her. 

Also werther's original vodka is a must try, I will have to try plenty of it myself first of course  I remember going to a party in college once or twice where a brightly coloured bottle of spirits was handed to me. Being a broke student I wasn't turning down free drink so I swigged away. It was a bottle of skittle vodka made in the same way as your werther's vodka. It dissolved the coulouring from the skittles but not the centre. So you were left with anaemic looking skittles in the bottle when you were finished. The life of a student haha 

Anyway thanks for all the ideas. Lots to think about 

[in the hills]

I don't think it would be a good idea to transfer the chutney even to a sterilized jar as it will come into contact with bacteria and won't keep.


Could you cut some circles of fabric, pretty wrapping paper or even brown recycled parcel wrap, pop these over the lids and secure with wool, string or ribbon? Make labels for the jars too. They will look more attractive than new jars and better to re-use.


 You can buy covers and labels but fun and more personal to make your own.

[Bionic]

I agree with ITH, I wouldn't risk transferring the chutney either. Much better to 'pretty up' the jars that it's already in.

[FrostyM]

Thanks for that advice about the chutney. Prettying up the jars it is 

[smithycraft]

I made some salted caramels to add to hampers last year with my own goat cream and butter, then wrapped them individually in greaseproof paper.   They were simple to make and tasted wonderful.

Recipe here:

http://www.thepinkwhisk.co.uk/2012/12/day-3-salted-caramels.html

[goosepimple]

.....and just a thought, if anyone is making mince pies this year, a friend of mine makes them with shortbread biscuit mixture instead of pastry, they taste super yum but make them small as they're rich.

[Greenerlife]

Oooh I love that idea Goosepimple!  And whilst you have reminded me - I also make mince pie vodka which was a great treat last year!  Just put some mincemeat in vodka and wait a couple of weeks then strain, then drink!   

[Lesley Silvester]

My mouth is watering.

[goosepimple]

not much chance of us remaining slim and sober is there    was there ever anyway 

[lauren85]

A few years ago as a christmas gift, I made painted pillowcases using RIT dye and paint brushes. I thought the kids would like them for sleepovers and my nieces are still using them almost six years later.

Some other ideas:
Terrariums made from Mason jars filled with moss and ivy.

Hand-knit mittens and scarves.

Potato print T shirts are easy and really fun, or tie-dye t-shirts. My sisters and I made them for all of the kids in our family:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97...m/DSCI0025.jpg

I'll be watching this thread for more ideas!

[Greenerlife]

Good, timely bump lauren85!


I am going to have a go at these


http://ewespecial.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/dryer-balls.html


seeing as. I have a ton of spare fleece...

[kelly58]

Loving this post  will be keeping an eye on it !

[Backinwellies]

Good, timely bump lauren85!


I am going to have a go at these


http://ewespecial.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/dryer-balls.html


seeing as. I have a ton of spare fleece...

Love this idea


Keep the ideas coming