Christmas Hampers

borntoshop

For the men, stick with hampers but put a masculine slant to it, say a small marine book for that one. A countryside quotes book for the outdor one.
Licqourice in one etc, makes it a good gift with an individual personal touch.
The grandad who watches TV what about a TV mag subscription. Or a remote control holder for armchair.
The poorly grandad, what about a family album with pictures of loved ones and a message from them as a joint present.

Brassic

Hi there,

I have decided since we are rather broke atm <cough> understatement </cough> that we're doing Christmas os way. Did it last year and it was ok, (made homemade soaps) but not great, would like to be more organised and produce something a bit more - well, nice to have.

I've decided to make up a basket for each family (Obviously kids will have to have proper presents, but I'm budgeting for that). It's going to be a nice one, hopefully with a handle which I expect I can find in one of the numerous pound shops near by. In it, I'm going to put :

• Some shredded tissue paper to line it.
• Some fir cones sprayed silver/gold
• A jar of hm jam (will be checking out this board for recipes).
• Some hm chocolates in christmas shapes
• A jar of spiced oil - again jar from pound shop, with peppers and spices (recipes?) added by me and done up with ribbon.
• Maybe some xmas shaped home baked cookies.

So, how does that sound? Anything you can think of that might go well in there?

Cheers!

Pink.

Hi brassic,

We have a great thread on Christmas Hampers that should help you, so I'll merge your thread with it as it it helps to keep all the suggestions together. As always posts are listed in date order, so you'll need to read from the beginning to see all the replies.

Pink

cupid_s

http://www.ebottles.co.uk
they do some really nice bottles and also some cheaper ones. unfortunately you have to buy them by the case. maybe if you know another moneysaver or two in your area who are planning the flavoured vodka/baileys idea then you could get a case or two between you?

mum2b

Hello ! I am doing a bit of baking for hampers - planning on making the following on Tues/Weds to give to people on 21st/22nd/23rd and they might live in their houses for a week or two I guess......
Truffles
Mince Pies
Fudge
Shortbread
Peppermint Creams
Your advice would be much appreciated - I *might* be able to do some on sat/sun 18th/19th if some keep for longer than others.
xx

BitterAndTwisted

mum2b wrote: »

Hello ! I am doing a bit of baking for hampers - planning on making the following on Tues/Weds to give to people on 21st/22nd/23rd and they might live in their houses for a week or two I guess......
Truffles If they're not made with fresh-cream centres they will keep for weeks
Mince Pies Airtight tin or container
Fudge Will keep for months
Shortbread Airtight tin or container
Peppermint Creams Will keep for months
Your advice would be much appreciated - I *might* be able to do some on sat/sun 18th/19th if some keep for longer than others.
xx

Why on earth do you think people will keep those luscious delicacies for a week or two? If they're that good they will be gone by Boxing Day.

JulieGeorgiana

I made a friend mince pies... and she was still eating them over 2 weeks later... and they were just wrapped in cellophane!

Apart from that I cannot help you, sorry

Penelope_Penguin

mum2b wrote: »

Hello ! I am doing a bit of baking for hampers - planning on making the following on Tues/Weds to give to people on 21st/22nd/23rd and they might live in their houses for a week or two I guess......
Truffles
Mince Pies
Fudge
Shortbread
Peppermint Creams
Your advice would be much appreciated - I *might* be able to do some on sat/sun 18th/19th if some keep for longer than others.
xx

Truffles will keep for a couple of weeks, unless they have cream in, when they need to be refrigerated.

Mince pies and shortbread will keep fresh for about a week, longer in a lock'n'lock box.

Fudge and peppermint creams will keep for weeks.

Everything needs to be kept in a cool dry room

Siren1

Hi

Am in the same boat as OP and plan to make the goodies they have mentioned, can anyone tell me how to make truffles without fresh cream, just so i can make soon and not worry about them going off?

Thanks

zippychick

I've merged this with the christmas hampers thread

Old style homemade sweets/toffees etc may also help