Frugal Christmas Presents.

[Rachel Barratt]

Any ideas for frugal Christmas presents? I can cook but am otherwise artistically challenged. Also what has been your best frugal present given or received? My best present, although not frugal, was my little girl who will be one on Christmas Eve.

[slowtypinwoman]

Being artisically inclined isn't cornered into fine arts. Can you sew? I would love to receive a nice set of pot holders or place mats. Baking is a wonderful treat for people who are just one or two and don't want to have a whole batch of something to eat. Heck, for that matter, everyone loves food. Do you have friends who are pet crazy? They love to get HM pet products. Look online for cat and dog treats, or just ask and I have one I'll dig up for you. You may want to think of each person and do a gift basket just for them. A few small store bought items mixed in with some HM items always looks nice. Good luck and don't stress over it. Congratulations on your little Christmas package BTW.

[sunshine]

http://www.theideadoor.com/PDF%20Fil...s_rushPoem.pdf
Candy bar "fudge" poem - as posted by Amy in this thread: candy bar gift poem

[sunshine]

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" Kits to make:


Individual Packet of apple cider, Small Ornament, Mini Nativity Scene,
Christmas Cookie Cutter, Christmasy Potpourri, Candle

Time-For-Tea Kit
Doily, Small Tea Cup, Pretty Teaspoon (the tiny decorative kind), Teabags,
Pretty Sugar Cubes, Packets of Sugar and Cream

"Going through a Hard Time" Kit
Teabag, Bubble Bath, Mini Kleenex, Prayer Card (CC size), Band-Aid, Candle (in
the rain), Mini Bible, Lotion, Hot cocoa or cider packet, Encouraging mini book,
Vitamins

"Sleep Tight" Kit
Earplugs, Eye Blinders, Mini Stuffed Animal, Mini bottle of Excedrin PM, Write
out: "When you can't sleep, don't count sheep; talk to the Shepherd" ~ roll up
and tie.

Happy GardeningKit
Seed Packets, Pretty Gardening Gloves, Mini Watering Can, Mini Terracotta Pot
(with plant in it), Hand Lotion, Gardener's Soap

Happy Hunting and/or Fishing Kit
Fishing lures or hooks, Snacks your Hunter/Fisherman likes, A book he/she
would like, Hand warmers (the kind you press or pop and it turns warm) (Just go
to a sporting store and look for small hunting & fishing stuff!)

Teen Gift Box
Hair Claws or Combs, Lip Gloss, Face Glitter, Fun Pencil, Fancy Notepad,
Lotion, Favorite Candy, Cute Frame, Fold-up Purse Brush, Bookmarker

Tiny Tot Gift Box
Specialty Band-Aids, Chalk, , Fancy shoelaces, Crayons, Stickers, Light-switch
plate, Scissors, Small toys, Specialty Band-Aids, Hair pretties (girl) or mini
vehicles (boy)

"Gotta Get Organized" Kit
Labels (different sizes), Scissors, Marker Pen, Paper Clips, 6-inch ruler,
Tape, Stamps, Mini Stapler, Gift Tags (hand-stamped), Thumbtacks. Post-a-notes

As posted by me in this thread: Christmas "kits" to make

[sunshine]

Lots of easy gift ideas-- mixes, etc.

Lots of easy gift ideas-- mixes, etc.

BIRTHDAY CAKES IN CUPS

Give a birthday cake mix in a cup. Include some birthday candles for the finished cake - recipient can sing and blow out the candles. This is an easy birthday gift to mail. maybe you can even find a cup with "Happy Birthday" written on it.


Company's Coming Cups

Coffee Break = Coffee Cake

Keep some cup cake mixes on hand for when company drops by. You can mix up and microwave a "cup coffee cake" during the same short time the coffee is brewing.


Banana Pudding Mix in a Cup


2 TBSP banana cream instant pudding mix (about 1/3 of a 4-serving pkg)

6 vanilla wafers, broken into 6 pieces each


1. Place both ingredients into a zipper sandwich bag.

2. Attach instructions below


BANANA PUDDING IN A CUP
1. Empty bag of mix into a coffee cup - use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that hold 1/12 cups liquid.

2. Add 1/2 cup milk. Stir very well.

3. Refrigerate 5 - 10 minutes.

4. Add half a banana, sliced. Stir well. 1 to 2 servings.


Honey Bun Coffee Cake Mix in a Cup

1/3 cup yellow or spice cake mix (Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury)


Topping Mix:

2 tsp brown sugar

1 tsp finely chopped pecans

1/4 tsp cinnamon


1. Place cake mix into a zipper sandwich bag.

2. Place topping mix ingredients into another bag.

Label this bag "TOPPING MIX".

3. Staple bags together.

4. Attach instructions as follows:


HONEY BUN COFFEE CAKE IN A CUP

1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup. (NO metallic decorations) Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 2 tsp oil, 1 TBSP water, and 1 egg white. Stir very well.

3. Sprinkle topping mix ingredients over batter.

4. Microwave 2 minutes. Let cool 1 minute in cup.

5. Remove cake from cup and cut in half lengthwise. Serve immediately.

1 - 2 servings.


Milky Way Cake Mix in a Cup

Melted Milky Way candies make frosting inside the cake!


1/3 cup any chocolate flavor cake mix (German chocolate, devil's food, Swiss Chocolate, plain chocolate)

4 Milky Way Miniatures candies (individual 1" squares)


1. Place cake mix into a zipper sandwich bag.

2. Place wrapped candies in another zipper bag.

Staple bags together.

3. Attach instructions below.


MILKY WAY CAKE IN A CUP

1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (No metallic decorations). Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 2 tsp oil, 1 TBSP water and 1 egg white. Stir VERY well.

3. Unwrap candies, cut them in half and stir them into the batter.

4. Microwave 2 minutes (place a folded paper towel under cup to catch any "flying candy"). Let cool 1 minute in cup.

5. Remove from cup and cut in half lengthwise. Serve immediately.

1 - 2 Servings



Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Cake Mix in a Cup

Make the recipe above, substituting 4 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures, broken into 4 pcs each. All instructions are the same!



IDEAS:



Comfort Cups:

cakes, crisps, and cobblers are comfort food in a cup!



Crafty Cups:

Good art class, scout or 4-H project. The cups, recipe cards and packaging can all be coordinated to ANY theme or color scheme. And the unusual thing is that they are also very unique if they are NOT decorated at all! Choose to embellish or not.



Cup Clue:

So many cups so little time!

It's true, you can make many, many cup mixes for gifts, fundraisers, your college kids, to have on hand for cup "emergencies"... al in VERY little time!!



Charity Cups for Cash

Cups and mixes are quick easy fundraisers. The caps can reflect the cause by color and theme or by using actual logo cups for the charity.


JELLO CAKE MIX IN A CUP

1/3 cup any flavor cake mix (Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury)

1 TBSP any flavor Jello

Glaze Mix:

2 TBSP Powdered sugar

1/2 tsp Jello



1. Place cake mix and Jello into a zipper sandwich bag.

2. Place glaze mix ingredients into another bag.

Label this bag "Glaze Mix"

3. Staple bags together

4. Attach instructions below:



JELLO CAKE IN A CUP

1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup. (NO metallic decorations) Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 2 tsp oil, 1 TBSP water and 1 egg white. Stir VERY well.

3. Microwave 2 minutes.

4. While cake is in microwave - add a very few drops of water to bag containing Glaze Mix. Squeeze bag to moisten glaze. Add water 2 drops at a time until it is a glaze consistency. Push all glaze into one corner of the bag. Snip off a tiny corner of the bag with scissors. (Use bag to squeeze glaze over cooked cake)

5. Let cake cool 1 minute in cup.

6. Remove cake from cup and cut in half lengthwise. Squeeze glaze over cake. serve immediately.

1 - 2 servings.


Peach cobbler Mix in a Cup

2 TBSP sugar

2 TBSP flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 (4 oz) can snack size peaches



1. Place all dry ingredients into a zipper sandwich bag.

2. If giving the mix inside a cup, put the can of peaches into the cup and the bag of dry ingredients on top of peach can. If not giving the mix in the cup, put the can of peaches into another zipper bag. Staple both bags together. Attach instructions below.



PEACH COBBLER IN A CUP

1. Place 1 TBSP butter or margarine into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations). Use standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Microwave 45 seconds to melt butter.

3. While that is microwaving, empty bag of dry ingredients into a small bowl. Add 2 TBSP milk - Stir well.

4. Pour batter over melted butter in cup.

5. Add can of peaches on top of batter.

6. Microwave 2 minutes. Stir well. 1 - 2 servings



MILKY WAY FUN FUDGE MIX IN A CUP

1/8 cup milk chocolate chips

1/8 cup sugar

6 Milky Way miniatures Candies (individual 1" square ones)

1/2 cup mini marshmallows (white or pastel)



1. Place chips and sugar into a zipper bag.

2. Place wrapped candies into another zipper bag.

3. Place mini marshmallows into another zipper bag.

Staple all three bags together.

4. Attach instructions below:



Milky Way Fun Fudge in a Cup

1. Empty chocolate chip bag into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations) use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Unwrap candies and place in a cup on top of chips.

3. Add 1 1/2 TBSP butter or margarine (cut into 2 pcs each - place on top of mixture in cup). Microwave 3 minutes.

4. Add mini marshmallows and stir quickly and thoroughly to melt marshmallows completely.

5. Let cup cool 5 minutes and then place in refrigerator for only 10 minutes for fudge to set. Run a plain table knife around fudge and empty it out onto a saucer. reshape it into a smooth circle if necessary. Cut into 1" pcs. makes 6 - 8 pieces.



REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS FUN FUDGE MIS RECIPE #1 IN A CUP

Make the milky way recipe above, substituting Reese's peanut butter cups miniatures for the Milky Way miniatures. The instructions stay the same.



Chocolate Fun Fudge Mix in a Cup

1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup sugar

1 TBSP finely chopped pecans or walnuts (Opt)

1/2 cup mini marshmallows (white or pastel)



1. Place first three ingredients into a zipper bag.

2. Place mini marshmallows into another zipper bag.

Staple bags together.

3. Attach instructions below.



CHOCOLATE FUN FUDGE IN A CUP

1. Empty chocolate chip bag into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations) Use a standard ceramic/potter coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 2 1/2 TBSP butter or margarine (cut into 2 pcs - place on top of mixture in cup). Microwave 3 minutes.

3. Add mini marshmallows and stir quickly and thoroughly to melt marshmallows completely.

4. Let cup cool 5 minutes and then place in refrigerator for only 10 minutes for fudge to set. Run a plain table knife around fudge and emtpy it onto a saucer. Reshape it into a smooth circle if necessary. Cut into 1" pcs.

Makes 6 - 8 pieces.



CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT FUN FUDGE MIX IN A CUP

Make "Chocolate Fudge" recipe above, adding 6 crushed hard peppermint disks candies to the marshmallow bag. Name the fudge mix "Chocolate Peppermint Fun Fudge in a Cup". The only change in the instructions is in #3 - it needs to say: "Add mini marshmallows and crushed peppermints ..."



CHRISTMAS CUPS:

Fudge is a perfect Christmas gift. Get a Christmas cup at the discount store - place it in the center of a red or green heavy plastic disposable plate. Surround the cup with 6 - 8 fudge mixes. Tie it all up with a colored cellophane and Christmas ribbons.



WHITE CHOCOLATE FUN FUDGE MIX IN A CUP

2 foil wrapped squares Baker's Premium White Chocolate (sold in a box of 6 squares in the aisle with chocolate chips)

1/4 sup sugar

1/2 cup mini marshmallows



1. Unwrap Bakers squares. Break each square in half along score lines, making 4 small pcs. Place these into a zipper bag with the sugar.

2. Place mini marshmallows into another zipper bag.

Staple bags together.

3. Attach instructions below:



WHITE CHOCOLATE FUN FUDGE IN A CUP
1. Empty sugar bag into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations). Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 1 1/2 TBSP butter or margarine (cut into 2 pcs - place on top of mixture in cup). Microwave 3 minutes.

3. Add mini marshmallows and stir quickly and thoroughly to melt marshmallows completely.

4. Let cup cool 5 minutes and then place in refrigerator for only 10 minutes for fudge to set. Run a plain table knife around fudge and empty it out onto a saucer. Reshape it into a smooth circle if necessary. Cut into 1" pcs.

Makes 6 - 8 pieces.

*source unknown*

WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT FUN FUDGE MIX

Make the "white chocolate fudge" recipe above, adding 6 crushed hard peppermint disks candies into the marshmallow bag. (Use red peppermints, green peppermints, or a combination of red and green peppermints.) Be sure to name the fudge mix "WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT FUN FUDGE IN A CUP". The only change in the instructions is in #3 - it needs to say: "Add mini marshmallows and crushed peppermints ..."



CUP CLUE:

A fool and his fudge are soon parted! Be sure to make many, many fudge mixes so you can have some too!


Cherry Cider Simmer in a Cup

1 tsp cherry gelatin (NOT sugar free)

1 tsp country time lemonade powder (NOT sugar free)

1/8 tsp cinnamon

OPT - tie on a cinnamon stick

1. Place all ingredients into a non zipper bag. Push mixture into one corner of bag and close with a small rubber band or twist tie. Tie a ribbon around the tie and attach instructions.



CHERRY SIMMER IN A CUP
1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations) use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Fill cup to within 1" of top with apple juice, apple cider, cranberry juice or cranberry juice blend. Stir very well.

3. Microwave 2 minutes. Stir well.

1 serving.




Ambrosia Pudding Mix in a Cup

2 TBSP banana cream instant pudding (about 1/3 of a 4 serving pkg)

4 vanilla wafers, broken into 6 pcs each

2 TBSP flaked coconut

2 tsp. very finely chopped pecans

1/4 tsp cherry gelatin

1/4 cup mini marshmallows

1 (4 oz) snack size pineapple tidbits


1. Place first 5 ingredients into a zipper sandwich bag.

2. Place mini marshmallows into another zipper bag.

3. Staple both bags together.

4. If giving the mix inside a cup, put the can of pineapple into the cup and the bag of dry ingredients on top of pineapple can. If not giving it in the cup, put the can of pineapple into another zipper sandwich bag and staple all bags together. 5. Attach instructions below.


AMBROSIA PUDDING IN A CUP

1. Empty can of pineapple into a plain coffee cup. (Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid)

2. Add bag mix (not marshmallows). Stir very well until all ingredients are evenly moistened.

3. Refrigerate 10 minutes.

4. Add marshmallows. Stir well. 1 - 2 servings.


Hot Raspberry Tea Mix in a Cup

1 TBSP sugar

2 tsp Country Time Lemonade powder (not sugar free)

1/2 tsp unsweetened instant tea

1/2 tsp raspberry gelatin (not sugar free)



1. Place all ingredients into a non zipper bag. Push mixture into one corner of bag and close with a twist tie or rubber band. Tie a ribbon around the tie and attach instructions below:



HOT RASPBERRY TEA IN A CUP

1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations) Use a standard potter/ceramic coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Fill cup to within 1" of the top with water. Stir very well.

3. Microwave 2 minutes. Stir well.

1 serving

Chai Tea Latte Mix in a Cup

2 TBSP vanilla flavor powdered coffee creamer

2 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp unsweetened instant tea

1/4 tsp ground allspice

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp ground cloves



1. Place all ingredients into a non zipper sandwich bag. Push mixture into one corner of bag and close with a small rubberband or a twist tie. Tie a ribbon around the tie and attach instructions below:



CHAI TEA LATTE IN A CUP

1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations) Use a standard potter/ceramic coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Fill cup to within 1" of the top with water. Stir very well.

3. Microwave 2 minutes. Stir well.

1 serving



Cinnamon Coffee Mix in a Cup

1 TBSP vanilla flavored powdered coffee creamer

2 tsp sugar

3/4 tsp instant coffee

1/4 tsp cinnamon



1. Place all ingredients into a non zipper bag. Push ingredients into one corner of bag and close with a small rubber band or twist tie. Tie a ribbon around the tie and attach the instructions below:


CINNAMON COFFEE IN A CUP

1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations) Use a standard potter/ceramic coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Fill cup to within 1" of the top with water. Stir very well.

3. Microwave 2 minutes. Stir well.

1 serving


Tortilla Soup Mix in a Cup

3 TBSP crushed tortilla chips, crushed with your hands

2 TBSP Uncle Ben's Instant Rice

1 TBSP vegetables and seasonings from Lipton Recipe Secrets vegetable flavor soup mix

1 tsp chicken bouillon granules

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp cumin

1/8 tsp sugar

1/8 tsp salt



1. Empty soup mix packet into a bowl and mix well so the vegetables and seasonings are evenly mixed. Then measure out 1 TBSP for this recipe. (Save remaining soup mix to make more tortilla soup mixes.

2. Place all ingredients into a non zipper bag. Push mixture into one corner of bag and close with a small rubberband or twist tie. Tie a ribbon around the tie and attach the instructions below.



TORTILLA SOUP IN A CUP

1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations) Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 1 cup water. Stir well.

3. Microwave 1 1/2 minutes.

4. Stir. Cover and let stand 3 minutes.

1 serving



CONGREGATION CUPS
Let some food mixes in cups be part of welcome baskets for new church members.



Potato Soup Mix in a Cup

1/3 cup Hungry Jack instant potato flakes

1/4 cup powdered coffee creamer

2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese, (green can)

1 tsp from a packet of chicken gravy mix

3/4 tsp dried parsley flakes

1/4 tsp salt free seasoning blend (Mrs Dash or Spike or similar brand)

1/8 tsp dried minced onion

1/8 tsp salt

shake of pepper



1. Place all ingredients into a non zipper bag. Push mixture into one corner of bag and close with a small rubberband or twist tie. Tie a ribbon around the tie and attach instructions below.



POTATO SOUP IN A CUP

TORTILLA SOUP IN A CUP

1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations) Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 1 scant cup water. Stir well.

3. Microwave 1 1/2 minutes.

4. Stir. Cover and let stand 3 minutes.

1 serving



CUP CLUE
Over the river and through the woods - taking cup mixes to your hostess sure would be good!~

1...it is a hostess gift

2...it is food.

3...it is a conversation starter



Vegetable Rice Soup Mix in a Cup

1 1/2 TBSP vegetables and seasonings from Lipton Recipe Secrets Vegie Flavor soup mix

3 TBSP Uncle Ben's Instant Rice

1 tsp chicken bouillon granules

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/8 tsp salt

1. Empty soup mix packet into a bowl and mix well so the vegetables and seasonings are evenly mixed. Then measure out 1 1/2 TBSP for this recipe. (Save remaining soup mix to make more tortilla soup mixes)

2. Place all ingredients into a non-zipper sandwich bag. Push mixture into one corner of bag and close with a small rubberband or twist tie. Tie a ribbon around the tie and attach instructions below.



VEGETABLE RICE SOUP IN A CUP

1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (no metallic decorations) Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holes 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 1 cup water. Stir well.

3. Microwave 1 1/2 minutes. Stir well.

4. Microwave 30 seconds more.

5. Stir. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. 1 Serving.



CHEER UP CUP
An ounce of ingredients equals a cup of cheer! Keep some cup mixes on hand for when someone needs cheering up.




*source unknown*

PASTA ALFREDO MIX IN A CUP

1/3 cup broken angel hair pasta

1/2 of a packet McCormick Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce Mix

(Half of a packet is a little over 2 TBSP)

1 tsp dried parsley flakes

1/4 tsp McCormick Garlic and Herb Seasoning

Shake of pepper



*Place some uncooked angel hair pasta into a bowl. Crush with your hand until it is broken into 1/2" - 3/4" little bits. Measure 1/3 cup of these bits of dried pasta.



1. Place all ingredients into a zipper sandwich bag.

2. Attach instructions below:



PASTA ALFREDO IN A CUP

1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations) Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 1 tsp butter or margarine and 1 cup water. Stir very well. Microwave 3 minutes.

3. remove from microwave with a hot pad. Cover with the empty mix bag. Let stand 10 minutes. 1 serving.



CUP CLUE:
Pasta Dinner in a Cup

Take a colorful heavy weight plastic disposable plate. Center a cup filled with Pasta Alfredo Mix on the plate. Place a pretty napkin under the cup. Add 2 purchased breadsticks wrapped in plastic wrap. Include a coordinating plastic spoon. Finish the dinner with a fancy wrapped little candy or cookie and a single serving bottle of wine or fancy water. Wrap the whole thing with cellophane and tie with curling ribbons.


DILL MASHED POTATOES MIX IN A CUP

1/3 cup Hungry Jack Instant mashed potatoes

1 tsp dry milk powder

3/4 tsp salt free seasoning (Spike, Mrs. Dash, McCormick Garlic/Herb)

1/2 tsp dried dill weed

1/2 tsp dried parsley

1/2 tsp sugar

1/8 tsp salt



1. Place ingredients into a zipper sandwich bag. Attach instructions below:


DILL MASHED POTATOES IN A CUP

1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations) Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 1 tsp butter or margarine and 1/2 cup water. Stir well.

3. Microwave 50 seconds. Stir very well.

4. Taste and add salt or a little more water if desired. 1 - 2 servings.




GARLIC MASHED POTATOES MIX IN A CUP

1/3 cup Hungry Jack instant mashed potatoes

1 tsp dry milk powder

3/4 tsp McCormick Garlic and Herb seasoning

1/2 tsp dried parsley

1/2 tsp sugar

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp salt



1. Place ingredients into a zipper sandwich bag. Attach instructions below:



GARLIC MASHED POTATOES IN A CUP
1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations) Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 1 tsp butter or margarine and 1/2 cup water. Stir Well.

3. Microwave 50 seconds. Stir very well.

4. Taste and add salt or a little more water if desired. 1 - 2 servings.




Butterfingers Pudding mix in a cup

2 TBSP butterscotch instant pudding mix (about 1/3 of a 4-serving pkg)

6 vanilla waters, broken into 6 pcs each

2 Butterfingers miniatures candies


1. Place first two ingredients into a zipper sandwich bag.

2. Place wrapped candies into another zipper bag.

3. Staple both bags together. Attach instructions below.


BUTTERFINGERS PUDDING IN A CUP

1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 1/2 cup milk. Stir very well.

3. Cut candies into 3-4 pcs each. Place in cup.

4. Refrigerate 5 - 10 minutes. 1 - 2 servings.



Baked Beans Mix in a Cup

1 TBSP brown sugar

1 TBSP Bacos (you want the crumbly kind)

2 tsp Country Time lemonade powder (NOT sugar free)

1 tsp dried minced onion

1/2 tsp dry mustard

1 (7-8 oz_ can baked beans or Pork N Beans or Beanee Weenees



1. Place all dry ingredients into a zipper sandwich bag.

2. If giving the mix inside a cup, put the can of beans into the cup and the bag of dry ingredients on top of bean can. If not giving the mix in the cup, put the can of beans into another zipper bag. Staple the bags together. Attach instructions below:



BAKED BEANS IN A CUP

1. Empty can of beans into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations). Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add dry mix and mix well.

3. Microwave 3 minutes. Use a hot pad to remove from microwave. Stir very well. 1 - 2 servings.



BAKED BEANS IN A CUP

1. Empty can of beans into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations) Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add dry mix and mix well.

3. Microwave 3 minutes. Use a hot pad to remove from microwave. Stir very well. 1 - 2 servings.





Chocolate Cake Mix in a Cup-With Frosting

1/2 cup brownie mix (tested with Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix and Duncan Himes Family Style Brownies/Chewy Fudge - other kinds might work - but these two brands are easy to find and work well.

Frosting: Mix 1/3 cup powdered sugar

2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder



1. Place brownie mix into a zipper sandwich bag.

2. Place frosting mix ingredients into another bag. Label it "frosting mix".

3. Staple bags together. Attach instructions below:



CHOCOLATE CAKE IN A CUP - WITH FROSTING

1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations) Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 1 TBSP oil, 1 TBSP water, and 1 egg white. Stir very well.

3. Microwave 2 minutes.

4. Empty frosting mix into a small dish. Add 1 tsp melted butter (or 1 tsp water). Stir well. Let cake cool 1 minutes in cup.

5. remove cake from cup and cut in half lengthwise. Spread frosting on cake pieces. Serve immediately. 1 - 2 servings.



"Dirt" pudding mix in a cup


2 TBSP chocolate instant pudding mix (about 1/3 of a 4-serving pkg)

1 TBSP very finely chopped pecans

3 Oreos cookies, broken into 6 - 8 pcs each


1. Place all ingredients in a zipper sandwich bag.

2. Attach instructions below.


"DIRT" PUDDING IN A CUP
1. Empty bag of mix into a plain coffee cup (use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 1/2 cup milk. Stir very well.

3. Refrigerate 5 - 10 minutes. 1 - 2 servings.


Hot Cookie Pudding Mix in a Cup


6 vanilla sandwich cookies (like Oreos, but vanilla), (Don't use oreos or any cookie that has a chocolate wafer - they won't work!)

1 TBSP powdered milk

1/3 cup mini marshmallows


1. Break cookies into 6 pcs each.

2. Place all ingredients into a zipper sandwich bag.

3. Attach instructions below


*Other flavors to sandwich cookies to try: Peanut Butter, Cherry Creme, Lemon Creme, Pineapple creme, Orange Creme. Change recipe name to match flavor of cookie.


HOT CUP COOKIE PUDDING

1. Empty mix into a plain coffee cup (NO Metallic decorations). Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 2/3 cup water. Stir well.

3. Microwave 90 seconds.

4. Stir until marshmallows are melted and blended. 1 - 2 servings.



HOT COOKIE PUDDINGMIX IN A CUP ~ WITH KISSES!

Hot Cookie Pudding Mix in a Cup


6 vanilla sandwich cookies (like Oreos, but vanilla), (Don't use oreos or any cookie that has a chocolate wafer - they won't work!)

1 TBSP powdered milk

1/3 cup mini marshmallows

3 wrapped Hershey kisses


1. Break cookies into 6 pcs each.

2. Place all all but the kisses into a zipper sandwich bag.

3. Place kisses into another zipper bag. Staple this bag to the mix bag.

4. Attach instructions below.


*Other flavors to sandwich cookies to try: Peanut Butter, Cherry Creme, Lemon Creme, Pineapple creme, Orange Creme. Change recipe name to match flavor of cookie.


HOT CUP COOKIE PUDDING

1. Set aside bag of candy.

2. Empty mix into a plain coffee cup (NO Metallic decorations). Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

3. Add 2/3 cup water. Stir well.

4. Microwave 90 seconds.

5. Stir until marshmallows are melted and blended.

6. Unwrap kisses and place into the hot pudding. Wait 1 minute. Stir well.

1 - 2 servings.



PINEAPPLE PUDDING CAKE MIX IN A CUP

1/4 cup dry Duncan Hines Pineapple Supreme Cake mix

1 TBSP finely chopped pecans (opt.)

1/2 tsp dry cherry gelatin (opt)

1 (4 oz) snack size can pineapple tidbits (DelMonte)


1. Place all dry ingredients into a zipper sandwich bag.

2. If giving the mix inside a cup, put the can of pineapple into the cup and bag of dry ingredients on top of pineapple can. If not giving the mix in the cup, put the can of pineapple into another zipper sandwich bag. Staple both bags together. Attach instructions below.


PINEAPPLE PUDDING CAKE IN A CUP

1. Empty can of pineapple (untrained) into a plain coffee cup (NO metallic decorations), Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Empty bag of dry ingredients into cup on top of pineapple.

3. Place 1 TBSP butter or marg (cut into 2 pcs) on top of dry ingredients.

4. Microwave 2 minutes. Stir well.

1 - 2 servings.



Cake in a Coffee Cup!

1 cake mix (Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury), ANY flavor

1 (4 serving size) inkstand pudding mix (NOT sugar free), ANY flavor

1. Read this whole page before beginning!

2. Place dry cake mix and dry pudding mix into a large bowl and blend well with a whisk. This will be about 4 - 4 1/2 cups dry mix and will make 8 or 9 CUP CAKE MIXES.

3. Place 1/2 cup of this mixture into a non zipper sandwich bag. Place mix into a corner of the bag and tie it there with a twist-tie.

4. Continue making packets until all your dry mix is used.

5. Use "glaze" recipe following this to make appropriate flavor glaze for the flavor of cake mix you have chosen. Make 1 glaze mix for each cake mix.

6. Place glaze ingredients into a zipper sandwich bag and tie it into the corner of the bag. Label this bag "Glaze Mix". Attach it to the other bag with a twist tie or ribbon.

7. Attach instructions below.


BAKE A CAKE IN A COFFEE CUP!

1. Empty contents of large packet into a plain coffee cup. (NO Metallic decorations). Use a standard ceramic/pottery coffee cup that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid.

2. Add 1 egg white, 2 tsp oil and 1 TBSP water. Stir very well.

3. Microwave 2 minutes.

4. While cake is in microwave - add a very few drops of water to bag containing glaze mix. Squeeze bag to moisten glaze. Add water drops 2 at a time until it is a glaze consistency. Push all glaze into one corner of the bag. Snip off a tiny corner of bag with scissors. (Use bag to squeeze glaze over cooked cake).

5. Let cake cool 1 minute in cup.

6. Remove cake from cup and cut in half lengthwise. Squeeze glaze over cake. Serve Immediately. 1 - 2 Servings.


Make Up Your Own Flavors for "cup" cakes

Good cake mix/pudding mix combinations are:

Lemon cake mix + Lemon or pistachio pudding

Yellow cake mix + Banana Cream or Chocolate pudding (excellent!)

Orange cake mix + Lemon pudding

Strawberry cake mix + chocolate, vanilla, pistachio or lemon pudding

Red Velvet Cake Mix + Cheesecake or Vanilla Pudding

Spice Cake Mix + Butterscotch or Lemon Pudding

Pineapple cake mix + Banana Cream pudding

Any chocolate cake mix + Chocolate pudding

Orange Cake Mix + Lemon pudding

EXPERIMENT WITH OTHER COMBOS!


GLAZE MIX RECIPE

Make 1 glaze mix for each cake mix.

Use this glaze with the above cake mix recipe.


1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 TBSP dry flavoring*

*Dry flavoring:

Powdered Lemonade Mix

Powdered Orange breakfast Drink

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder


Select the flavoring appropriate to the cake you are making. Lemon or Orange Glaze for Lemon or Orange cake. Cocoa Glaze for cakes made with chocolate cake mix or pudding. For vanilla glaze add 1 TBSP dry vanilla powder (sold with the coffee flavorings) or just use the powdered sugar plain.



*source unknown*

[sunshine]

http://www.snydersofhanover.com/Pag...e_holidays.html Pretzel rods as posted by Michele in this thread : Pretty decorative pretzel rods

[sunshine]

http://www.mycraftbook.com/List.asp?subcategoryID=1 Lots of simple decorations to make

http://www.cookbookcupboard.com/special_spoonfuls.html Adorable way to give mixes.

http://www.geocities.com/grannysgre...iftbag_newindex Printable gift bags, small and large ones.

[sunshine]

http://www.diynet.com/diy/lb_bedding...268262,00.html

no sew pillows

[sunshine]

http://frugalhomemaker.com/93giftideas.htm Easy, quick gifts with funny sayings

[pita1213]

the pretzel rods were a big hit when i took the ones the kids made with my mom to work
they wouldn't beleive me at first that the kids made them and not me

[Michele Annette]

Rachel there's a lot of great ideas here! Use the talents that you have. If you like to cook and bake an idea is to make something familar a little different. If you make excellent oatmeal cookies, make mini ones, put them in a wax paper pouch and inside a fabric bag. You can make one easy by cutting out two rectangles, sewing three sides (you can do this by hand if you want). Add a fabric or ribbon tie at the top and a tag to the person, and there you have it. You can also make a bag made of of wool felt, make candies to go in them. Try easy but inpressing candies like, peanut brittle, peanut butter balls or fudge.

If someone you know likes bath products make your own bath salts and other beauty products...

(scroll down for recipes on this page)

http://www.pioneerthinking.com/baths.html

[sanderson76]

There are wonderful ideas here. While I was at walmart yesterday they had some nice smaller baskets for just $1. If they still have them next week, I am going to pick up a couple of them and use as christmas gifts. I am going to add some of the homemade cookie, and then the cookie mix in the jar so that they can make the same kind and things like that.

[Lori Biever-Launder]

I am asking my MIL for a rice bag to use on my stiff neck or other joints. Actually, I think we woudl ALL like one! DSs could use them as feet warmers in their beds.

Don't forget coupons you make for services. For example, give your neighbor who has kids a coupon good for two hours of babysitting. Give a dog owner one for doing "poop patrol" for them (now that's being a GOOD neighbor! ). Offer a coupon for a "cookie (or bread, soup, etc.) of the month. On a prearranged date, deliver a dozen cookies of a loaf of bread or whatever agreed upon for an enitre year. These are a BIG hit with seniors who are tired of cooking for themselves.

Offer a taxi service for a one time trip to the grocery store, doctor, WalMart, etc.

You get the idea. It doesn't take a lot of $ to give great gifts--just a bit of imagination!

[baxjul]

Great ideas here! Thanks

[Rachel Barratt]

Thanks for the ideas love the recipes and poems. Also the idea on Christmas makes. I like the idea of the pretzel rods but I don't think they sell them in the UK. Could experiment with brandy snaps though. Me and the kids are going to be busy this Christmas.