Mystery Monday: Inexpensive Gift Ideas

In an effort to make the holidays more affordable, I am sure that you are looking for inexpensive gift ideas just as we are. Here are some fun ideas that are easy and don’t cost much. These are great for neighbors, teachers, the lady down the street who helps you by watering your flower beds, whatever.

Recently I had to do some thank you gifts for some community people who came and helped out at the kids school. I had a budget of $20 to do 10 gifts. I didn’t want to do a small plant or something like that, as they ranged in age from college kids to retirees. I came up with this simple idea, it was about $28, so they were just shy of $3 each. You could do them for a little less if you changed what you put in them. I bought a variety pack of Ghiridelli chocolate squares to fancy them up and then I bought decorative pens and packs of peanuts from the dollar store. I bought the “takeout” containers from Michael’s using a 40% off coupon, and the ribbon was on sale for 1/2 price. I then printed a small thank you note on a shipping label to seal them with.

Another easy and inexpensive idea is the old standby jar gifts

Here is one of our favorite recipes to use as a jar gift:

Sandcastle Brownies:

1/3 cup chopped nuts

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/3 cup flaked coconut

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup baking cocoa

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Additional ingredients:

2 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a one quart glass container, layer the first seven ingredients in order listed, packing well between each layer. Cover and store in a cool dry place up to six months. Yield: 1 batch

To prepare brownies: In a bowl, combine eggs, oil, vanilla and brownie mix; mix well. Spread into a greased 8 inch square baking pan. Bake at 350º for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: about two dozen.

*This recipe is from Quick Cooking Collector’s Edition

For more inexpensive gift ideas head over to Just a Girl