tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post2407507619663817211..comments2024-02-02T07:13:37.313-06:00Comments on Like Merchant Ships: No-bake, no-craft gifts for $1 or lessUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-1160163859807376872008-12-18T20:05:00.000-06:002008-12-18T20:05:00.000-06:00Thanks for posting this! I was struggling with tim...Thanks for posting this! I was struggling with time issues AND financial issues AND wanting to find a gift idea that a 7 yo could actually make. The PD's mix was perfect and we made a quadruple batch for teachers. Thank you!momtoqtshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05689036586813755239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-48901070954673853002008-12-18T15:05:00.000-06:002008-12-18T15:05:00.000-06:00I still think personal, handwritten notes of appre...I still think personal, handwritten notes of appreciation are fine on their own. But I think the breakfast at the start of the year is a nice addition.Anne Marie@Married to the Empirehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16600919522369171555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-24007283795001942172008-12-18T13:30:00.000-06:002008-12-18T13:30:00.000-06:00Sams Club does beautiful trays of muffins and they...Sams Club does beautiful trays of muffins and they are not that expensive - you could get 100 for $40 I bet - the last spread you did was lovely very bountiful and I think it is better to have a few really good things fresh fruit juice, coffee, muffins and fruit) Hot sausage rolls maybe - you can make them and freeze them and then cook them on the morning.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-51389167866856794232008-12-18T12:44:00.000-06:002008-12-18T12:44:00.000-06:00Love this--Stumbled it!Love this--Stumbled it!Scribbithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03178711182424809035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-15743183162633707382008-12-18T11:46:00.000-06:002008-12-18T11:46:00.000-06:00Most people won't have to give 100 gifts--they'd h...Most people won't have to give 100 gifts--they'd have a corporate expense account or something.<BR/><BR/>But there are people who earn LESS than my husband giving him nice gifts and who chipped in on a baby gift for John, so yes, I do think we owe them something in return, in fact the very BEST thing I can find on our budget.<BR/><BR/>A lot of it depends on the culture of the organization. My husband is inheriting a lot of traditions in his first year in this role. Perhaps in the future we can make suggestions to scale back or divert giving to people who really need it while keeping the sentiment.<BR/><BR/>let's hope so!Meredithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08455517419708043340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-51179266164406351712008-12-18T10:52:00.000-06:002008-12-18T10:52:00.000-06:00Oh my...I love these ideas.But promise us, Meredit...Oh my...I love these ideas.<BR/><BR/>But promise us, Meredith, that you won't kill yourself baking bran muffins at the new year. Wal-Mart and other places have bulk trays of muffins you can get inexpensively. I figure the granola won't be that hard to make in bulk, but I just cannot picture you filling all those little muffin cups!<BR/><BR/>Pineapple at a buck? The stuff dreams are made of out here in Colorado. We're lucky if we see them for $2.50....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-62024135678011405892008-12-18T10:15:00.000-06:002008-12-18T10:15:00.000-06:00In this economy who can afford 100 gifts??? even a...In this economy who can afford 100 gifts??? even at a $1 or less. Thats alot of money.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-31363932691814127762008-12-18T09:55:00.000-06:002008-12-18T09:55:00.000-06:00I think you have a great idea about maybe doing so...I think you have a great idea about maybe doing something the morning school starts back. That will give you time (with your dh around) over the holiday to bake. Right now (according to my dh) the workplace is loaded with goodies, mostly fattening. If you put together some healthier muffins and quick breads along with a couple of bowls of fruit for the first morning back to school, I bet it would go over very well. <BR/><BR/>going from 2 kids to 3 is very hard, it was our hardest transition for sure. Don't beat yourself up, you are doing the best you can. good luck!Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16958981528207127681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-84571366955919436812008-12-18T09:06:00.000-06:002008-12-18T09:06:00.000-06:00Excellent choice to go for the breakfast. I just d...Excellent choice to go for the breakfast. I just don't see how one could give an individual gift to an adult for less than $1 that wouldn't seem cheap. It will take super careful planning to do the breakfast for $100 but you have proven you can "cater" meals very inexpensively. Now that your decision has been made, I hope you can relax and enjoy the holidays. Merry Christmas to you and your family!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-75871424939050191332008-12-18T08:34:00.000-06:002008-12-18T08:34:00.000-06:00Good to know--thanks Lizzie for piquing my curiosi...Good to know--thanks Lizzie for piquing my curiosity!<BR/><BR/>How to tell if a pineapple is green, from the Produce Pete website:<BR/><BR/>"If a pineapple at the market looks green, take a look at the base. If it has begun to turn a little orange or red there, you'll be able to ripen it at home. If there is no break, the pineapple was picked too green."Meredithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08455517419708043340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-39836451423914495252008-12-18T08:30:00.000-06:002008-12-18T08:30:00.000-06:00I have to disagree on the pineapples--ours continu...I have to disagree on the pineapples--ours continue to ripen at home. I have bought these same pineapples for 3 years now and have had NO problem cutting and slicing the ripe fruit by Christmas.<BR/><BR/>I really can't think of much that $2/person would buy that would be significantly different than items in the $1/person and under price range.<BR/><BR/>In addition to the 100 gifts, we budgeted $25 for each of 2 secretaries and then $25 each for the 4 people who work with/for him as part of the administrative team.<BR/><BR/>So, $150 in addition to the 100 people...just doesn't leave me much wiggle room elsewhere.Meredithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08455517419708043340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-69506638359846545082008-12-18T08:09:00.000-06:002008-12-18T08:09:00.000-06:00Meredith, I liked ALL your ideas for gifts! I thou...Meredith, I liked ALL your ideas for gifts! I thought each one seemed like a thoughtful gift. But I like your idea of a breakfast when they return in January the best. I know at our school, teachers come back a little down after the holidays. I wish I would have chosen that idea to do for our school this year, but instead I was not so smart. Our school is not nearly as large as yours, but I decided to bake a dozen cookies for each teacher/staff person. And I did not choose an easy cookie, but rather one that has a peanut butter filling inside of a chocolate cookie. Sigh! My husband jokingly asked me if I was trying to kill myself (death by baking). :) At least I was able to get a great deal on the gift bags and gold-wired ribbon! I'm sure your husband and the employees will appreciate your thoughtfulness in January. :)<BR/><BR/>Laurie in FLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-39600199161840365512008-12-18T07:45:00.000-06:002008-12-18T07:45:00.000-06:00I think the breakfast after the holidays is a grea...I think the breakfast after the holidays is a great idea-something cheerful for people coming back to work.<BR/><BR/>As someone who isn't able to gift much this year, I would also say that I think people are a lot more understanding and a lot less judgmental about such things than we sometimes give them credit for.<BR/>MaryElizAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-44652393122148512008-12-18T07:28:00.000-06:002008-12-18T07:28:00.000-06:00I know this might seem weird but today I have to m...I know this might seem weird but today I have to make a final thought on what to make for my daughter who is in 1st grade. I did hear that Walmart has those little oranges for cheap along with the coupon in recent insert.My thought...<BR/><BR/>Little gift bags (which I am wondering would be the cheapest but nice and not cheap looking)<BR/><BR/>- 1 orange, a large old fashioned peppermint stick, and a homemade paper snowflake, or a favorite verse for Christmas time with meaning with a homemade gift tag.<BR/><BR/>Just a thought though.Reneehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07365628016260943621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-87222773426392471702008-12-18T07:03:00.000-06:002008-12-18T07:03:00.000-06:00In these recessionary times everyone is cutting ba...In these recessionary times everyone is cutting back but if your husband feels he has to "gift" 100 people then maybe spend a bit more - say $2. I think a card is a great idea. Also about the fruit - it really has to be a good piece of fruit - that pineapple looked a bit green (they dont ripen at home) maybe they should be used just for decoration - you dont want the receipient to be disappointed when eating it.<BR/>I think the healthy breakfast is a better idea.<BR/>I agree with Torey also.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-34836945184764968872008-12-18T05:58:00.000-06:002008-12-18T05:58:00.000-06:00I chose to gift ONE pineapple (best price here, $3...I chose to gift ONE pineapple (best price here, $3.99!!!! WOW, if they were 99 cents imagine the possibilities) to our Biggest Loser instructors. It will be more appreciated than sweets, as it is on the acceptable treats list.<BR/><BR/>Obviously I think a pineapple is a fine gift : ) Next, like the Bosc pears with partridge tags.<BR/><BR/>deb meyersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-83005981484858601582008-12-18T02:18:00.000-06:002008-12-18T02:18:00.000-06:00My husband is a teacher so we always have to come ...My husband is a teacher so we always have to come up with something inexpensive and small for his students/co-workers, etc. This year, having run out of time and creativity, I found some wonderful chocolate-covered pretzels at BJs Wholesale Club. They are big, dipped in chocolate and then covered with tiny candies or sprinkles or chocolate chips. They are individually wrapped so I am going to punch a hole in each little bag, attach a small note/gift tag, and add some curling ribbon. The box of 24 cost just $9.99!! I can handle $.42 each!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07295771924438697987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-82206257905168730802008-12-17T23:42:00.000-06:002008-12-17T23:42:00.000-06:00You are so clever!! Thanks for the fun ideas. :-)...You are so clever!! Thanks for the fun ideas. :-)Musings of a Housewifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09854615817486354491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-2063517399146889212008-12-17T23:06:00.000-06:002008-12-17T23:06:00.000-06:00This year my basic gift for friends & family (...This year my basic gift for friends & family (except my husband's family from whom this recipe comes) this year is a copy of a recipe a dish guests rave about (chicken adobo) tied to a jar bottle of rice vinegar and a little bag with 5 bay leaves (the ingredients I thought people wouldn't likely have on hand.) I intended to buy some 4 oz jars and fill with bulk vinegar to keep it cheaper but ended up buying fullsize jars for $1.89 each. Other components about 25 cents each (including bay bought in large bag at ethnic food store).<BR/><BR/>RE: the notes from your husband: when I did a similar thing for women in my mom's group I ran foldover notes through the printer to add a beginning line along the lines of "At Mother's Day, I am grateful to know a mother such as you because...." then handwrote the individual statement and signed them. I don't see that as tacky but realize some may. <BR/><BR/>I applaud your determination Meredith as well as your ability to cut your losses and move on. Your post-holiday brunch solution sounds fun, and wise, to me!Tubo Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13648885392472180009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-10991356210598069902008-12-17T23:02:00.000-06:002008-12-17T23:02:00.000-06:00I love the idea, too, of a breakfast when the teac...I love the idea, too, of a breakfast when the teachers and staff come back. There's something about going back after the holidays that offers a fresh start for everyone, and the breakfast would be a fun way to kick off the new year. Maybe you can encourage staff to bring photos, etc, of their Christmas holidays and make it sort of a grown-up, informal "show and tell"! Sounds like a great idea, Meredith!<BR/> SusanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-79197655791418605702008-12-17T22:55:00.000-06:002008-12-17T22:55:00.000-06:00Your ideas are much better than any I would have g...Your ideas are much better than any I would have generated - so creative!<BR/><BR/>I love the pineapple...but would also love any of the others. Honestly, with that many people to give and a new baby I would do what is easy.Michelle Smileshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01423308673171062647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-37191122779183943442008-12-17T22:16:00.000-06:002008-12-17T22:16:00.000-06:00I stocked up on tangerines last week when they wer...I stocked up on tangerines last week when they were on sale because they make a beautiful and tasteful gift simply tucked in a colorful gift bag.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for sharing your ideas. The lemon-dill rice intrigues me.<BR/><BR/>And, don't forget that list of gift ideas that Whole Foods put out a while back. Using on-sale items from your regular grocery store with these ideas could yield some inexpensive gifts as well.Christian - Modobject@Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09687272618188063178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-63987476544265017422008-12-17T20:59:00.000-06:002008-12-17T20:59:00.000-06:00Ooops, forgot to say that you split the muffins in...Ooops, forgot to say that you split the muffins in half before buttering and toasting, but you probably guessed that! :)Christiana https://www.blogger.com/profile/14163810612543314603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-72991667139456383832008-12-17T20:58:00.000-06:002008-12-17T20:58:00.000-06:00I like the breakfast idea! We love those sausage ...I like the breakfast idea! We love those sausage cheese english muffins another person mentioned, and they're easy. (Not so healthy, though!) You just brown a lb of hot sausage, drain the grease, and mix in one jar of English Cheddar cheese spread. Lightly butter the muffins and toast them under the broiler, then top each with some sausage mixture and re-broil till bubbly. Soooo good. :)Christiana https://www.blogger.com/profile/14163810612543314603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-9039218172798694822008-12-17T20:48:00.000-06:002008-12-17T20:48:00.000-06:00Hi! You mentioned not being able to serve with a ...Hi! You mentioned not being able to serve with a baby on your hip. Well, I may not have a solution for your dilemma with the gift, but I can help you with the baby :-) I have three kids, 4, almost 3 and 15 months and I was totally at a loss when I had my third. Two hands, three kids, didn't work out so well. I found out how to wear my youngest. Yes, I said wear. If you go to Mamatoto.org you will find bookoos of awesome ways to wear your baby with just a simple piece of cloth. Seriously, I have an unfinished, 5y piece of cloth that I've been using for about a year now and it's soooo comfortable. They'll show you how to wrap the cloth and such. It's saved my sanity, no kidding. <BR/>Just trying to help, sorry this was so long :-) <BR/>LindseyLindseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01588817861025053452noreply@blogger.com