Bargain Basement Gourmet is a reoccurring feature that highlights low cost-per-serving recipes, local wallet friendly dining experiences and other fun and innovative ways to eat well on a budget.
This holiday season, I’ve taken a lesson from the children, poor college students and grade school teachers I know. Homemade gifts are IN!
Luckily, I decided on this theme early in the year. I wrote an article about Bachelor’s Jam late this summer, and this is when I decided that I would be giving these boozy-fruit delights to most of my friends and family. That took care of much of my holiday shopping, and all I needed to do with the jars of Bachelor’s Jam was decorate with ribbon and gift tags. I used wide ribbon and hot glued it to the jars for extra durability, since I know these gifts will be in and out of the fridge.
For the remainder of my female friends, I crafted unique hair pins, using bobby pins and assorted buttons and junk jewelry pieces. I gathered colored buttons and junk jewelry, and then cut apart the jewelry so I could pick out the best pieces. I used old pearls, fun beads, and funky flowers. I then glued these pieces to the ends of bobby pins, decorating each uniquely.
Finally, I collaborated with my younger sister to cook a Christmas Eve dinner for our family. We’re making Pasta Fagioli for the main course, something that’s not too high maintenance but is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. By planning, grocery shopping and cooking, we’re allowing the rest of our family to relax and enjoy a delicious meal while we create a fun new tradition.
I like these gifts because they’re very personal, and are not quite as pricey as a trip to the mall. Has anyone else had a successful “homemade Christmas?” Hopefully this homemade Christmas is a success, and everyone finds their Bachelor’s Jam to be just right.
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