christmas presents

**Maruschke** · October 29th, 2011, 07:06 AM

We always have so many people we need to give little presents to. Just wondering what you think of the idea of making up a bulk lot of rum balls to freeze in pretty cello wrapping, to give out whenever we need to, rather than buying actual presents? Would everyone eat them, even the "non drinkers"? I'm wondering if there is a grog-free equivalent? Maybe coconut ice, or is that too cheap?

**Ca Plane Pour Moi** · October 29th, 2011, 07:10 AM

Why do you "need" to give gifts? Are you exchanging meaningless, worthless and unloved trinkets with the same people every year? In which case, home-made sweeties win hands down.

FWIW, I am still working through soap that we were given 5-6 years ago. I'm not that dirty! I'd much rather some food/wine cos then I know I will use it in a timely manner.

**PumpkinZulu** · October 29th, 2011, 07:11 AM

We made rum balls, biccies etc and did just that last year. People loved it

**HotI** · October 29th, 2011, 07:14 AM

you could make choc-mint balls for the non-drinkers. or rocky road

**Maruschke** · October 29th, 2011, 07:16 AM

Ooh thats a great idea HotI

**Cranky Kitten** · October 29th, 2011, 07:17 AM

Mmmmm, rum balls - nom!

Most homemade tasty stuff will go down rather well, unless it's for someone you know has allergies. I've also used things like chocolate truffles, turkish delight, peanut brittle etc instead of rum balls. Oh and gingerbread. So much fun to make and easier than you'd think

**peanutter** · October 29th, 2011, 07:19 AM

you can use imitation rum for the non drinkers

I think that's a perfectly fine idea, and we've had friends do similar things ... I will note that the shortbread and rumballs have been better appreciated than the 10x10x5cm blocks of melted chocolate with melted peanutbutter ...

but I think that's a great idea, and most people appreciate homemade gifts.

another thing we did one year was to get a bunch of gifts from TEAR's "Arguably the World's Most Useful Gift Catalogue" - you can get them to send you cards with them that describe the gifts, and they start from about $5 and everyone loved them.

**~ Zarava Flutterby ~** · October 29th, 2011, 07:22 AM

I have an easy as recipe for choc mint balls that you could use for non drinkers, could also change the flavors around, pm me if you'd like it

Sent from my iPhone, more than likely while I should be doing something else!

**sloane** · October 29th, 2011, 07:28 AM

i've made truffles the last few years & mostly non-alcoholic ones. there's some good recipes on the taste website & i've also created some variations of my own. they not difficult to make but they taste good & look nice. i usually go & get some christmassy boxes (the small noodle-box types) & give them in those. it saves trying to think up gifts for people that you don't want (can't) spend lots on but still want to acknowledge.

**Mak** · October 29th, 2011, 07:40 AM

I think it is a nice idea - I made shortbread, onion jam and the BB fudge with cachous or red/green M&M's last year. Were all a hit and the kids loved helping!

**grub17** · October 29th, 2011, 08:08 AM

My mum does almond bread in jars and everyone seems to like that too

**Kimbles01** · October 29th, 2011, 08:12 AM

Agree on choc mint balls. I drink but don't like the taste of rum, so using imitation rum still wouldn't get me eating rum balls.

Also you could make chocolate bark - melted chocolate spread thinnish, then while still melted sprinkle over crushed candy canes. When set, break into pieces.

**RhiChiChi** · October 29th, 2011, 08:16 AM

I think that homemade gifts are a lovely, thoughful idea. Store bought presents aren't always best. My gf was in the same predicament as you, she had alot to buy for and just did homemade shortbreads, chutneys etc...

**Floweryfields** · October 29th, 2011, 08:53 AM

I hate rumballs! Luckily I'm not going to be one of your visitors haha. Perhaps apricot balls too? Or shortbread is nice.

**Mother Goose** · October 29th, 2011, 08:55 AM

We've taken to making a lot of gifts as well. I know a lot of people in the throws of adopting a healthier life style so one year they all got home made Christmas decorations (quilted tree ornaments). This year I'm contemplating bakes ornaments (there's a receipe on BB for a dough that you can't eat. I remember making it as a kid and it was great fun so DD will have a crack this year

).

Other things I'm considering this year include making quilted Christmas place mats.