Advice for New Years Gift...

I've been on a tea kick lately and there are many nice assortments out there. My favorites can usually be found at Trader Joe's and my co-workers always want me to pick up the Good Earth Sweet and Spicy tea that's caffeine and sugar free but still tasty. I like Yogi green teas as well. It goes with the theme of wishing health in the New Year. If you like Amazon they had some interesting sets with the clear glass tea pots and flowering teas that were on sale.

Hi Chrissy,
I always pick up cute little plates and bowls whenever I see them on sale to have on hand just for this reason. Make up a dip - or don't have the time, buy one from the deli, or make a dip mix - Recipezarr has a lot of good ones on site, and make up a loaf of beer bread. On the bottom of the plate put a message signed in permanent marker. Even though the beer bread is a baked good, it's so different from what they brought.
Here's the recipe it's so easy!!!!
3 C SELF RAISING flour
3 T sugar
1 can beer - at room temp
Mix together and put in greased pan and bake @ 350' for 45 - 60 minutes!
Hope this was helpful
P.

How about a basket with a $5-10 Blockbuster GC, microwave popcorn and some "movie" candy (snow caps, twizzlers, gummies, etc.)?

Hi!
I can help you put together a really nice memorable gift!

I can give you a recipe to make your own Cookie Mix that can be stored and given in one of Tupperware's Modular Mate containers that are ALL 40% off right now!

You will spend much less money than buying store bought cookies. They are better for you because there are not any chemicals or preservatives and they taste better too!

C. Bass
###-###-####
www.my2.tupperware.com/cabass

You could put together a little basket with a bottle of sparkling grape juice, plastic champagne flutes, dollar store noisemakers for the new year, etc.

I 'm not a drinker, but maybe a bottle of their favorite wine (Beer, Soda,cider)a candle, assorted munchies.
Or a basket of Cocoa, pk crispie treats, marshmallows and other cold weather goodies.
One more that is a big hit....a Movie night bucket...
I go to the dollar store(Dollar Tree is my favorite) and get the largest popcorn bowl, box of microwave popcorn, a couple bottles of soda, large boxes of movie candy, and add a new release movie (or a VISA gift card to buy a movie.)Families love it.
Best wishes and Happy new year!

How about the appetizer route? Cheeses, herring, sausage, spreads/dips...cracker assortment....sparkling juice. Sounds like a party to me!!

Or how about a music CD? Candle and a coupon to watch their little darling?

Whatever you decide, enjoy this relationship!

For some friends of our I purchased a movie theatre package which included 2 movie passes, a coupon for 2 small popcorns and one large drink. That way they can enjoy a nice outing together for the new year.
Sparkling wine with cheese and crackers is also a nice idea.

How about candy? Fudge, peanut brittle. Or chocolate-covered pretzels and chocolate bark are super easy to make.

Another idea - coffee beans, or a selection of tea/cocoa, whatever, and biscotti. There's a recipe on the Pillsbury cranberry bread box for twice-baked biscotti that's really good and easy. Here's a link: http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/showrecipe.aspx?rid=18930

Or if they like nuts, a recipe like this one is super-yummy. I haven't tried this particular recipe, but a friend of mine makes a similar one with a little bit of hot pepper added. Very good! http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1913,149161-243195,00.html

How about a movie night theme? Get some popcorn, a family movie and maybe some juice boxes or soda and some candy. You can find a lot of it marked down after the holidays. Get them ready for the rest of winter!

We have the same situation with our neighbors. Last Year I gave them Cubs blanket (they're big fans) And this year I got them a beautiful serving platter, from Cracker Barrel, since they like to entertain. Some nice champagne glasses would be great for New Years, too.

I love all of the other ideas...I like to give a cheese dip with a pretty little knife and bowl/cutting board. Target has big polka dot/striped bowls in their dollar section, and they had little cutting boards and knives. For three dollars, I have the tray and then add a tastefully simple packet, a pre-made cheese dip, or make one if I have time! Wrap it in saran wrap or clear wrap and tie a raffia bow. Happy New Year!

I was thinking maybe a sparkling grape juice and/or a bottle of wine. They have really cute bags now. You could add some cheese and crackers, too. Festive for both the baby and the parents.
Happy New Year.

DO the neighbors have flower beds? You could bring over an assortment of flower bulbs that they could plant for the spring. Just wrap it up in some celophane or if you have a decorative gift box laying around you can present them it that.

S.

Chrissy,

I'm sure that your neighbors don't have alot of personal time with a 19 month old daughter. I have given friends a bag filled with Microwave Popcorn, a 2-Liter of Pop, Movie Sized Boxes of Candy, and a gift card for Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. It makes for a very personal date night without having to pay for a babysitter! Good Luck!

What do they like? A great wine with/without glasses. Make a basket of cheeses and such. A large plant in a great planter for one of the rooms in their home. A nice picnic basket with fun tablecloth and napkins that you can put together inexpensively yourself.

What about some Christmas tree ornaments or holiday dishtowels or hand towels? I was just at Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn yesterday and they had all holiday things at 50% + off. Some really cute stuff.

Hi, Chrissy! Last week our next door neighbor sent over a big plate of food for my adult sons and me-ham, Mexican rice, cornbread muffin, etc. My sons didn't eat it, but i've enjoyed it for three meals! I have something baked for them when see them. it sounds like both families, you and your neighbor, are busy young parents; perhaps you could send over a casserole or something like that. Happy and blessed New Year!
S.

Chrissy, You have alot of great and wonderful ideas here and the gift card to blockbuster and popcorn bucket is my favortie to get myself. But I also like to get and receive a nice cheese,sausage and cracker basket. Just an assortment of different cheeses,sausages etc is just awesome matched with a wonderful bottle of wine. Good luck.

A dinner certificate or a IOU 3 hrs of "YOU" time and babysit for Mom to have time to herself or the parents could have time for themselves.