Jam and chutney- good idea or not?

[ThunderMoo]

Is Jam and Chutney a good gift? Or is it a bit too much down to personal taste?

Not home made

I think it’s fine as a token to someone you don’t know well.

I like them, and I’d be very happy to receive them from (say) my boss or DH’s aunt who I’ve met once.

I’d be a bit cross if someone close to me put in that little effort though.

Not home made is fine, if anyone is thinking of making it, do t give it as gifts unless you know what you are doing especially sterilising the jars - yes I've been given mouldy chutney!

I'd like to receive both as long as it's good quality.

I would be pleased with most good quality edibles unless they are novelty flavours (eg plain old raspberry jam would be much better received than elderflower and gin jelly, and plum chutney better than banana chutney!)

A luxury brand eg Fortnum and Mason would be ever better!

Homemade is only acceptable your kitchen is clean and you know the giver very well.

It's all a bit personal taste though because I don't much like herbal tea or hot chocolate so that would be disappointing, and I'd rather have a bar of decent plain chocolate than a box of posh flavoured truffle.

It’s fine as long as it’s not home made. I wouldn’t eat something unless I’d seen the person’s kitchen and could rely on their hygiene. Someone once gave me home made chocolates with cat hair in them!

Thanking you for all your feedback. There are some festive tiptree ones that I thought might be a nice idea but am now rethinking as yes novelty flavours perhaps not the best.

I think they're fine if shop-bought. At least they're consumable and if recipients don't want them they can be donated to the food bank. I'd be perfectly happy with either for Christmas and usually give similar to certain relatives. E.g. my aunt loves cheese so I always do her a hamper with cheese, crackers and a couple of nice chutneys. My DM likes jam and always says she doesn't want more "stuff" so I tend to get her jam, nice tea and biscuits which she uses up.

Nice shop bought, yes. Homemade, No.
My cupboards are full of homemade jam of varying degrees of quality, made by relatives over the years. I don't want any more.

Not homemade. At least I can take the shop stuff to the food bank. I’ve just had a massive clear out of all the homemade stuff people have sent over the years. All untouched as I can’t stand it. I just think it’s such a waste of people’s time and resources unless they’ve specifically asked for you to make it.

We bought DH's Nan a mixed selection of mini jams ones year. Seemed to go down well. She had fancy cheeses with sims chutney one year too

Personally no as I hardly ever use either so they just turn mouldy in the fridge.

I love and use both. Nice gift