We're skint. Reckon if we made presents this year our friends would hate us?

[bohemianbint]

This is the first year I've been totally without income as have become a SAHM (had DC2 5 weeks ago and can't afford to work, childcare too expensive) and so we're living on a tight budget now.

We've been discussing Christmas and how to afford it as I'm determined we won't get into debt to pay for it. So looks like we either set a budget of around a tenner per person, or try to get a bit creative and make presents instead.

Thing is, not sure what. Was thinking could make some cookies and put them in a decorated jar, or make jewellery for female friends/relatives. But whilst I'm sure people ought to appreciate the effort, they may just think we're cheap bastards and never speak to us again.

Any thoughts? Obviously I don't have time to get knitting scarves or what have you...

What fantastic ideas!! Can anyone tell me - how far in advance can I make the truffles or chocolates??

I make a chocolate fudge from Nigella's 'Express', and you can store it in the freezer. I would imagine that would be ok for a few weeks.

That chocolate fudge from Nigella is unbelievably gorgeous - I made it as a present for a friend last Christmas. Because you store it in the freezer you can make it well in advance and just take it out when you want to give it away. Just don't taste too much of it or you might find there is none left to give!

I did find the pistacio nuts quite expensive though - I need to find somewhere that sells them wholesale if I'm going to do the same again this year.

procrast - you can use any nuts you want really. I made more milk choc version with hazlenuts, and was lovely.

I may add cranberries for my xmas choccies.

i cheat on homemade mince pies.

i make the shortcrust pastry (in the food processor with the dough blade) but fill with store bought mincemeat i've tarted up with a bit of orange liquer and some extra cherries and such.

thanks blackduck

can you freeze any fudge?

I've decided to do homemade sweets/shortbread and maybe cheese straws or something for some of my presents this year, and all thanks to this thread! DH thinks it's a good idea. I'm gonna keep a look out for boxes/tins/ribbons etc. Poundland do some good bits but you have to be quick or they get snapped up!

Thanks AbbaFan - like the idea of cranberries! Dried, I presume?

So if you freeze the fudge how long will it last defrosted? Does it still taste ok?

I tried Nigella's fudge last year but sadly didn't know the difference between evaporate and condensed milk .

Dried - yes

I got some nice sweetie bags from Lakeland, they do plain or an xmas version.

BS - will last for ages once defrosted. It keeps better in the fridge, as it melts quite easily though.

We've done this for the last few years too - & only ever had compliments

Dh always makes home made beers - stout this year, ginger beer last year. I'm doing individual fruit topped fruit cakes & that Nigella fudge this year - last year we did gingerbread men & chutney.

Agree with others that presentation is key - look out for nice fabric ribbons, lovely jars (charity shop for one offs or lakeland if you're less organised!) ....

My sister in law always gives us an Xmas cake. Fab present!

All my girlfriend's are getting a bottle of homemade sloe gin and a jar of homemade blackberry jam.Might even do pretty lables.
£20 of gin = 8 pressies
Thrifty eh?

Just giving the other point of view - while stuff from the Boots 3 for 2 offer can seem a bit soulless and not what people want, there is no guarantee that stuff you've made will be what people want either. Not everyone likes crafty stuff, plus it can be more expensive than you think, especially if you factor in the time it takes to make the things, plus the stress! So I wouldn't say definitely not, but I would say think about:

• the REAL cost: add up materials, time spent. Don't just assume it'll be cheaper because you made it yourself.

• what your strengths are. Yes, home-made fudge is great IF it's delicious, but if you're not a skilled cook it can be a dsappointment. (And I know it's the thought that counts, don't give to receive, etc, and I appreciate all that but I still don't want to eat fudge if it's not very nice.)

• being open with people about your plans. Yes, it would be ungrateful for people to moan at you about homemade gifts. However, it would be even easier (and cheaper!) to agree with people that you will either just not bother this year, OR set a low budget, or do a secret Santa between a group of you so each person gets one decent-ish gift without anyone having to break the bank. Plus saying to people, 'By the way, we're cutting down this year so we're going to do... as presents. Just thought I would tell you so you don't worry about spending too much on us!' That way there is no comeback - I must admit that if someone said this to me I would be happy to match their budget, or forget presents for the year altogether, or whatever, whereas if I'd spent lots more on them and then found this out I might feel a bit miffed that they didn't offer me the chance to do the same thing in return. A lot of this stuff is about expectations and people might be glad to have them lowered!

We have used a budget of £5 per person with a group of friends for the last few years and that works well - books from supermarkets do nicely for this as do lots of things on offer. You could also agree with friends to all meet up for a meal/some drinks and spend a set aount each on that instead. Less preparation time, and more time spent with the people you care about which surely is the important thing?

There is no way I could make homemade presents look good as I'm just not talented with making stuff. I think the assumption is often that homemade is better, and homemade stuff CAN be nice, but there are other options and they are sometimes even cheaper and easier ones, so think about it.

I made a batch of homemade apple & plum chutney yesterday. Should have mellowed perfectly in time for Christmas. Most of the ingredients were free from my neighbour's allotment. And the jars are all pretty recycled ones I have hoarded.

Last year I made truffles and wrapped them in cellophane but the ingredients and wrapping actually cost quite a lot and my house reeked of chocolate for weeks (which is actually more unpleasant than it sounds).

I've made gingerbread cookies from children before too. Always goes down well.