what do you think of this 'token' gift idea?

[surprisenumber3]

Trying to do Christmas on a budget this year.

Usually end up spending loads on aunts, cousins, elderly family friends, teachers, teaching assistants etc etc, getting them boxes of chocs/biscuits - usually Boots 3 of 2 though!

Anyway, am thinking of using a chocolate mould to make christmas tree shaped chocs etc and then putting in cellophane bags (1.99 for 50) and tying gold ribbon round them and presenting them from the kids.

Does this sound okay?

That sounds like a fab idea!

sounds great!!!! may give it a go too!!!!!!

I think that sounds lovely!

Thanks - don't want to look mean!

That sounds great!

I think home made gifts always look better than bought! You've taken the time to make it rather than just pop to Boots for it.

Could I be cheeky and ask where you got the 50 cellophane bags for £1.99?

yes, Lakeland! They do 30 Christmas ones for £1.99 or 50 clear ones for £1.99.

I've got the lakeland bags, they are fab. I make alot of homemade gifts, I think people really appreciate the effort.

Won't the chocolate cost a lot though?

I don't know about that bit!

Anyone??!!

I use the lakeland bags too for chutney etc.

I also get ds to make shortbread stars and bag them in pretty bags - have done this for nursery teachers, toddler helpers, creche ladies etc etc. This is very cheap.

Asda do milk chocolate for home baking priced at 83p for 150g.

Supercook chocolate is the same price.

could I have your recipe please tassis?

Am a newby to this home baking malarky but loving it!

make semi coated shortbread

8oz butter (not marg!)
cup icing sugar
2cups plain flour
1 cup cornflour

bung all into food pro and whizz

cook at 160 for 15-30 mins depending on the thickness!

lovely on its own or can be iced by small people! (if iced don't do too far in advance or they go soggy!)

lovely, thank you!

Can't wait til Christmas now! Or maybe I should do some Halloween chocs and shortbread...just to test!

I've been thinking of doing this too - if I made chocolates how long would they last? i.e. when is the earliest I could make them?
Was thinking of just melting chocolate and putting in raisins & nuts..?

1.99 is good value but they charge £3.95 for delivery... anyone know of any shops that sell them?

I'm not sure on that Migola, I will just make them a few days before Christmas. I was put off making truffles because apparently they have to be eaten within 2-3 days.

I went to my local Lakeland - which area are you in?

truffles? that sounds very professional!
I'm in north london, don't think i've seen a lakeland in ldn but maybe I just haven't been looking out for one

yeah, I would have been asking on here for a recipe for them What would I do without mumsnet?!

There is a Lakeland at Brent Cross if that's any good!

brent cross is really close to me, perfect - thanks

Brill - it's on Brent South Retail Park.

Happy shopping!

Great idea - thanks! - I might do this as well

at delivery charge! I don't think my oh would be too impressed . . . will have a look for somewhere else