Is this a tacky idea?

Flirt01

My husband and I just got married Nov. 11, so money is a tad tight right now. To help with the cost of gifts for all our friends and family, I deicded to bake goodie bags for everyone. I love to bake and am pretty good at it, but I am wondering if a basket of brownies/fudge/cookies is a good gift? One of my friend's moms told me it was a stupid idea, that "nobody wants homemade gifts." She also told me that since I would have to go out and buy the makings, I should just spend money on stuff people would want. Ummm...when I think how far a bag of flour and sugar will stretch with cookies and other goodies compared to spending $20 to $25 a person, I still think I come out ahead. Plus I will enjoy myself! What do you all think? Tacky idea or not?

Bubbly1

That is not tacky at all. Your friend's mom is crazy. I think that is a thoughtful gift. It's all about the thought. Someone needs to remind your friend's mom of that. SMH

SparrowSong

I don't think it's tacky at all. I always appreciate all gifts given to me. Especially homemade ones. But I honestly don't usually eat more than a cookie or two, and either try to give them away or just throw away most. Especially at Christmas time when A LOT of people are giving cookies, its just not something I can overindulge in. But I do appreciate them. Not sure if that response helps you or not. : P

kcgrl

I would love to receive baked goods!

If I were in your shoes I would include the recipe I love getting and trying new recipes - especially when they are unusual or unique gifts. For example - everyone has chocolate chip cookies. They are a great classic. But this past Thanksgiving I made Cranberry Oatmeal and White Chocolate cookies. They were great!  

Hey while I'm talking about it - my December ToH magazine just came in. This issue had a few pages dedicated to baked goods as gifts - and then you "Dress It Up" according to ToH with bright, festive decorations. You can see some in the pictures.  I hope these ideas inspire you   - - Tell your friends mom she's a scrooge.   BTW - look at the package in the background - not the food or recipe lol.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Amaretto-Cream-Truffles 

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Christmas-Cranberries

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Great-Granola 

 

 

2bjam

Jeez! I hope it's not tacky because I'm baking for a few people on my Xmas list this year too!

We have 34 people to buy for this year, between DH's huge family, and all the kids in our life- for the bosses and some distant Aunt + Uncle's, I'm baking cookies and chocolate dipping pretzels and marshmallows! And I picked up cute goodie bags and even tins at our local dollar store! 

ThisModernLove

I don't think its tacky at all!  Including the recipe would be a nice idea too and maybe you could add in some blank personalized recipe cards if you're crafty.

chi_lyn

Not tacky at all. And anyone who says otherwise isn't worth your flour and sugar.

 

Shepherdjel

Not tacky at all!!!!!!!!!!! People love homemade gifts....they mean more! Plus everyone likes baked goodies! Do it and have a blast...and make sure you make her one hahaha!

Flirt01

Thanks everyone. I was worried that I was just being a cheap-o. I like the idea of including the receipe.

Milsey32

Flirt01:

Thanks everyone. I was worried that I was just being a cheap-o. I like the idea of including the receipe.

 

1st - I don't think it's tacky. I love edible gifts! And I'm making fudge for friends/family...
2nd - Adding the recipe is great. What do you plan on making? I would advise not "too much" of something 'different'. IMO, basic chocolate chip cookies or some brownies is GREAT. I love to try new things but I feel horrible when someone bakes me something 'different' and I don't love it and have a lot of it.

 

TarHeels&Rebels

chi_lyn:

Not tacky at all. And anyone who says otherwise isn't worth your flour and sugar.

 

This

Jim&Jaime

Maybe put a savory item in with the sweet as well. I know Christmas is a sugar overload, so something salty would be nice in the mix:

 http://www.ezrapoundcake.com/archives/10028

 http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2010/06/fathers-day-savory-gouda-biscotti.html

 http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2010/05/11/parmesan-thyme-crackers/

Flirt01

Milsey32:

1st - I don't think it's tacky. I love edible gifts! And I'm making fudge for friends/family...
2nd - Adding the recipe is great. What do you plan on making? I would advise not "too much" of something 'different'. IMO, basic chocolate chip cookies or some brownies is GREAT. I love to try new things but I feel horrible when someone bakes me something 'different' and I don't love it and have a lot of it.

 

 

I was planning on basic chocolate fudge, and chocolate fudge chunk cookies. Maybe do a batch of peppermint cookies too. Pretty basic stuff.

tevagirl

I don't think it's tacky at all!  I like homemade gifts.

I'm planning to make caramels (plain, chocolate covered and salted) for my co-workers for Christmas...total of 13 people.  I want to give them something appreciated, but not break the bank. 

blu-eyedwife

I think it's a very sweet idea.  If you're worried, you could always give friends and family the recipe and a mix instead of making the sweets yourself.  I've done that with my niece and nephew - filled a mason jar with the flour, sugar, peppermint, etc. and a recipe so they just need to add butter/milk/whatever wet ingredients.

dmblack

I think these gifts are always well received.  I'm making some gifts for people this year.  I don't see anything wrong with it at all.

 

babygirlpriest

Umm, tacky is informing someone that their gift isn't ok... WOW!

Another idea would be to give a plate/bag whatever with just a few goodies plus one of those 'cookies/brownies-in-a-jar' things. I get sweets overload during the holidays and it destroys my diet. But a 'cookie in a jar' thing means mid January I can throw in an egg and some butter and have a redo of the holiday goodies you sent me.