Need an idea for a fun "container"

[tkyes]

I make homemade caramels for some friends and family for Christmas. Part of my gift is also the container I put it in. In the past I have painted a glass jar and a paper mache hat box that I then put the candy in.

I need ideas for a new container. I'm stumped.

Part of me wonders if people even want these containers, I mean what do they do with them after Christmas?

So I guess I'm looking for something sort of practical that they can either use again or use as a gift box to put a present in for someone else.


Any ideas out there???


Tamie

 

[DoeWDW]

I like the idea of wrapping small boxes in velvet material - glue it on so it stays. Then use one or several kinds of ribbon to make a permanent bow for the top - again, glued on. Then they can sit the box out for decoration or they can use it next year to give a gift.

 

[Kimberle]

Hi there, sounds yummy! You'll have to share your receipe!

I make lots of different Christmas cookies each year & bring them to my IL's. What I do is get a big wicker or straw basket from a crafting supply store. I fill it & use either shrink wrap or celaphine (sp?) wrap. I tie it w/ a big bow.

My MIL loves to use the baskets around the house after christmas. If the basket is to "big", I crumple a bunch of aluminun foil & fill the bottom. I then add a layer of nice paper. You should have seen the look on my FIL's face one year! He thought the entire basket (I had a really really big one) was filled w/ goodies!

 

[piratesmate]

How large do you need the container to be? Last year we got some really inexpensive baskets at Wal-Mart to put gifts in. The baskets were actually a decent quality - I was very surprised - and we got some that were ~5-6" across for like $4. I've also made baskets - it really isn't too hard...but for the number I needed it wasn't worth it when I could buy them for $4.

BTW - I like getting interesting containers. If they're holiday related, I pack them with my decorations. Otherwise I find places to use them all over the house.

 

[browneyes]

Can you make the caramels to be in the design of flowers? Perhaps you can give your friends/family caramel bouquets.

 

[worm761]

no ideas for you but a question instead....how do you cut your caramels? i love homemade candy caramels and vow every year to never make them again! i hate cutting them up! it takes forever and my arm is sore when i am done. have you found an easier way? i tried a pizza cutter thinking it would make it easier but it really didnt. thanks!

 

[tkyes]

Nope, no secret for cutting. It's a huge pain to cut. I convince DH to help me cut the caramels - we just use a knife and then hand wrap them in wax paper.

Thanks for the ideas guys - keep 'em coming!!


Tamie

 

[JetMom]

How about a flower pot? They come in a wide variety of sizes and they can be decorated in a variety of ways.