Pasta Basket?

[java]

I am homeroom parent for my daughter's 7th grade class. We were told to ask for $5 donation from the parents to purchase items for a Pasta Basket(for a tricky tray fundraiser)
There are 10 children in the class. I am assuming I won't get more than half of them to send in $-
So any budget ideas for a pasta basket? Even assuming I get everyone that's only $50.

I thought Colander as the "basket". But those can get pricey- any more cheapo ideas? I think I can get some kitchen towels and pasta fork ect cheaply.

 

[tommya60]

Hmm, check at Kohls for a pasta bowl set in their clearance section, you never know...towels, wine, garlic press, Italian cookbook (check TJ Maxx or Home Goods--I bought Giada DeL's there).

Send a "reminder" home for a second request on the money, too!

 

[AntePrincess]

$50 would be a rip off for a pasta basket: Buy the cheap boxed pasta, remove from box and put in cello bag tied with a ribbon. Get wooden spoon set from $1 store and some kitchen towels. The wooden spoon sets are typically three for a dollar. IKEA is selling cheap, nice colanders, or something virtually identical (a brightly colored enameled, footed colander) can be found at HomeGoods/Marshall's/TJMaxx. Find the Italian section of your grocery store and buy some nice, vintage-y looking Victoria brand sauces and antipasto. It seems that no one knows that this brand exists and is found in virtually every grocery store, so it passes as luxurious gourmet. Consider including a micrograter or planer and a wedge of hard pecorino romano.

 

[allison443]

Do you have a Wegmans near you? They have some good Italian brand pastas/sauces/foods, not too expensive. For a filler throw in a package of breadsticks!

 

[disneylove69]

Tjmaxx/ Marshalls also sells gourmet olive oil for less then $10, Pasta sauces for $3 including colandars. Do you have a Big Lots or such. They also have a gourmet section. Buy colored pasta for variation.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Buy the cheap boxed pasta, remove from box and put in cello bag tied with a ribbon.

I wouldn't do that, for sanitary reasons only - NOTHING against the OP, but whoever's buying it may be reluctant to purchase 'repackaged' food. Instead, look for (yes, I know it's wasteful) pasta in a cellophane bag inside a cardboard box, and remove the box but keep the cellophane intact. Or buy some of the Italian-named, fancy-but-not-too-expensive stuff. I think the label is earth-toned colors, ochre/amber, that kind of thing.

 

[buckler]

Whole Foods and Trader Joes both have their own brands of organic pasta that are reasonably priced.

You can print 2 $1 off any Muir Glen product coupons by signing up for their newsletter. Muir Glen makes organic tomato products. You can get their tomato paste for free after coupon at Walmart. The tomato paste and smaller cans of tomato sauce are free or close to it at Publix. When you print the coupon the first time, hit the back arrow on your web browser and a 2nd coupon will print. You can only print 2 per computer but if you can get friends to print some for you, you could get a selection of several Muir Glen products inexpensively to fill out the basket.

http://www.muirglen.com/club/default.aspx

 

[jacksmom]

Try the dollar store for collander, pasta utensils and towels!

 

[mommycrawford]

You could add some potted fresh herbs: basil and oregano,porcini mushrooms, sun dried tomatos....fresh tomatos for that matter, olives, etc..

 

[DisneyMomx7]

OMG - Twins again!!!

I just got back from shopping for the items for a Pasta Basket. DH is President of the Father's Club at our school and we always do an "Italian themed" basket for their pasta dinner.

Here's what I put in (got a lot at the Dollar Store!) -

2 wine glasses
bottle of wine
red print dish towels
ladle
pasta "fork"
pizza cutter
glass grated cheese container
small glass vase (AC Moore) with a bunch of red flowers
red checked tablecloth
wicker bread basket
2 jars of different kinds of pasta sauce
3 boxes of pasta
Italian salad dressing
olives
jar of roasted red peppers
box of breadsticks

I spent just about $50.00!

 

[java]

Disneymomx7 how much easier it would be if you lived near me!

Thank you for all the great ideas everyone. Still no $$ coming in. I think I'll start checking out TJ Maxx and I think I have a Khol's coupon around here someplace.

And yes I'll hit the Dollar Store - for some "themey" stuff I hope. Although now I am guessing it's all St. Patrick's day.

I'll let you know how I do! Thanks again! I was thinking a cookbook too maybe? I'm friendly with the book store guys maybe they'll donate one??

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Disneymomx7 how much easier it would be if you lived near me!

Thank you for all the great ideas everyone. Still no $$ coming in. I think I'll start checking out TJ Maxx and I think I have a Khol's coupon around here someplace.

And yes I'll hit the Dollar Store - for some "themey" stuff I hope. Although now I am guessing it's all St. Patrick's day.

I'll let you know how I do! Thanks again! I was thinking a cookbook too maybe? I'm friendly with the book store guys maybe they'll donate one??

I forgot! I got a cookbook too - at AC Moore $5!

 

[buckler]

I'm friendly with the book store guys maybe they'll donate one??

Try talking to the manager at some of your local stores and see if they will donate something since it is for a fundraiser for the school. My local Whole Foods donated a very nice gift basket for a silent auction for a non-profit group I work with. It might have helped that they knew I was a frequent customer.