Stupid gift idea?

[Liberty Belle]

My pseudo-niece just moved into her own apartment (for the second time, so she already has some stuff). I usually get her something personal (sweater, jewelry, etc), but would rather get her something different this year. Plus, we're trying to cut back a bit.

Last year she was over for dinner and really liked a dish I made. I was thinking I might give her a serving bowl and the ingredients for the dish, minus the meat, and the recipe. That would mean rotini pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, garlic powder, and olive oil (I think that's it, though I might be forgetting something). Do you think that would be an ok gift or not so great? Maybe I could add a spatula and garlic peeler.

She'll be 23 in the spring.

 

[dakcp2001]

SOunds lovely! When I first moved out, I would have loved something like that! Or maybe the recipe, dry ingredients, and a bottle of wine? Depends on how much storage space she has for a serving bowl. ALl people moving out can use good recipes and spatulas that is for sure!!! Can you ask her mom if she has a serving bowl?

 

[C.Ann]

Sounds good to me.. I know I would like it..

 

[Malisa]

I'm 24 and I would like it. I like the addition of the spatula and garlic peeler. Although if she already has plenty of kitchen stuff then it might not be the best idea.

 

[Rose&Mike]

I think it's a great idea, but I'm not 23. When I was 23, I would have liked it.

FWIW, my 18 yo loves to cook when he has time, and actually texted me that he is looking forward to cooking when he comes home over Thanksgiving.

 

[nskjerven]

great idea

 

[Liberty Belle]

SOunds lovely! When I first moved out, I would have loved something like that! Or maybe the recipe, dry ingredients, and a bottle of wine? Depends on how much storage space she has for a serving bowl. ALl people moving out can use good recipes and spatulas that is for sure!!! Can you ask her mom if she has a serving bowl?

Her apartment is pretty large, as far as apartments go. I think it's about 900 square feet and the kitchen has a lot of cabinets. I could run it by her mom and see what she says, yes.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Sounds cute.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

nice idea. what about a small amount on a gift card and she can buy the meat or dessert with it?

 

[Liberty Belle]

nice idea. what about a small amount on a gift card and she can buy the meat or dessert with it?

Hey, that's a good idea, too.

 

[bas71873]

and if you have any other recipes you think she'd like, make her a recipe book. get a small photo album (10 pages or so) and hand write the recipes on index cards. something personal she can keep forever.

 

[mkymouse1928]

My DH's step dad something similar for us for Christmas the first year we were married, but he actually made the dish and froze it, plus gave us the recipe. It was his homemade pasta sauce. It was great!

 

[Bluestars]

I think it's a wonderful idea. You could arrange everything and make a cute gift basket out of it.

 

[ProgressCity]

I like gifts like this WAY more than just picking something up at the store. It shows genuine thought, it's cute, and the recipe is something she can't buy herself.

There's been a lot of threads lately asking about alternate gift ideas since so many people are cutting back this year. Personally I like all these "cutting back" ideas way more than what the posters say they usually give as gifts! The "cutting back" gifts seem to show more thought and creativity which IMHO shows more love than just buying something. Maybe we should all start cutting back more!

If I was your niece I would be very touched and excited about your gift!

 

[Rora]

I'm 23 and would love that!

 

[RunningGirl]

I thought this was going to be a thread looking for a stupid gift idea - like a white elephant exchange!

I think it's a nice idea and it shows you've paid attention to what she likes!

 

[Liberty Belle]

Thank you all. I think I'm going to go ahead with this. I'm getting excited now! I think it'll be fun to put together.

 

[momandkidslovedisney]

Fantastic idea! She is going to love it!!!

 

[HsvTeacher]

I think your idea is very creative and thoughtful!

 

[klacey1]

I love that idea! I agree with the addition of a small (even $10 would buy meat to add to the dish) grocery gift card, as well as the spatula, garlic press. If you're looking for other small (yet inexpensive) things, the Christmas Tree Shop has super cheap kitchen things-- pastra strainer, casserole dish, pasta tongs. Ebay is also a great source for these things! (Not to mention Walmart, Kmart...)