15 Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

For Christmas I usually put together gift baskets for those that I give to.  I like being able to customize the gift to the person receiving it.  Affordability is also a key component.  Doing these, I am able to give to more than just immediate family.  I also give to a few friends as well as a couple of businesses that I frequent.

There are a variety of types of gift boxes you can do.  Some themes are:

1.  Coffee lover:  Bag of coffee, creamer, mug or travel mug, cookies, snacks, etc

2.  Young Child:  Coloring books, colored pencils, markers, crayons, stickers, erasers, pencil sharpener, paint set, paint brushes, candy, etc.

3.  Play Dough Child:  Variety of play dough colors, form shapers, etc.

4.  Older Kid or Young Adult:  Coffee mug, mug cake packages, hot chocolate packets, cookies, candy, etc.

5.  Mom or Food lover:  Homemade jams, applesauce, food items, flavored oils, etc.

6.  Alcohol:  Flavored moonshine, shot glasses, snacks.

7.  Beauty #1:  Shampoo, conditioner, face wash, face mask, lotion, hair accessories, etc.

8:  Beauty #2:  Manicure set, lotion, nail polish, nail stickers, etc.

9.  Beauty #3: makeup, nail polish, makeup removing cloths, etc.

10.  Artist:  Sketchpad, pencils, eraser, markers, colored pencils, charcoal pencils, paint, paint brushes, etc.

11.  Movie Lover:  Movie, microwave popcorn, hot chocolate packets, snacks, etc.

12.  Food Lover #2:  Homemade breads, muffins, cookies, trail mix, hot cocoa packages, etc.

13.  Single Young Adult:  Coffee, hot cocoa single serve packages, single serve mug cake packages, mug or travel mug, snacks, et.

14.  Budding Baker:  Measuring cups, measuring spoons, spatulas, whisk, baking pans, cookie cutters, rolling pin, etc.

15.  Chocolate Lover:  Specialty or home made chocolate bars, chocolate nut clusters, brownies or brownie mix, homemade hot cocoa mix, chocolate covered pretzels,etc.

All of these gift basket ideas can be customizes to the person you are creating it for.  It can be as inexpensive or expensive as you want. 

If you have the time or inclination, a lot of gift basket items can be made.  this cuts down on the cost and enables you to customize the basket even easier to the person you are giving it to.

The dollar stores are a great place to look for gift basket items.  This is my go to place after I have made the gifts for the baskets.  It is a good place to round out your baskets.

Another good idea is to keep an eye out for sales throughout the year.  For those people you buy for every year, you have a good opportunity to find something at a steal of a deal. 

Keto Lifestyle

I have been following the Keto lifestyle for over a year now.  Initially it was a last attempt to lose weight.  I had tried so many other methods of weight loss that I figured I would give it one more go around.  I went into this with zero expectations.  I didn't think it would work because nothing else did, at least not long term.

I should probably take a step back and explain the 6 months earlier I went low carb to try to lose weight.  I started working out every day, no matter how tired I was.  I lost 20 pounds after about 4 months.  Then my weight stayed.  It started to creep  back on in little bits.  I was tired of it.

Going into Keto, I decided that the only way it would work was if I didn't have to count calories or macros.  I knew that if this was the case I would not stick with it.  I have a busy and stressful life, and if I wanted to give this a chance it needed to be as simple as possible.

My new diet started out by removing the non Keto foods.  I did not find substitutes for things at all.  No Keto baked goods, bread or desserts.  Instead I concentrated on the foods I was already eating that were Keto friendly.  I slowly started trying new foods as well.  My goal was to keep my diet high fat, while keeping it as simple as possible.

I waited a month before weighing myself.  I was surprised to see that I had lost a decent amount of weight.  From that point on the weight seemed to just fall off.  I was dropping clothing sizes pretty fast.  It was awesome, but it also brought out a bunch of other problems for me.  I knew if I did actually lose weight that I would have to deal with the psychological impact of it at some point.  When this hit, it hit hard.  It made me do a lot of evaluating of my life, actions,goals, needs and wants.  It forced me to come face to face with a lot of psychological baggage I had buried deep for a long time.  I started to realize some things, and make changes in my life.  Baby steps to future goals.

It's funny, looking back, that I was worried about the cost of replacing clothing if I did manage to lose weight and keep it off.  In reality that was an insignificant result of the journey.

I have been maintaining for 7 months now.  I have to say, maintaining is more difficult than the losing of the weight.  It is worth it though.  This is a lifestyle change, not a quick weight loss and then reverting back to old eating habits.  I have never felt better eating this way.

Frugal Christmas Gift Baskets

Since Christmas is less than a month away I figured I would share one of my favorite frugal gifts to give out.

I like assembling gift baskets or bags that are either consumable or  usable to the person receiving it. If you keep the person in mind as you assemble this basket, it will keep the the cost low but thoughtful.

I use a box about the size I want the basket to be.  You can reuse any box you have hanging around or ask for any boxes that are going to be tossed out at a local store.  Most places will happily give you any boxes that they are going to toss out.

To this box, cut off the top flaps, leaving your box with a bottom and sides.

Now, you need wrapping paper of whatever design you want.  Measure the length around your box as well as the height.  To the length add about an inch.  To the height add about 6 inches.  Cut this piece of wrapping paper off the roll.  Tape the paper to the box so that the height is in the middle of the total height of the paper.  Pull the paper around the box so that the other end meets the edge you taped.  Tape this spot. I try to start and end in a corner to make it look as seamless and neat as possible..

Fold the bottom paper that is overhanging as if you were wrapping a present.  Tape into place.

Fold in the top overhanging paper neatly.  Tape into place.

If you are like me, you may end up with this....

Add several pieces of tissue paper to the inside so that it over hangs the outside of the box in at least two places.  You have now created a frugal gift basket.

To spruce it up I wrap ribbon around the box, tie it and curl the ends.  Add a bow to the knot.  I also create tags out of card stock or colored paper.  Poke a hole in one corner.  Place a 3 to 4 inch piece of ribbon through this hole.  Tie in a knot.  Tape this loop just inside the box so the tag hangs in the front.  Make sure it is behind the tissue paper.  Another option or add on is to attach a dollar store ornament with the tag.

Chocolate Nut Clusters

These chocolate nut clusters are a favorite treat in my family.  We make them not only to have as a snack, but to also give away as part of a gift to friends and family.  It can be a frugal treat depending on how you make them.

You are going to use a 4 ounce bar of 70 -85% dark chocolate as well as a 12 ounce bag of semi sweet chocolate chips, coconut oil, and a mixture of nuts and seeds. 

 In order to melt your chocolate you need to create a double boiler.  I use a pan that my metal bowl fits into.  Bring your water to a simmer.  Turn off the heat.  Place your metal bowl over the pan.  

In this pan add your chocolate bar, broken up, 3/4 bag of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.  Any oil will work here, I just prefer coconut oil. 

Let this set until it begins to melt.  

Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. 

Remove the metal pan from the pot of warm water.  Add the remaining chocolate and stir until smooth.  

Place in the desired nuts, seeds, or whatever you decide to add.  I used pistachios, almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, sunflower kernels and unsweetened coconut.  Stir the mixture.  Add more until coated to the thickness of chocolate that you desire.  

Spoon onto parchment paper in bite size mounds.  

Let set until the chocolate is dry.  Remove from the parchment paper and store in an airtight container.

These clusters make a good, frugal gift depending on what you add into the mixture.  Peanuts and sunflower kernels are inexpensive and delicious coated in chocolate. 

You can package them in little plastic bags with a label, holiday treat bags, containers that are part of the gift, or any other way that will work with your gift.

Avocado Egg Salad

One of my frugal go to meals on Keto is avocado egg salad.  There are many different variations of this creation.  However, I decided to share with you the very basic mixture.  It is a very filling meal full of healthy fats.

To start with you need a small bowl.  Peel and mash one hard boiled egg. 

Next, either add half a drained can of tuna or one small tuna pouch.

Add half of a very ripe avocado or one small avocado cup.
 

Add 1-2 tablespoons of mayo and a squirt of mustard. 

Mash and stir this mixture together.  Add salt to taste.

Typically I eat this mixture with pickle slices.  I use the pickles as you would a cracker.

Common changes I make for this dish are:

Add some chives, onion, lettuce, bacon, turkey, ham, shredded or cubed cheese, or any other flavor you want.

Omit the tuna and add a second egg.  Or if really hungry, just add a second egg.

Sour cream instead of mayo is pretty good as well.

Use different seasonings such as paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, herbs, etc....

I tend to use avocado mini cups instead of avocados because I end up wasting avocados.  They either take forever to ripen or all ripen at once.  This way the initial cost is a bit more, but I am not wasting any food, so I save money in the long run.  It is also more easily portable, which I need to take to work with me.

Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies

One of my favorite treats before switching to the Keto lifestyle was a good chocolate chip cookie.  Since maintaining my weight loss I have been experimenting with sweet treats.  This recipe has been a trial and error project for quite some time.  It has become a favorite of family and friends, keto and non-keto eaters alike.

Start by preheating your oven to 350⁰F.  You will need a medium size bowl.  To this add 1/2 cup of coconut flour, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. xanthan gum, and 2 Tbs. almond flour.  Mix together and set aside.

In a small bowl melt 1/2 cup butter in the microwave.  Add 1 tsp. vanilla, stirring well.

Add 1/3 c. monkfruit sweetener, mixing well.

 Add 3 eggs, mixing thoroughly.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.

Mix until smooth.  The batter will be thick.  Let set for 5-10 minutes.  Do not skip this step.  The coconut flour needs time to absorb the liquids.

Roughly chop 2 ounces of 85% dark chocolate.

Fold the chopped chocolate into the dough.

Place spoonfuls of dough on parchment lined baking sheets.

Bake for 12- 14 minutes.  Cool on the pan for a few minutes before removing to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Note:  I use monkfruit sweetener which is a 1 to 1 ratio to regular sugar.  You can use other sweeteners, but be careful of their strength ratio to regular sugar.  You may have to use more or less than the recipe calls for depending on what it is.

Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 c. coconut flour
1/3 c. monkfruit sweetener
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. xanthan gum
2 Tbs. almond flour
3 eggs
1/2 c. butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp. vanilla
2 oz. 85% dark chocolate, roughly chopped

Preheat the oven to 350⁰F.  In a medium bowl combine the coconut flour, sweetener, baking soda, salt, xanthan gum and almond flour.  Mix well.  aside.

In small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave.  Add the vanilla and sugar, mixing well.  Add the eggs, mixing until thoroughly combined.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.  Mix until smooth.  Let set for 5-10 minutes.  Fold in the chocolate chunks.

Place by the spoonful onto parchment lined baking sheets.  Bake for 12-14 minutes.  Let cool on the sheets for several minutes before removing and cooling on racks.

Keto Hot Chocolate

On a cold wet day nothing sounds better than a mug of steaming hot chocolate.  Since typical hot chocolate is far from Keto friendly, I decided I needed to find a substitute.  Sometimes we need to find a substitute for the things we love to stay on our eating plan.  This keto hot chocolate recipe is just as good, if not better than, regular hot chocolate.

This is easy to make, although it can take a bit of time and patience.

For this recipe you need minimal tools.  Just a whisk, small saucepan, measuring cup and a tablespoon.

To start with place 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of monk fruit sweetener in the saucepan.  To this add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and 1 cup of almond milk.  Break up 1 ounce of dark chocolate and add to the mixture.  I use 85% dark.  Whisk thoroughly.

Place the pan over low heat and cook, while whisking, until the chocolate melts.  Continue to cook, continually whisking, until desired temperature is reached.

 Turn up the heat a smidge if desired, but be careful not to scorch your hot chocolate.  This is where patience comes in.

Taste your drink, adding more sweetener if desired.  If you add more sweetener, cook a bit longer, while whisking, so that it dissolves properly.

Pour into a mug and enjoy.

As a side note... I follow a keto diet. However, I do not count macros, thus you will not see macro breakdowns on my recipes.


Keto Hot Chocolate

1 Tbs. cocoa powder
1 Tbs. monkfruit sweetener
1 Tbs. heavy cream
1 to 1 1/2 c. almond milk
1 oz. 85% dark chocolate, broken up

In a small sauce pan combine all of the ingredients.  Whisk continuously over low heat until the chocolate melts.  Taste.  Add more sweetener if desired.  Cook over low or medium low, while whisking, until desired temperature is reached.  Be careful  not to scorch the drink.  Pour into a mug and enjoy.

Crock Pot Pork Loin Roast

There is nothing like a crock pot dinner on a cold day.  The house smells good, and there is little work involved.  A win win in my book.  If you have a small family like I do, it also means multiple meals in one day of cooking.

A roast, of whatever variety, is an easy and delicious meal.  I happen to be making a pork loin roast because it was the type on sale this week.  Paired with some veggies in the crock pot and you have a meal in one.  Don't forget the seasonings either.  Those make or break a dish.

Wash and roughly chop desired vegetables.  Today we are doing carrots, onions and potatoes.  Season with salt and pepper.  Place roast on top.  I am using a 2 pound roast.  Pour several cups of beef or chicken stock over the roast and vegetables.  Season the roast.  I am using a generous amount of salt, onion powder, garlic powder and herbs de provence.

Pop the lid on and turn it on high for about 6 to 8 hours. 

I like to make gravy out of the broth and juices in the pot.  I take 1 to 2 cups of juices out of the crock pot after removing the roast.  I place these in a sauce pan on the stove.  I use 1 packet of brown gravy mix per cup of broth.  Follow the directions on the packet for the gravy.  Serve with the roast and vegetables.

Cranberry Banana Muffins

Since the holidays are just around the corner I decided to share a favorite recipe of my friends and family.  These Cranberry Banana Muffins are easy to make and delicious.

A few things to note with my muffins.  I use a brownie pan instead of a typical muffin pan.  It makes 12 square muffins with this recipe.  Using this pan the muffins are done at 28 minutes every single time.  I also bake egg free most of the time, using flax as a substitute.  My recipes work just as well with regular eggs though. Also,  I use oat flour that I grind myself.  You can replace the oat flour with all purpose or wheat flour.

Preheat your oven to 350⁰F.  Grease and flour your muffin pans and set aside.

 Prepare your egg substitute if using.  Combine 2 Tbs. ground flax with 5 Tbs. water.  Stir and let set until it gels.

In a large bowl combine 1 cup all purpose flour, 1 1/3 cups oat flour, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. nutmeg, and 1 tsp. salt.  Mix together and set aside.

In a large measuring cup, mash 5 or 6 very ripe bananas.  You want between 2 to 2 1/2 cups of mashed banana. To this add, 1 Tbs. vanilla, 2 flax eggs, 1/2 cup oil ( I use peanut or coconut melted), 2/3 c. sugar.  Mix until well incorporated.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry.  Mix until well combined.  Set aside.  

Chop enough cranberries until you have a cup of them.  To this add 1 Tbs. sugar and 1 Tbs flour.  Mix until all berries are coated.

Fold the cranberries into the batter.  Divide the batter into a greased and floured muffin pan.

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of muffins you are making.  My brownie pan consistently takes 28 minutes.  Muffins are done when a tooth pick inserted into one comes out clean.  Cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.  Remove from pan and finish cooling on the wire rack.

Cranberry Banana Muffins

1 c. all purpose flour
1 1/3 c. oat flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 flax eggs or eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2- 2 1/2 c. mashed banana
1/2 c. oil
2/3 c. sugar
1 c. chopped cranberries
1 Tbs. flour
1 Tbs. sugar

Preheat the oven to 350⁰F.  Grease and flour muffin pans.  Set aside.

In a large bowl combine the flour, oat flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and nutmeg.  Stir and set aside.

In another bowl combine the mashed banana, eggs or flax eggs, vanilla, oil, and sugar.  Mix well. Add this to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.

In a small bowl combine the chopped cranberries, sugar and flour.  Stir until well coated.  Fold into the batter.

Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin pans.  Bake for 20- 30 minutes, depending on pan size.  Muffins are done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.