Ideas for homegrown pressies for Christmas??

[Uplandlady]

Apologies I know it's only August but needs must. Large family and lots to think about. Fancy making up my own gifts this year. But what???


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[Jeanied]

Well I have a lily of the valley patch that needs splitting - so mine will be lily of the valley pips planted in a frame with moss- a Victorian idea I think. They can be forced to flower early indoors.

[Uplandlady]

What a lovely idea Jeanied. Will look out for some . Have you done this before? Any pictures?

[greenishfing]

Foodies seem to appreciate a plait of home grown garlic.

Some people like homemade jam/jelly

Some like piccalilli

I also plant some of the early flowering bulbs in pretty pots for presents

[greenishfing]

For some small children a fancy plant pot, compost, a miniature watering can and a pack of fast growing seeds.

[BigV]

My mother had a friend who always gave bulbs planted in a Pyrex or similar bowl . Hyacinths were best.At least you had a bowl afterwards.Old cups and saucers from charity shops with homemade sweets or anything else suitable, depending on the age. But nothing beats home made jam,cake,chutney or TIME! Ie I will do your ironing, take you out or anything similar.I find all these are much appreciated!


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[veggiechicken]

Lots of ideas at http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...eas_36188.html

[Mikey]

I've been busy making elderberry syrup yesterday and today. I think the best gift for Christmas could be started now. A large tub/plant pot of new potatoes. Can you imagine how happy you'd be opening a tub of spuds on Christmas morning!

As a gift this is best suited to a foodie who won't have already prepped their lunch by then!

[Scarlet]

I make Pontack sauce every few years, it lasts for years and is a "little different" to your regular chutney....Well worth a try

[sparrow100]

I'm making sloe gin for presents this year. Started this weekend it will have had 4 months in the berries by then, which isn't quite long enough imho, but will do. Also chilli vodka/chilli jelly for a couple of people who like really spicy things.

And japonica quince jelly for my mum.

[rhonsal]

I made up some little hampers with a mix of things - last year it was chilli jam, salts (flavoured with herbs from the garden), chocolate truffles, and roasted garlic puree. This year i have pickled cucumbers, passata, chilli jam, raspberry vodka, raspberry vinegar and little packets of dried herbs.

[Small pumpkin]

Thanks to this thread I've been inspired to make things.
Butterfly bags



First you make your butterfly from seed beads and very fine jewellery wire, then the bag out of what ever scraps of material you have laying around. Then sow it all together. There is normally some very bad language at all stages.
I'm half way on a blue one at the moment.

Not home grown in any way, but that stuff is coming along as well I've made plum chutney. Next on the list will be crab apple jelly. Closely followed buy lots of jams & jellies from the fruit I harvested earlier in the year that is taking up space in my freezer.
Not going as mad as last year I made 67 jars of jams, jellies & chutneys

[Guest]

I have actually made my own mincemeat this year (unfortunately it is the only preserves I have managed this year tho.) one lot is pear and ginger, the other is spiced apple. So peeps will be getting batches of real mince pies and they are yum and I hate normal mince pies.

[FlawlessVictory]

We are going to make some Elderflower champagne from dried flowers, some cordial aswell, my girlfriend is intent on making home made irish cream and amaretto. We have done our massive batch of pickled onions (always go down a treat after a few xmas drinks) but we are going to do some pickles and chutneys aswell.