Christmas Gifts for Teachers

Well, I was unable to give away the lovely plant arrangement I made last week. I saw all the beautiful ones my friends divvied out to the staff, but two such arrangements might be overkill. I had to come up with something else to give my daughter's teachers. There is always chocolates, mugs, Tim Hortons gift cards, but I decided my kids would help me make some layered cookie mixes, with festive colours.

Last year, I found some tall, glass storage containers at Dollarama, and used those to display the cookie mixes. This year, I opted for some reusable plastic containers. I was able to buy two-packs for $1.25, so they were cheaper. The containers I picked were a good size, in that the amount of cookie dough mix the recipe creates filled the container. I would have preferred narrower, taller containers to show off the layers better, but I have yet to find the perfect jar. Maybe next year, I will not divide the ingredients in half, and have fewer layers. Hmmm.

Whole Foods has a slew of food gift ideas, and you can also narrow it down by special diet. I used their recipe for Cranberry Pistachio Oatmeal Lace Cookies. After you have all the ingredients assembled, you pour your layers into the containers. Print up the downloadable gift tag. Tie a ribbon around the container, and attach the tag. The gift recipient has to add eggs, butter, and vanilla to the mix, and follow the instructions on the tag. I also include the recipe for the dry ingredients, in case they would like to make the cookies again.

Here is a link to Whole Foods' website with 15 gift ideas, including the recipe I used. I have also gifted the gingersnap cookie mix in the past. If you buy your ingredients at a bulk food store, this is an economical way to gift several people. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/holidays/gifts

Since the gift was going to school, I modified the recipe slightly. I omitted the pistachios (although they do add a festive green layer is you know your recipient has no nut allergies). I included some white chocolate chips instead of the nuts, and I also added a layer of chopped dried apricots, for some additional colour. I think with thicker layers, the colours would stand out more. Just a thought for the next time.

The beauty of giving cookie mixes is that you do not have to worry about the cookies going stale. Your gift recipient can make the cookies whenever he or she would like to make the cookies. Hopefully, they can also find another use for the container you used. Use clear containers to show off the layers, otherwise, there is not point in making layers. The kids can help with adding the ingredients to the container, so your child can have a hand in creating his or her teacher's gift.

My daughter's teachers loved the gift, and hopefully the cookies will turn out. Plus, they can share them with their families and friends. This is always the best part of gift giving. The joy, and letting everyone else celebrate along with you.

 

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