The thread explores various creative gift ideas for teacher's aides, focusing on using prep bowls filled with items like bath salts, vanilla sugar, and cocoa. Participants share their personal experiences and suggestions for making these gifts appealing and affordable.
Participants generally agree on the appeal of using prep bowls for gifts, with various suggestions and personal experiences shared. However, there is no clear consensus on a single best gift idea, as multiple options are presented.
The discussion reflects a range of creative approaches to holiday gifting within the context of a community of Pampered Chef consultants, emphasizing personal experiences and ideas rather than formal recommendations.
Consultants looking for innovative and cost-effective gift ideas for teacher's aides or similar occasions may find the shared experiences and suggestions beneficial.
Or Cocoa could be used!chefann said:That's a great idea! And non-fattening.(Unlike cocoa mix, which is what I would have thought to put in them.)
Hmm which would they prefer??? Maybe I could do 2 and 2 and they can choose.
I miss those.
In each prep bowl, you use one vanilla bean, sliced in half lengthwise, and one cup of sugar. The essential oils from the vanilla pod will infuse the sugar with flavor. It takes about two weeks for the sugar to become flavored well enough to use, and as for uses, you can put it in tea, coffee, cereal, of anything else that can benefit from the flavor of vanilla and sugar.It's also the gift that keeps on giving, because the vanilla bean will be potent for 6 months. So, if you "refill" your container with plain sugar every time you take out flavored sugar (give it a stir or shake to re-combine), you'll have a constant supply.I got a bulk pack of vanilla beans from eBay, as well as a bulk pack of shrink wrap bags, so combined with a bulk sack of sugar from Sam's, these can be made quite affordably. Vanilla sugar prep bowls are my usual host gift. They are also a great way for us to sneak into craft fairs! Our local craft fair requires vendors to actually sell handmade products, so I sell vanilla sugar prep bowls to qualify as a vendor. HTH!P.S. You can add a tablespoon of cinnamon per bowl to make cinnamon vanilla sugar, but that's a little more difficult for the recipient to replenish.ParishKitchen said:Vanilla sugar!!!
In each prep bowl, you use one vanilla bean, sliced in half lengthwise, and one cup of sugar. The essential oils from the vanilla pod will infuse the sugar with flavor. It takes about two weeks for the sugar to become flavored well enough to use, and as for uses, you can put it in tea, coffee, cereal, of anything else that can benefit from the flavor of vanilla and sugar.
It's also the gift that keeps on giving, because the vanilla bean will be potent for 6 months. So, if you "refill" your container with plain sugar every time you take out flavored sugar (give it a stir or shake to re-combine), you'll have a constant supply.
I got a bulk pack of vanilla beans from eBay, as well as a bulk pack of shrink wrap bags, so combined with a bulk sack of sugar from Sam's, these can be made quite affordably. Vanilla sugar prep bowls are my usual host gift. They are also a great way for us to sneak into craft fairs! Our local craft fair requires vendors to actually sell handmade products, so I sell vanilla sugar prep bowls to qualify as a vendor.
HTH!
P.S. You can add a tablespoon of cinnamon per bowl to make cinnamon vanilla sugar, but that's a little more difficult for the recipient to replenish.
ParishKitchen said:Vanilla sugar!!!
In each prep bowl, you use one vanilla bean, sliced in half lengthwise, and one cup of sugar. The essential oils from the vanilla pod will infuse the sugar with flavor. It takes about two weeks for the sugar to become flavored well enough to use, and as for uses, you can put it in tea, coffee, cereal, of anything else that can benefit from the flavor of vanilla and sugar.
It's also the gift that keeps on giving, because the vanilla bean will be potent for 6 months. So, if you "refill" your container with plain sugar every time you take out flavored sugar (give it a stir or shake to re-combine), you'll have a constant supply.
I got a bulk pack of vanilla beans from eBay, as well as a bulk pack of shrink wrap bags, so combined with a bulk sack of sugar from Sam's, these can be made quite affordably. Vanilla sugar prep bowls are my usual host gift. They are also a great way for us to sneak into craft fairs! Our local craft fair requires vendors to actually sell handmade products, so I sell vanilla sugar prep bowls to qualify as a vendor.
HTH!
P.S. You can add a tablespoon of cinnamon per bowl to make cinnamon vanilla sugar, but that's a little more difficult for the recipient to replenish.
Shawnna said:
ragschef said:Tastefully Simple has a WONDERFUL Caramel Creme Latte mix. I love it and buy about 6 cans every winter to give as gifts. I keep one for myself atleast, but they are wonderful! I mix mine with milk although the directions are to use water. Milk just makes it a littel more rich... and fattening...
I have a consultant who is a friend of mine; if you'd like her contact info, just email me privately.
Bath salts are a blend of minerals and essential oils that dissolve in water to create a relaxing and soothing bath experience. They make a great gift for teacher's aides because they offer a way to unwind and de-stress after a long day of helping students. The thoughtful combination of bath salts and a wooden spoon for mixing adds a personal touch to the gift.
You can package bath salts and a wooden spoon in a decorative jar or a gift bag. Consider layering the bath salts in the jar for a visually appealing effect, and tie a ribbon around the jar or bag. You can also include a small tag with a heartfelt message or instructions on how to use the bath salts for an extra special touch.
When selecting bath salts, consider choosing ones that are made with natural ingredients and essential oils. Look for scents that are calming, such as lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile. You can also opt for bath salts that contain added benefits, like moisturizing properties or skin-soothing ingredients, to enhance the gift's appeal.
While a wooden spoon is not strictly necessary, it adds a unique and practical element to the gift. It can be used to mix the bath salts or as a decorative item in the bathroom. Including the spoon shows extra thoughtfulness and enhances the overall presentation of the gift.
The cost of the gift can vary depending on the quality of the bath salts and the wooden spoon you choose. A budget of $15 to $30 is reasonable for a thoughtful and quality gift. This range allows you to select high-quality products while still being budget-conscious, making it a perfect gesture of appreciation for teacher's aides.
