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Frugal Gift Giving
We were like Meals On Wheels today. One of my friends had a baby in May, nine weeks premature. She and her husband brought the baby home from the hospital last week, so we knew that they could use some no-fuss food (we remember our early days with our new baby!). And my brother’s girlfriend broke her collarbone last week, so we figured they could use some food aswell. Both couples live in the same town about 20 minutes from us, so we organized it so that we could visit them both today. This morning I made a double batch of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, so that we could split them between the two families. Then I mixed up a huge salad with spinach, romaine, fruits and veggies for our friends with the new baby. For my brother and his girlfriend, I made spaghetti pie (cooked spaghetti mixed with eggs and cheese, layered in a pie plate with sauce, italian seasonings, and more cheese). We packed everything into a cooler and headed out to visit our friends.
We had a great day, got to meet the adorable new baby (I had visited my friend in the hospital, but hadn’t been able to meet the baby as she was in NICU) and spend time with family and friends. Since we’re new parents ourselves, we know that nobody needs as much baby “stuff” as most people end up with. But it’s hard to go wrong with food. Everybody needs it, and when you’re exhausted, sick, hurt, or overwhelmed it is wonderful to have food on hand that you don’t have to think about (ramen and Totinos pizzas don’t count!). The stuff I made was pretty simple (even if you can’t cook, anyone can chop up fruits and vegetables to make a salad) - it only took about an hour this morning to make both meals. And everything I made came from ingredients I had on hand, so I didn’t have to spend any extra money to do this.
I like your idea of giving food to people. It helps take the stress off them during a difficult time.
The spaghetti pie sounds so yummy!
Take Care,
Trixie
July 21st, 2008 at 8:11 am
Food is my all time favorite new baby gift. It is so wonderful to receive as a new parent, and I enjoy making it as well. The salad sounds yummy.
July 21st, 2008 at 8:46 am
Food is definitely a great help for anyone that is sick, hurting, or adjusting to life with a new baby. It has made such a difference in our lives before! Great suggestion! I know your friends really appreciated the gesture and the company!
July 21st, 2008 at 10:14 am
Between my parents, my in-laws and friends, we had about 2 weeks worth of meals when our daughter was born. I never realized how wonderful a gift it would be and how life saving as well! I will definitely be bringing food to friends who have babies in the future!
July 21st, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Mmmm I love spaghetti pie! A friend of ours introduced us to it.
Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins sound interesting, I love pumpkin muffins so I think I might have to try these
I am learning while typing this comment that today is apparently a wonderful day for a million typos..
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:31 am
I love to cook and bake, and I also garden. So giving food as a gift makes a lot of sense for me. I give my dad batches of scones for his birthday and Father’s Day each year. He’s one of those people who never want anything and are therefore very difficult to find gifts for. This takes the pressure off me.
Nice gestures on your part.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:51 am
I love giving food as a gift…. and I WANT them pumpkin chocolate muffins :):)
My blog is pretty new and am yet to touch on frugal gift giving, I should do a post soon….
You have a great blog
July 28th, 2008 at 5:08 pm