The power of a thoughtful gift
When people come to your home, do they bring you a hostess gift? When you visit other people’s home, do you bring them a small gift for their gracious hospitality and friendship?
I find that a simple, thoughtful note or small gift is wonderful at solidifying friendships and establishing an atmosphere of gratitude. As the holidays roll around, don’t find yourself without a special, thoughtful gift for each host or hostess of a holiday party.
That’s a lot of people…
But wait, doesn’t that take extra time to personalize and prepare a gift for every person who hosts you over the holidays? In addition to your own family members, your own parties, and your own holiday traditions. Let me guess, you’re already counting the people…my children’s teachers, our small group leader, my best friend, our neighbors, etc.
You’re right, that’s a lot of people! Wouldn’t it be nice if you could give each person the same present for being a fantastic host? But how is that possible when teacher’s prefer gift cards and friends desire personalized gifts and the only thing that you know about your next door neighbors is that they enjoy football and treat their dog like it’s their baby.
How can you possibly give everyone the same gift? …this year, you can.
The perfect gift for everyone
Don’t believe me? Make a mental list of each person who you’d like to supply a gift for. Pretend that time and money aren’t constraints.
My list would include: my best friend, my daughter’s coaches, my small group leader, my husband’s co workers, my four neighbors, and a small handful of family members who we will see throughout the holiday season.
Got your list? Great. Now see if each of those people would enjoy a batch of homemade brownie mix.
I’m assuming that roughly 95% of those individuals would cherish that gift. The 5% accounts for the few people who either don’t like chocolate (how do they survive?!) or those who have other health concerns (diets or allergies).
That would knock off two people from my list. My mother, who doesn’t like chocolate (how does she survive?!) and one of my husbands co workers who has a diet restriction.
To-da! One gift that I can put together with a few simple ingredients, which everyone will enjoy! It’s also a bonus that I can handwrite the recipe card, because there is something thoughtful about someone taking the time to write a handwritten note.
The easiest, best, most thoughtful homemade present that anyone will enjoy receiving!
Here’s the best, easiest, most thoughtful homemade present for nearly anyone in your life! Plus, it looks pretty when the ingredients are layered inside the jar. It requires simple ingredients that your friends likely have in their kitchen. And it is the best brownie recipe that I’ve ever tasted (and most of my friends agree with me).
P.S. National Brownie Day is December 8th!
How to make a homemade brownie mix
Step 1. Find a jar or container that will hold roughly 2 cups of dry ingredients.
Step 2. Pour ½ cup of flour into the bottom of each jar. Gently shake it side to side so that the flour becomes level.
Step 3. Pour in 1 cup of sugar on top of the flour. Again, gently shake the jar from side to side so that the sugar becomes level.
Step 4. Sprinkle in ¼ tsp of baking powder and ¼ tsp of salt into the center of the jar (not near the edges).
Step 5. Pour in ? cup of cocoa powder on top of the sugar, baking powder and salt.
Step 6. Seal the jar. Wrap a ribbon around the outside.
Step 7. Write the recipe on a notecard and slip through the ribbon.
Step 8. Give the jar as a thoughtful gift!
Homemade Brownie Mix Recipe
1/2 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Grease an 8×8 pan. Combine dry ingredients. Mix in the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Pour into pan and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Makes 9 servings.
