Frugal Gift Basket: Romance for The Single Woman

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

23 Dec 2006 07:47 AM

Do you have a friend who loves romance? Whether she likes a genteel historical novel or a real bodice ripper, this gift idea is a great one to try. It is an easy and last minute gift that is sure to make her smile. As I mentioned in previous blogs, gift baskets can be oh so frugal, especially when you take advantage of unexpected sources, sales and stockpiles.

I would love to take credit for this inspired gift basket, but the idea actually comes from Lisa P. Thanks Lisa!

Into this basket, Lisa suggests we put:

• Several romance novels (These can be found for next to nothing at library sales, thrift stores, etc. My local library sells paperbacks in excellent condition for only 10 cents each!)
• A big coffee mug (Mugs can be found in plenty at dollar and discount stores. Hearts seem to be a recurring theme with mugs, so it shouldn't be hard to find one to fit the theme. You can also personalize the mug using paint markers.)
• A tin of General Foods International Coffee or a bag of fresh ground gourmet coffee (Hunt through your stockpile for this.)
• Flavored creamer
• A dozen homemade cookies (Great cookie recipes can be found in the Families.com Food Blog)
• A box of chocolates like Fererro Rocher (These yummy candies always go on sale during the holidays.)

To build on Lisa's idea, I would substitute a pretty tote for the standard basket. This way, your friend can carry around some of her reads with her to appointments, lunch hour at work, etc. You can purchase an inexpensive tote at the craft store or discount store and decorate it to fit the theme.

I also might include some homemade coffee spoons. They can be made very inexpensively. Simply melt some chocolate (add a drop of vanilla, almond or raspberry extract, if you like) and dip plastic spoons. Let the spoons dry on waxed paper and then wrap with a small piece of cellophane and a pretty ribbon.

If you try this idea, please let me know how your friend liked the gift. And keep those ideas coming!

Related Articles:

Frugal Gift Basket: Mystery in the Evening

Frugal Gift Basket: Romance at Home

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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