Food as Gifts: Appreciating those around you

I try and do a bit of homemade gifts every year, because I think it not only lets someone else know how much I care and appreciate them, it also gives me a chance to reflect upon and think about what individuals have done for me in the past year.  When you make things homemade, it really makes you evaluate those who have touched your life and left a bit of a wonderful mark on you and your family.

I always spend a great deal of time thinking of the teachers in our life as being one reminds me how much those who teach and instruct our children need to be appreciated.  This year, just thanking the teachers in Children's lives - regular school, Sunday school, music school got me to the number of 26.  I wanted to give 26 individuals a bit of something homemade to thank them for all of their care and affection towards my children and all the goodness that they have done.  

I came up with various different packaging ideas and various different treats to stick in mostly mugs.  I was very happy with what came about this year and so here are some ideas.

Option 1: Treat Boxes for the Sweet

Caramel Almond Pretzel Bars
Apricot Vanilla Bean Shortbread Bars (A modified version of this)

Option 2: Mug for the Coffee Lover

Anthropologie Mug 

Various Starbucks coffee and hot chocolate

Option 3:  Chew and Brew

Anthropologie Mug 
Pecan Rolo Pretzels

Option 4: A Little Bit of Everything

Anthropologie Mug 
Caramel Almond Pretzel Bars
Apricot Vanilla Bean Shortbread Bars (A modified version of this)