How to package Tom's trail mix?

Hi,

I want to give away packages of Tom's trail mix recipe for Christmas.

What's an easy but fairly professional-looking way to package the product?

Thanks in advance,

-Boyd

Hi Boyd,

I bought some small to medium size glass containers with those lids that have wire wrapped around them and snap shut - sort of like mason jars. They are very inexpensive and can be found fairly easily in even places like The Container Store or probably Walmart.

I made Tom's trail mix and gave some to my neighbor yesterday in one of these containers.
I engraved her name on the front of the glass (since I have a tool to do that with) to personalize it...and then I wrapped some ribbon around the neck of the jar. I then put a christmas label on the top to make it more festive.

For a man who came by to help my husband, I put some of the mix into a clear gallon size Ziplock bag (from the grocery store). Those keep out moisture well. It does have the big word Ziplock across the top part of the bag, but after I put about 2 cups of the mix in, I sealed the bag and then gathered it up where the imprint is and tied it with ribbon. I use ribbon that is about 2 inches wide and has rolled wire along the edges of the ribbon so that it can be adjusted and will hold it's shape.

Looks kind of cool and you can't see the imprinted word when it is all gathered and hidden by the ribbon until the recipient unties it to get to the goodies in the bag.

You can also buy small empty christmas 'tins' at places like Walmart and even The Dollar Stores very inexpensively. Those metal boxes are often given with homemade cookies and such in them. They are usually round and have festive scenes imprinted on the cans or Santa Claus or Christmas trees. They come in all sizes and make nice gift presentations.

Tom's mix is really yummy stuff. I'm really glad I purchased the recipe. I've eaten others, but nothing ever quite this good before. Delicious!

Good luck in your quest...hope this helps some.

Amber

> Hi,

> I want to give away packages of Tom's trail
> mix recipe for Christmas.

> What's an easy but fairly
> professional-looking way to package the
> product?

> Thanks in advance,

> -Boyd

Boyd,

That's a great idea...Here's is what I would do:

Put Tom's trail mix in ziplock bags. I would use the "freezer" version--they are stronger, and don't "breathe" as much as the regular bags. Then to jazz it up a little, you could create a label for the bag.

It could be as simple as a 3X4 address label stock printed appropriately with "Tom's Gut-Buster Holiday Trail Mix--It's G-o-o-o-d!" and then peel-and-stick on the front of the bag.

Or create a printed fold-over label for the top of the bag. Fold the label, slip it over the top of the bag, and staple ABOVE the zipper on the bag.

Hey, I'd be happy to get a bag of the trail mix in an unmarked ziplock bag with just a note saying "Merry Christmas, I hope you enjoy this."

Merry Christmas, Boyd...Oh, and make mine a gallon size bag! H0! Ho! Ho! :)

Be blessed,

JDB


Happy Trails to You!

I meant to add that Garden Ridge Pottery is a huge place in the Austin area that has tons of clear glass containers (with tops) in large varieties and sizes and are inexpensive. Lots of choices in that huge place.

You can also find some rather small clear glass candy dishes with lids there for maybe only $3.00 or so. I have bought those to engrave on from that particular store in the Austin area ...and they probably still have them in stock. They don't hold much... maybe a cup of so of the mix, but can be used for other things after the mix is eaten.

Also at Garden Ridge: You can probably find small container boxes that are designed to hold about a cup or two of whatever... that look like what are known commonly as Chinese food take-out boxes with handles, but are in colors and designed for gift packaging.

I think this is all of my good ideas! :)
Best Wishes,
Amber

Amber,

Your ideas are great!

My post below was composed before I saw your post even though the time/date stamp shows it being posted after your post. (Was that sentence confusing, or what?!) What I'm trying to say is that my post in no way is to be considered a counter-post.

What it does illustrate is the difference between how an engineer would package the mix (simple and practical) vs. how a wonderfully talented ARTIST would enhance the product with elegant packaging! (I visited your website last night...your creations are breathtaking!)

Thanks for the thumbs up on the trail mix, and for the great packaging ideas. I'm going to keep my eyes open for the glass jars and metal tins as I have occasion to shop this next week.

Be blessed,

JDB


Mix it up this holiday season...

DNO

> Hi,

> I want to give away packages of Tom's trail
> mix recipe for Christmas.

> What's an easy but fairly
> professional-looking way to package the
> product?

> Thanks in advance,

> -Boyd

Hi JDB!

I admire and respect this very noble work that you are doing. These kind of projects that are fueled by small contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of the less fortunate. I really hope that you get a great response for this very worthy cause.

Also, thanks for mentioning that you visited my website...and for the compliments for my creations. I sincerely appreciate the comments! :)

Merry Christmas,
Amber