Cut costs, not corners, with one of these great Mishloach Manot ideas! From fun to classy, each of these five presentations is within the $5 range.

1. Stick With Us

With so many stick-shaped foods available to make and to purchase, this adorable stick-themed Mishloach Manot will be really simple to prepare.

You will need:

• Haddar pretzel sticks
• Heaven & Earth Veggie Sticks
• Elite Shtix
• Window bakery box
• Custom label (Parfetty)
• Tape

Directions:

1. Attach the label to the box from the inside of the window using scotch tape.

2. Fill the box with stick products. Remember, you’re only limited by your imagination.

2. Sourdough Bread Board

Do you love to make your own sourdough bread? Here’s a great way to package it and send a Mishloach Manot that will be well received. (You can substitute the sourdough with homemade challah as well.)

You will need:

• 2 individual portions Sabra Hummus or Guacamole
• Small sourdough bread (or challah)
• Shrink wrap
• Board
• Ribbon
• Dried bunny tails
• Custom labels (Parfetty)

Directions:

1. Affix labels to the hummus or guacamole

2. Arrange items on the board. Cover tightly with shrink wrap.

3. Tie with ribbon and dried flowers.

3. Cheesecake + Liqueur

A cheesecake paired with a chocolate liqueur makes a delicious and elegant Mishloach Manot.

You will need:

• No-bake cheesecake- I purchased this cheesecake in a jar at Gourmet Glatt- This is a great no-bake cheesecake recipe if you’d like to make your own
• Mini bottle of liqueur
• Leaf ribbon
• Mini spoon
• Cellophane bag
• Custom tag (Parfetty)

Directions:

1. Tie a bow around the spoon.

2. Place spoon and liqueur on top of the cheesecake and place in a cellophane bag.

3. Tie the cellophane bag with ribbon.

4. Hang tag.

4. Initial Candy Box

This sweet and personalized Mishloach Manot idea will bring everlasting smiles to the lucky receivers!

You will need:

• Clear box
• Assorted candy
• Initial cookie (see below)
• Ribbon

For initial cookies:

• Your favorite sugar cookie recipe (this is a great, healthier one!)
• Colored fondant
• White fondant
• Initial cookie cutters- I purchased the ones I used at Amazing Savings. There are many available on Amazon as well.

Directions:

1. Prepare cookies according to the recipe. Use the cookie cutters to cut the initials you want to use before baking.

2. Mix equal amounts of white and colored fondant (by hand) just enough that it looks marbleized. Roll the fondant out.

3. Using the initial cookie cutters, cut out initials from the fondant.

4. Attach fondant to the cookie with a drop of water or karo syrup (corn syrup).

To Assemble the Mishloach Manot:

1. Place candy in box. Arrange initial cookie on top.

2. Tie with ribbon.

5. Wrapped to Perfection

Here’s an idea that is very practical yet beautifully presented. Wrap any boxed food in wrapping paper. You can use elegant, rustic, or theme-related wrapping paper. The sky is the limit! Finish off with ribbons, tags, wax seals etc. Below are examples of foods that come in perfectly straight-lined box packaging.

You will need:

• Boxed foods- see picture for some great items that will work. They can be picked up at your local supermarket.
• Wrapping paper- type 1, type 2, type 3
• Scotch tape
• Ribbons, tags, wax seals, etc…

Directions:

1. Wrap boxes!!

Happy Purim!

Written by Esther Ottensoser

Photography by Hudi Greenberger