cookbooks as a wedding gift

[erinl]

DH and I are going to a couple of (family) weddings this year and decided to get a little creative with the gifts. We are giving each couple two cookbooks (Rachel Ray 365 and KA Cookie Companion) and his and hers aprons. I've used both cookbooks extensively and would like to include my notes. The question is what would be the best way? Type up a list to include with recipe, page number and thoughts? sticky notes on the pages? write directly on the page? Thoughts anyone?

[Hammster]

I'd recommend the typed on separate piece of paper method. Your friends might want to write their own notes within the pages of the books so the pages should remain clear for them to do that.

My dad gave DW and me a box full of kitchen utensils and a Betty Crocker Cookbook. 27 years ago! :eek: I still have some utensils and still have the cookbook. It's held together with duct tape, but it's a real cooking 101 book and explains a lot about the science of food, methods, tecniques, and not just a bunch of recipes so I keep it for those times when I need to refresh about a technique or some such.

[ChristyMarie]

I like the idea of sticky notes on the individual pages. Sounds like a cute and thoughtful gift!

[Meganator]

I like the idea of sticky notes on the individual pages. Sounds like a cute and thoughtful gift!

I agree...I think separate typed pages would be lost, forgotten, or just too much trouble to pull out and look at. I write notes directly in my own cookbooks, but I wouldn't write in theirs - they can write their own notes as their cooking develops. Just buy the good (Post-It) sticky notes so they stay on for a while - some of the other brands lose some stickiness over time!

[Jazzmatazz49]

I would love a gift like this even NOW! Sticky notes or separate notes are a great idea. This is a creative and thoughtful idea.

[erinlovesmarc]

Great idea as a wedding present...I got tons at my shower and I use them often...it is a very thoughtful gift!

[erinl]

Thanks! In the past we've always just stuck money in a card, but we've got several weddings/showers/baby showers this summer in addition to birthdays etc. and I'm trying to save a little money by doing something more personal.

[LaraW]

I got 3 cookbooks from DH's aunt as a shower gift, and she wrote her notes right in the book. This has been SO helpful to me these last few years because I can look through a book and get some reviews without having to call her or something.

[TerriAb]

I like the idea of sticky notes, too. I gave KA Cookie companion and the Penzey's bakers gift pack to someone as a wedding gift. They loved it. I think cookbooks are great gifts.

[mbrogier]

I like the sticky notes idea, too. I would hate to write in the pages, and the couple get duplicate cookbooks or want to return them or something.

An older relative would be different. I have a church cookbook that my grandmother gave me when I was 13. I love that she wrote a note in the front of it.

I love How to Cook Meat by Sclessinger. I want to give that to couples. I just saw the new Williams-Sonoma Bride and Groom cookbook at Borders, but it is geared for people that already cook a lot. The recipes were really gourmet and not everyday types.

[honeygirl1971]

I like the sticky notes idea, too. I would hate to write in the pages, and the couple get duplicate cookbooks or want to return them or something.



Exactly what I was thinking. Plus there's something about writing in a book intended for someone else that I don't like. But including your notes is a great idea! :)

[Beth]

I think sticky notes is a great idea. Now, what color(s)???? ;)

[syzygy]

Post-It makes some really nice transparent/transluscent notepaper that would be pretty nifty for that. :)

[erinl]

Looks like I'll be spending some time at Office Depot this weekend! Thanks everybody for your thoughts. I wasn't real comfortable with writing in the books, too. Who knows what they already have, etc.