DIY Heirloom Cookbook - Great as a holiday gift, bridal shower gift, or anniversary gift!

Are you looking for a unique, meaningful, useful gift you can make for a family member or friend?  Look no further....  Here is one of the most memorable gifts I've ever received, and I want to share it with you.

Do-it-Yourself Heirloom Cookbook
This gift can be tailored according to how much or how little time you have.  I received this gift from my mom at my bridal shower, and I treasure it to this day! 

Supplies:
1 recipe binder that has slip in, transparent sleeves and dividers (Hallmark has nice ones)
Plenty of recipe cards
A little bit of creativity

Instructions:

• Come up with the recipe categories:  Some examples.... Appetizers, Soups & Salads, Entrees, Side Dishes, Desserts, Snacks 
  
• If you have a lot of time: Solicit family members, friends, and co-workers for their favorite recipes.  The more tried and true the better.  Provide everyone with a blank recipe card.  If this is for a shower or anniversary party gift, include a blank recipe card with each invitation.  My mom even sent the recipe cards to special people from my past, like teachers and neighbors.  Everyone jumped at the chance to participate!
• Hint:  To make sure there is a wide variety of recipe types, assign everyone a different category.  For example, some people are asked to provide an appetizer recipe, some are asked for a dessert recipe, etc.  Otherwise, you'll get a lot of cookie recipes (not that there's anything wrong with that).
• If you don't have much time: Fill in the recipe cards yourself with your favorite recipes.  Call family members and ask them to e-mail you with their favorite recipes, and complete the cards on their behalf.  Make sure to say who the recipe is from!
• Include a personal inscription:  Inside the front cover, include your own "recipe for a happy life together" or whatever is appropriate for the occasion.  My mom wrote the most beautiful, creative "dedication"... Here's a starter, "Take a wonderful couple, mix, and let simmer for 5 years"...  It's so cute and personal.  
• Organize by Recipe Category:  Put all of the completed recipe cards in the sleeves, and organize by category.
• Include extra recipe cards and sleeves:  This is a great way for the lucky recipient to grow their collection as the years go on!
• Hint:  Make sure to save the box that the recipe binder came in, so the recipe binder is even easier to keep in heirloom condition!

So easy....
Purchase a sturdy recipe binder:

Make sure you have plenty of blank recipe cards.....

Come up with the categories for the recipes and assign everyone a category (or, assign yourself all of the categories!).

 

Send out the cards (or fill them out yourself) and slip the completed recipes into the sleeves, by type.

Then, add your own personal inscription on the front.

Make sure to include plenty of extra recipe cards and recipe sleeves.  Get ready for this to be the favorite gift the recipient receives!!!!!