How to Make Your Mishlo’ach Manos Special

Part of the fun of Purim is sending mishlo’ach manos, and part of the fun of mishlo’ach manos is in being creative.

Presentation

Wrapping a package well makes all the difference in the world. You could give only two items, but if they are presented attractively, they are bound to impress. Last year, a friend of mine gave a small bottle of liqueur and chocolate gold coins. (For a two-bracha package, use nuts instead.) She put each in a separate box, then stacked the boxes with a piece of double-sided tape, wrapped them in cellophane, and tied them with a brown plaid ribbon. Beautiful!

Items also need to “sit well” inside the package, she advises. So, don’t merely throw a potato chip bag into a box alongside some rolling jellybeans. Instead, wrap loose items in plastic wrap or small cloth bags. Line your box with colorful tissue paper and place everything inside. Fit your items tightly and neatly for the best look, then, cover, if you wish, with another layer of tissue. Your shalach manos look a lot more appetizing when they are wrapped neatly inside and out.

Containers

Be creative in your choice of containers. Here are some ideas:

Bags: It’s easy to dress up paper or cellophane bags. You can line the bag with tissue paper and/or punch holes in the bag and tie a ribbon through it or something you’ve put on craft wire, like plastic grapes.

Your children can have fun drawing the Purim characters on the bags before filling, or decorating them with stickers or glitter. They can also cut the top of the bag into curves, fringes, or into points for a crown.

Bottles: If you are giving wine or grape juice, tie ribbon, raffia, or twine around the neck of the bottle. You can also tie a second food item – like a bag of candy or a fruit – as a “necklace.”

Dishes: Check discount and dollar stores and flea markets for unique plastic or paper plates, serving bowls, platters, or tins. Put in your foods and wrap with cellophane and a bow.

Jars: If you save large jars (or even oatmeal boxes), you can use them for containers. (For safety, use plastic jars only.) You can also buy odd-shaped jars at dollar stores. Paint a design on your jar before filling it. Alternatively, decoupage photos to your jar, or glue pieces of tissue paper for a stained glass effect. Again, these are good projects for children.

Wrap the entire jar in cellophane, tulle, or other decorative fabric. Attach a tag with ribbons or raffia. For extra fun, you can attach a small whisk, wooden spoon, mini-garden trowel, or cookie cutter. Create a natural feel attaching dried flowers, leaves, or pinecones.

Going with a Theme

Themed mishlo’ach manos have become popular in recent years. One way is to build them around costumes. For instance, if your children dress up as Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat, send bananas and grape juice. A doctor or nurse can bring cotton candy cotton balls and a bottle of “alcohol” (liqueur) in a clear plastic case. A child dressed as a schoolboy or girl can present alphabet cookies, candy erasers, and a yo-yo in a small lunch box.

How about creating a “survival kit” shalach manos? Include a toothpick, for picking out the good qualities in everyone, including yourself; a rubber band, for flexibility, as things don’t always go the way you want; a band-aid, to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else’s; an eraser, because everyone makes mistakes (and that’s okay); a candy kiss, because everyone needs a hug or a compliment every day; a mint, because you are worth a mint to your family and friends; bubble gum, to help you stick with it and accomplish anything you want; a pencil, to list your blessings every day; a tea bag, to relax daily and go over your list of blessings.

Purim falls near tax season. A “tax survival kit” and note can include these items (kosher, not chalav Yisrael): “If taxes have taken a Big Hunk out of your Pay Day, and you’re staring down a Rocky Road with no hope of Sweet Escapes, here’s a little Lifesaver to make you feel like you’ve gotten your Milky Way. Just sit back, Snickers, and grin, because you have in your hands the only $100 Grand the IRS can’t take away. Now isn’t that an Almond Joy?” (From 475 Gift Basket Ideas)

These ideas are merely suggestions to stimulate your own resourceful thinking. The important thing is to keep it fun, use your imagination, and get the kids involved. With creativity and planning, you can send beautiful mishlo’ach manos, even on a budget!