WTP: enjoy your fun and creativity, but I hope you realize that your bubby was extravagant for her time and there can be a happy medium.
My grandmothers when I was growing up sent to 10 people at most (close neighbors and family). A typical mishloach manos consisted of 2 hamentaschen, a slice of cake, a fruit (maybe two) and I think that’s it. All this was placed on a paper doily in a foil bekele with a clear cover or maybe in the foldable cardboard box with a cellophane window. And “recycling” was the norm and not something to be ashamed about.
Some people enjoy “patchkening” and it’s cute. But it shouldn’t be expected. And every family has Purim seasons they are simply too busy to do so. When people feel pressured to more than they can, whether with creativity or affordability, because EVERYBODY makes a big deal, we have to step back and refocus. Peer pressure unusually comes from within and is something to be worked on, yet way too many people are insecure and this won’t change so fast.