Edible holiday gifts equal tasteful alternative

Holiday Shopping 2009

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By Jalissa Bates

Want to give a sweet treat for the holidays?

Edible holiday gifts are a tasteful alternative to coursing through busy shopping centers for presents. With a few crafts and helpful Web sites, students can give a tasty treat without losing too much cake in their pockets.

To begin your holiday eats gift, search your cabinets for foods or desserts. Make sure they are worthy of being sent to another person and able to be eaten. Drop the dreaded fruitcake gift, and pick up something new. Also, keep in mind when selecting items of the possible receivers' likes and dislikes. Someone who is allergic to chocolate wouldn't appreciate a chocolate Santa or that you forgot this tidbit about him or her in the first place.

When giving a food gift, it is wise to remember exactly how the dish will be given. Whether it is delivered through the mail or carried in your hands, remember to use appropriate packaging materials. Use bubble wrap or peanuts for food held in glass or ceramics.

It is an act of kindness to give an employer a small token of your appreciation. Remember back in school, how thrilled you were to attend holiday parties? You just knew you were going to leave with a full stomach and gift giving. Why not combine the two?

With an assortment of unique ribbons, boxes and decals, you can turn any drab mug, pot or plate into literal eye candy. So what is acceptable to give, and what is not? Think about what you would like to receive as a gift.

Hot chocolate mixes, cookie platters, waffle and pancake mixes are popular gift ideas. Candy canes and spice drops can be used as garnish to dress up and add a sharp taste and edge to your idea. Live tea leaves inserted in a plastic bag with a decorated ceramic mug is a hot and soothing gift to give. For the traveler, create an international spices mix for those who appreciate pep in their food's seasoning. For the baker, a cake decorating kit can be assembled with frosting, paper liners and candles.

Christmas gifts in a jar are also popular. An assortment of pasta noodles in a large ceramic bowl with matching oil bottle for the Italian food lover will guarantee a smile and a possible invite for dinner. Don't forget your pets, and make them a yummy snack jar for their Christmas gift.

For the holidays, it is fun to create and give a gift that took time and tastes good as well!

Originally Published: Issue 824 - November 18, 2009

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