Cheap Edible Christmas Gifts from the Heart for Less Money

My husband and I are always looking for inexpensive gifts that are memorable, and cheap edible Christmas gifts are a great idea--perhaps this year more than ever. Here are a few suggestions for inexpensive edible Christmas gifts.

Quick Breads: Nothing says "Happy Holidays" better than home-made gifts made with care and love. And what makes a better cheap edible Christmas gift than a loaf of your favorite quick-bread? Whether you prefer Harvest Loaf or Banana Bread or Gingerbread, a loaf can be made for a few cents and some time.

Herbs and Spices: According to the story of the Magi, spices were among the original Christmas gifts, and they are a wonderful way to show that you care to your loved ones. On-line purveyors such as World Spice Merchants or Penzeys offer the option of decorative containers in which to put them, or you can find your own containers. The great thing about spices is that you can introduce your friends to interesting spices that they may never have used before such as true cinnamon (as opposed to cassia, which is what we are used to using instead of true cinnamon in America) or grains of paradise. Online vendors also offer an extremely fresh and high quality product at a very modest cost.

Cookies: This is Santa's favorite snack, and it makes for a wonderful and beloved Christmas gift. Make a batch of sugar or gingerbread cookies cut into familiar Christmas shapes and decorate festively. These cheap edible Christmas gifts are traditional, delicious and will be fondly remembered.

Cookie Mix: Here is a creative variation on the cookie theme - make a cookie mix in a jar that your recipient can make themselves. Layer all the ingredients that you will be using into a Mason Jar, print a card with instructions on how to prepare the cookies, and top the jar with a decorative cocktail napkin or tissue and ribbon. For a few cents and a few minutes of time, you have just made a fun and memorable edible Christmas gift!

Vegetable Seeds: This is a wonderful gift because you are giving an activity for later in the year, and, potentially, a family activity. You will be remembered throughout the year as the cucumbers and corn begin to produce, and onward through the autumn as the winter squashes come into season. Present the seeds in an inexpensive basket or an organza gift bag with some ribbon.

Candy: Make a big batch of fudge or hard candy. It will remind your loved ones of Christmases with Grandma, years ago. There is nothing quite like homemade candy, and it is a fun way to make your own cheap, edible Christmas gifts.

Pie Kit: Pick out a fancy pie dish at the local discount store or thrift shop, then load it up with the pre-measured ingredients for a favorite pie. Again, you are not just giving a dessert, but you are giving a great family activity and a memento, in the form of the pie dish, by which to remember the occasion.

Bread and Oil: Bake some home-made bread if your kitchen talents run that way, or buy an artisan loaf from the bakery and pair it with a bottle of olive oil seasoned with your favorite flavors. Package the oil in a decorative bottle, and present the gift in a basket or an Italian style, wrapped in a stretch of plain paper and tied with twine.

Cheap edible Christmas gifts are a fun way to save money during the holiday season without giving up the gift-giving tradition. They are often just as well received as more expensive gifts-sometimes more so, because the giver puts so much of themselves into the gift. Enjoy and happy holidays!