No-bake Edible Christmas Gifts

I really love the idea of giving practical, edible gifts for Christmas, but am not a regular baker so my ambitious plans rarely turn out the way I expected. Generally the first batch is fine, the second is burnt or otherwise ruined because I am over-confident and the third is humbling when I realize they are not quite as pretty, or tasty, as expected. This season I am saving myself and my unsuspecting loved ones from my baking experiments and instead will be making the following gifts that are sure to please everyone on my list.

No-bake edible Christmas gifts

Tea bag Christmas Wreath
Who doesn't love tea? Not anyone on my Christmas list thankfully. Tea bag wreaths make an excellent reusable gift that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

What you will need for a tea bag Christmas wreath:

• Circular frame or old record for the base
• Clothespins
• Paint
• Fabric or decorative paper, optional
• Glue
• Ribbon
• Hot glue
• Tea bags

1. Paint the base with acrylic or spray paint. Allow to dry and then you can add decorative paper or fabric with a layer of glue. Alternately, a record can be left as is if you think the recipient of your gift would prefer to see the classic label. In that case a layer of clear spray paint can preserve the label.
2. Use hot glue to apply the clothespins directly to the record base. They should be applied so that the clip part is facing out. Line them up so that they fan out from the center around the inner label but not covering it.
3. Attach a ribbon hanger to the back of the record with hot glue. Fold a long piece of ribbon in half and glue the center to the record. The two ends can then be tied in a bow so it can be hung in your friend's kitchen.
4. Clip on a variety of tea bags. Packages for tea are typically beautiful. Alternate red and green packages and use a wide red ribbon to add a festive touch. If you are using more subdued colors of tea bags, use a gold or other complimentary ribbon.
   
   

Hot Chocolate Mocha Mix
Like tea, few people will turn away from a creamy cup of hot cocoa. Give your friends the gift of chocolate and you can be sure it will be enjoyed.

For a gift of Hot Chocolate Mocha Mix you will need:

• 3 tablespoons instant espresso powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup premium unsweetened cacao
• Miniature marshmallows
• Chocolate bar
• Glass jar
• Ribbon
• Card stock

1. Blend all the ingredients and then pour into a small decorative glass jar from the craft store. Fill to the top with miniature marshmallows. Look for a jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid so that your ingredients stay fresh.
2. Use a piece of ribbon to attach a tag with instructions, "Mix 3 Tbsp. hot chocolate mocha mix with 1 cup simmered milk."
3. Give the mix along with a mug, filled with miniature chocolate bars, additional spices like cinnamon sticks, candy canes or a chili pepper. Tie all the items in a piece of cellophane tied with a piece of ribbon.

Edible arrangements
More edible holiday gifts that require no measuring, crafting or baking whatsoever. A quick shopping trip and a little creative packaging can create edible gifts that will please the hard to please on your Christmas list.

1. If you are watching your pennies, it can be a good idea to start at the dollar store to pick up containers, cellophane and ribbons. Container ideas include oven mitts, cookie jars, baskets, pans or glass jars. You can also check Target, Marshalls or other discount stores to provide you with higher quality items.
   
2. Line your container of choice with colored cellophane and then fill with candies or nuts in their shell. Remember to include a nutcracker if giving hard nuts, pistachios do not need a special tool. A cookie jar could be filled with food coloring, colored sugar, cookie cutters.
   
3. Tie with a big ribbon.

More by Sylvie Branch:
Homemade Gifts for Kids by Kids
Tulle Time! Tutus and More
Fort Making Kit: Inexpensive Gift for Imaginative Kids