Shopping during the holidays has turned into something in which we are meant to spend money, even a lot of money, to get the right presents. Children want the latest in gaming systems like Xbox Kinect or new Wii games. Adults want larger televisions and many other material things. It can be expensive to shop at the holidays, especially when the money is not there. Instead of being wise we take out our credit cards, and suddenly we seek payday loans in order to make the minimum monthly payment when we spend too much.

Whether this is what you have done in the past or you have seen others do, there is a solution that can mean much more. Yes, clothing is not something we like to get because the gifts are meant to be fun rather than useful; however, there are other gifts you can obtain for certain individuals on the list.

Neighbors, your post person, co-workers, and others may be on your gift list. Even friends may be on your list rather than just immediate family. Should this be the case, you can go back to the kitchen. A great recipe can mean a lot more than a box of cookies you buy. The recipient will know you took your time to prepare their gift, thus it will feel like it came from the heart. Even if you do not know if the person will eat what you bake there is a good chance they will recognize the thought you put into it. They may even decide to re- gift it to someone they know.

The point is you do not have to be afraid of using recipes from your own kitchen to make gifts for those you have little acquaintance with or for those you cannot really spend a lot on. Friends will welcome delights from your kitchen and you can gift one type of food item to many friends. Favorite sauces, cocoa, bark, honey walnut butter, trail mix, and many other recipes can make a nice inexpensive, but thoughtful gift.

The gift does not have to be dessert related. It can also be something healthy like health food bars. The idea is to create something that means a great deal to the recipient based on the time and effort it took you in making it. Effort and kindness last longer than any material gift.

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