It’s that wonderful time of year again when the snow is beginning to fall, the town square is being covered with twinkling lights, everyone is being kind to one another, and, oh yeah, you have that huge list of people who you need to find a meaningful gift for pronto. And unfortunately your bank account is suffering the damage of having survived yet another semester of college.
Almost immediately, all your joy and holiday cheer comes crashing down when you see your pitiful bank statement. How will you ever survive the holiday season? It seems you are doomed to be the Grinch of your family with no gifts to give and no joy to spread. Fear not, for here are the best holiday food gifts that will rise you back to the ranks among Santa Clause.
The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Mug For Your Grandma
Photo by Jenny Hill
At every family gathering it seems inevitable that your Grandma is going to give you the full summary of the latest book she has been reading. And what better pairing is there for your avid reading Grandma, then curling up on the couch with a good book and some rich hot chocolate?
Help your Grandma bring her book reading to the next level by giving them a mug filled with different flavors of hot chocolate, homemade marshmallows, some candy canes, and even a $5 Barnes and Nobles gift card if you’re feeling really generous.
Homemade Granola For Your Sister Who Just Graduated College and is “Finding” Herself
Photo by Jenny Hill
Maybe like myself, you have that older sister who spent the majority of her summers inside on the couch watching TV. Yet all of a sudden she is graduating college and has decided she is into nature and the “crunchy granola” lifestyle.
Despite the freezing temperatures, she insists she must go trekking outside on an outdoor adventure with her new hip friends to find herself. And what better way to fuel her hike than some homemade granola? This can be cutely packaged in a decorated mason jar or even a small Nalgene bottle.
Cookie Mix in a Jar For Your Cousin in College
Photo courtesy of Rebekah Koontz from rebekahkoontzsite.com
Before we know it, our time of home cooked meals will have ended, and it’ll be back to dining hall cuisine. Ease your cousin back into the horror with some homemade cookie mix. Simply measure out all the dry ingredients for your favorite type of cookie and layer them in a jar. Add some ribbon and a note explaining how to finish off the mix and bake the cookies, and you’re done.
Oreo Elf Feet For That Random Twice Removed Aunt
Photo courtesy of Corrie Munson from quilttaffy.blogspot.com
If you’re feeling extra crafty, try this cute gift. You can dip your Oreos in chocolate, cover them in sprinkles for a little extra holiday cheer, and then simply use construction paper to make the elf’s feet. Your crazy somehow related to you aunt will be so distracted by how adorable it is, she won’t even realize it only took you 20 minutes to make.
Candy Sleigh For Your 5 Year Old Cousin
Photo by Jenny Hill
Got a younger cousin who is crazy about all things Christmas? Then this is the gift for them. Plus, giving a young kid an edible, sugary sleigh made of candy can only make the family Christmas party more interesting. Nothing’s better than a kid on a sugar high.
Reindeer Beer For Your Dad
Photo courtesy of Kim Schreur from lifeofamodernmom.blogspot.com
Most guys just want a nice six pack of beer to get them through the madness of family gatherings. Give your dad exactly what he wants, and add this nice twist to show you did more than stop at the convenience store down the road five minutes before you arrived.
The Christmas Movie Snack Kit For Your Mom
Photo by Jenny Hill
We all know our moms long for the good old days when we used to all watch the classic animated Christmas movies together as a family. Give the gift of holiday-themed movie snacks. We’re talking caramel or white chocolate popcorn, chocolate covered pretzels, and peppermint bark. Never again will your family suffer the agony of humoring your mother and watching the Christmas Story marathon on Christmas Eve without adequate snacks to last them the whole 24 hours.