Gifts here, gifts there, gifts are coming and going everywhere. Your gift list is carried with you throughout the day. With every window you pass and every catalog that comes in the mail, your eyes are searching for those elusive, "unique" gifts. Today you’re feeling pretty good because during lunch you got to put a check by Uncle Bob’s name - a gift certificate from his favorite deli. Until that last name is crossed off your list this season, your mind will be preoccupied with shopping, shopping, shopping. Does it seem that the most frequently asked question in your day has become - "Got your shopping done yet?"

Slow down, relax, get out of the rush of people, money and stores and walk into your kitchen. What is more unique than a gift of food?  Since you are planning on baking and cooking those holiday favorites for your family, why not just double the batch and give some away? The recipes have already been proven and the mess will need to be cleaned up anyway so just pick up some extra ingredients and turn your kitchen into the gift shop.

Here are some suggestions:

• Look in your cupboards, pantry, refrigerator, freezer and wine cellar. What do you like to eat or drink? Can you offer this product in the form of a gift? Did you do any home canning or winemaking? Put a decorative holiday label and ribbon on a jar of pickles, jam, relishes, peaches, etc. and you have a great gift idea for a neighbor, teacher, or mail carrier. Do you have frozen fruit or jams? Put together a few items in a box and give to that needy family at church or down the street. How about taking a bottle of your own wine wrapped in tissue to the hostess of your next party?
• Baked goods are always received well. Are you making some ethnic Christmas breads this season? Make some extra loaves and put them in clear disposable bread bags tied with some curling ribbon and let the recipient see what they’re getting. Holiday breads are so pretty they don’t need extra wrapping. It’s just as easy to let 3-4 loaves of bread rise as it is to let one loaf rise. Do the same way with cookies. Double your batch of Christmas cookies and put them in decorative tins or stack them in clear mason jars. People enjoy seeing their surprise right away. Maybe you make a great cheesecake? Why not use this talent to make some gifts. Who wouldn’t want to receive cheesecake in a white cake box tied with a bow? Better than fruitcake anytime!
• What are you cooking this season? Your family loves your special dressing? Chances are your busy cousin Mary with the two teenagers at home will too. Make up a second batch and place in disposable foil pan, cover with aluminum foil and freeze. It’s something to pull out and bake to put on the table during a busy season. This can be done with many casseroles, stews, soups, etc. Become creative with special dishes of your own to give away. Making cranberry relish for your holiday table? Make an extra batch to put in small jelly jars and give them away at the office. A little goes a long way. Be sure to include any cooking instructions with the gift along with the recipe.
• Another great idea is a unique gift basket. For example, someone that likes to snack may like a basket that contains, cheese, crackers, homemade dip, a bottle of wine or maybe a 4-pack of pop. Or for the popcorn connoisseur, a bag of popcorn and popcorn seasonings placed in a large new popcorn bowl is fun! How about baking ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, etc.) for the bread baker in a new linked loaf pan,.

With these suggestions, before you know it, many names will be crossed off your list! And you didn’t even leave home!