Healthy Eats Gift Guide: What to Make & Share

‘Tis the season for gift giving. Instead of swapping piles of high calorie foods (there are enough of those to go around already) check out our fresh and fun gift ideas.

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Gifts

Whether it's for Hanukkah, Christmas or just because, 'tis the season for giving gifts. If you're interested in giving away food-related gifts, skip those high-calorie candies or basket of sweets, and check out our ideas instead.

Make-Your-Own Ideas

I like to go beyond the usual cookies and candies when I'm prepping homemade goodies. Last year, I made bottles of cranberry-infused vodka and pretty bags of spiced nuts. This year, I’m doing bottles of homemade vanilla extract along with a healthy muffin recipe -- all easy and affordable!

If you don't have time to do that, go for spice collections from Penzeys or Dean & Deluca or jams from Stonewall Kitchen. Gourmet fruit baskets can also spread some healthy cheer -- order from Harry & David or head to your farmers’ market to make you own with local, seasonal favorites.

Food-Free Spin

Yummy holiday gifts don’t have to be edible. Inspire healthy cooking by giving one of our favorite kitchen gadgets along with a recipe to try them with.

Page Turners

If your giftee isn't a big cook, try sharing a little food know-how with books such as Michael Pollan’s In Defense of Food or a new cookbook that catches your eye. Ellie Krieger’s So Easy is perfect for the busy family, and Deborah Madison's What We Eat When We Eat Alone might interest the solo cook or the food curious.

Party Favorite

If you're headed to a holiday soirree, the trivia game, Foodie Fight, is perfect for your host. I received the game a few years back and we still love whipping it out -- works great at cocktail parties or for a quiet night at home.

Giving Back

There's always someone who has everything, so give a gift in their name. Make a donation to local food bank, plant a tree or let your recipient choose their favorite charity.

Share Your Recipes

If a friend or family member is looking to eat healthier, lead by example and gift them your treasured recipes. Sites such as KeyIngredient.com allow you to upload recipes and print your own cookbooks.

I’ve also discovered ways to make custom printable recipe cards by using free templates that are available online. Here’s one I recently made for part of a bridal shower favor:

recipe card
TELL US: What creative gifts are you giving this year?

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