Baking Homemade Christmas Gifts, Cookies, and Hot Cocoa Mixes

by Deborah
(Epsom, UK)

Today's economy is difficult for everyone, and the holidays can bring pressure when you're short on cash.

Over the years, I have learned how to save money by giving homemade Christmas gifts. If you're good at baking, you can mix up batches of cookies, brownies, cupcakes, etc. and give them away in inexpensive, attractive cookie tins or festive containers.

You can even decorate cheap plastic containers using permanent markers in festive colors. Just draw on some trees, holly berries or write a message over and over. You can even personalize the container.

Put a pretty ribbon on top and you've got a great gift. Even if you don't bake very well, you can also find recipes for these same items, and measure out all the ingredients and layer them in a pretty, clear container with a lid. This also works for hot cocoa and special coffee mixtures.

You can even buy ready-made mixes in a dollar store and repackage them at home to make it look festive. Does the recipient like tea?

You can purchase several boxes of different teas and make a nice variety arranged neatly in a personalized container.

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