• We could go on and on, but here are just a few other accessory ideas to help you create your own Christmas gifts and baskets.
• For the avid reader: Great book (perhaps one featuring fabulous food descriptions such as Under the Tuscan Sun), distinctive or personalized bookmark and a featured food item from the book.
• For the tea or coffee lover: Basket with selection of teas or coffees, pretty new cup or mug and homemade mini-loaves of various nut breads or cookies.
• For the pasta lover: Homemade pesto or tomato sauce, gourmet olive oil and selection of interesting pastas.
• For those who love to cook and entertain: Click here to order Betty Crocker's Best Christmas Cookbook or a subscription to a cooking magazine such as the Betty Crocker recipe magazine. You can also find them fun kitchen gadgets or Christmas decorations by going to this site's Catalog Shopping section.

Wrap It Up

From simple to elaborate, whimsical to the obvious, there are just reams and rolls of gift-wrapping possibilities.

• Begin by looking at what boxes, cans, bottles or other containers you can recycle. Foil, gift wrap, wallpaper, fabric and linen or paper napkins can easily cover the outside of a vegetable can; line the inside with colored plastic wrap. Or sponge paint or spray the containers with faux finishes before filling with goodies.
• If you are craft inclined, make sure to have a hot-glue gun handy, and then let your creativity lead the way. Ornaments, silk seasonal flowers or evergreens will stay put even when those package peekers wrestle through the hidden presents. Embellish boxes with buttons, old jewelry, coins or that odd collection of keys, nuts and bolts.
• Let kids get involved by wrapping gifts in plain white paper and then letting them color, sticker or stamp to their holiday heart's content. Or they can decorate the paper before the gift is wrapped.

Make Your List and Check It Twice

With such a fun, festive and aromatic time of year, try to avoid rushing or hurried attempts that create frustration and stress.

• Make certain that you are ready and prepared well in advance of your project. Look over the recipe or instructions for all ingredients and supplies.
• Perhaps you can make some items and foods ahead--look for shortcuts such as freezing homemade goodies in advance.
• Gather family or friends to share and "bake and make" goodies and crafts together.Enjoy the time you put into making your gifts--light several candles in your kitchen or wherever you're crafting and play holiday music you like.

May these gifts from your kitchen give you and yours pleasure throughout the holiday season. Happy Holidays!