• You don't have to go into debt to give a Christmas gift that the recipient will enjoy. Food gifts are special in that they come with your loving efforts and personal touches. Your friends and family will appreciate the lengths you went to in order to provide them with such thoughtful presents.
  
  

Blond Brownie Mix

• Blond brownie mix is a unique gift because it is something that can be used at a person's convenience and comes in packaging you can decorate. Layer the dry ingredients and add chocolate chips, coconut and/or chopped pecans in a large Mason jar. Between the ring and the lid, place a 4-inch-by-4 inch-swatch of square Christmas fabric that has been cut with pinking shears for decorative edging. Use clear tape to attach a 3-inch-by-5-inch recipe and instruction card to one side and a small greeting card to the other.
  
  

Cheese Log

• Store-bought cheese logs usually taste bland. Make a cheese log that will have your friends hoping you give them the same gift every year. This recipe makes several logs so that you can divide it among several friends without breaking the bank. Combine 2 pounds of sharp cheddar, 1 pound of mild cheddar, 1 package of cream cheese, 2 pounds of American loaf cheese with chopped pecans and enough garlic to taste. Roll in chili powder and wrap in wax paper, tying Christmas ribbon on each end. Include a sleeve of dinner crackers with your cheese log.
  
  

Peanut Butter Treats

• Tins filled with sweets are often a Christmas favorite. Noodle Ooples are a crunchy treat made with one package of dry chow mein noodles,1 jar of peanut butter and a bag of butterscotch morsels. Simmer the peanut butter and morsels in a double boiler until melted. Stir in the noodles and remove from heat. Dip spoonfuls onto wax paper to cool then place in the tin box.
  
  Another tasty peanut butter treat is the ever-popular batch of buckeye candy. A mixture of powdered sugar and peanut butter are rolled into balls, chilled, then dipped in melted chocolate. Peanut butter cookies with chocolate candy centers complete your gift package.
  
  

Puzzles

• Have fun with cookies by turning them into puzzles. Cut out traditional Christmas trees, bells, snowmen, and angels. Then slice them into two to five pieces and bake. Carefully layer the cookies in a box with tissue paper to keep them separated. Kids will have fun playing with their food and, for once, parents won't mind.