Confession: I just started my holiday shopping 2.5 days ago. Yeah. I know. I am one of those people.
Not like I intentionally waited until the last minute to do my holiday shopping, it just happened. I have been out of town a lot lately and honestly didn’t really think anything about it until just a few days ago and then it has been full on panic mode.
Another thing that has kept me from shopping is that I don’t know what to get for several people on my list and I only have a small budget this year. But being on a tight budget hasn’t stopped me from shopping before. In fact, I kind of like the challenge of sticking to a budget, and using my crazy coupon and savvy shopping skills to find a good deal!
Since I am sure others are like me, on a budget and doing last minute shopping (at least I hope!), I decided to put together a holiday gift guide for foodies with all items being $10 or less (with the help of coupons, of course!).
Holiday Gift Guide: Foodie Gifts Under $10:
1. Kitchen Apron- An apron is essential for anyone working in the kitchen or manning the grill. No matter how careful I am I always get stuff on my clothes and so an apron is absolutely necessary for me! Although I have several aprons, they are pretty basic and boring. I have longed for a cute and pretty apron to wear in the kitchen. A fun apron, inline with the gift recipient’s taste, is sure to be a hit.
2. Chocolate– If you give me chocolate, chocolate anything, as a gift I will love you forever and I don’t think there are too many other people in this world that would disagree! The wonderful thing about gifting chocolate is that you could spend $10 and get 2-3 “gourmet” chocolate bars or get a smaller chocolate treat, like a single chocolate covered strawberry, and pair it with something else like flowers or wine. Another option would be making a box of homemade chocolate truffles or peppermint bark.
3. Cookbooks– Cookbooks, and books in general, is one of my favorite things to give as gift. While they can be a tad bit expensive, you can still get great books at affordable prices. Consider giving an ebook (if you know the gift recipient has has an electronic reading device) or shop for vintage books at thrift stores or resale bookstores. You can also find great deals and discounts for books by shopping online sales and promotions.
4. Hand Soap and Lotion- Since I am always in the kitchen I am always washing my hands. This means a good hand soap is crucial! I also keep lotion near by, for when I am done in the kitchen, because all that washing drys out my skin. You can NEVER go wrong with fun, frilly, smell good hand soaps and lotions. And you could even gift a homemade body scrub.
5. Food Themed Christmas Ornaments/Decorations- One of my absolute favorite holiday traditions is picking out ornaments for each other that represent “us”. Since we are both foodies, we have a lot of food/cooking related ornaments on our tree. I love it and it makes our tree so personable! Putting together a collection of meaningful ornaments, is not only fun and unique, but is a small gift that will be treasured for a lifetime!
6. Magazine Subscriptions- I love, love, love gifting magazine subscriptions! It is such an easy and usually very affordable gift! When gifting a magazine subscription, I usually purchase the current (or older) issue and then tape a piece of paper or the subscription card found inside the magazine and write “A year on me!” and tape it to the cover of the magazine. I then wrap it all up and order the magazine subscription to be shipped directly to the recipient. Every person I have ever gifted a magazine subscription to loves this gift (it is the gift that keeps on giving!)! Some of my favorite food/cooking magazines are Southern Living, Cooking Light, Food and Wine and Cook’s Country. You can usually always find magazine subscription deals, promos or coupons this time of year for a variety of magazines covering all sorts of subject matter, not just cooking. Just check that the recipient doesn’t already have a subscription to the magazine you plan on ordering!
7. Wooden Pepper Mill- A wooden pepper mill is so classic and I think every kitchen should have one! Freshly ground black pepper makes a world of difference compared to the fine powdered stuff, and will help you need less salt. Plus I love the way a wooden pepper mill looks on the counter in a kitchen! So professional!
8. Gourmet Dog/Cat Treats (Homemade or Store Bought): Since I love my pup and kitty, I am super impressed when a friend or family member remembers my little fur babies and sends something just for them! Dog treats are really easy to make (I have several recipes here on Kitchen Concoctions), but if you are short on time, you can usually purchase “gourmet” treats for pretty reasonable prices!
9. Garlic Press- In addition to a pepper mill, a garlic press is essential to a well stocked kitchen. I use my garlic press daily, because who has time to chop garlic, and I love it. And while there are some pricey garlic press gadgets on the market, the one I have used for years, was a cheap $5 model and it works perfectly!
10. Flavored Extracts- I use vanilla extract all the time in my kitchen, but vanilla (and extracts in general) can get expensive! Gifting the baker in your life a bottle of good quality vanilla extract is a simple, yet much appreciated, gift. And if you have a bigger budget, consider giving a “collection” of smaller bottles in different flavors (vanilla, almond, rum, maple, etc.).
There you have it, a Holiday Gift Guide: Foodie Gifts Under $10! Ten foodie gifts you can really get for $10 or less!!! If you have done all your shopping, what are your favorite $10 or less foodie gifts? And for the rest of you, we are now T-minus 5 days until the big day!
Looking for more foodie gifts? Check out this Holiday Gift Guide: Cooking Gifts for Kids!
Leave a Reply