Healthy Food Gifts for Christmas

Photo from the website of bettermom.com

Healthy Food Gifts for Christmas

During the holidays, opportunities for gift giving abound. Friends, neighbors, teachers and youth leaders impact our lives all year, and deserve acknowledgement.

Picking up a box of candy or a scented candle is convenient and quick. But if you can spare a little extra time, it’s fun to offer healthy and delicious alternatives that you have created yourself. They can enjoy your present right away, or save it for another time!

Whole Grain Crackers & Unique Jam

Last year our Christmas gift budget was tight. So I made batches of marmalade and gave them out with whole wheat crackers. Turns out, everyone loved getting something they didn’t usually buy for themselves. You make think this idea is too simple. But you will be giving them a nutritious snack or even a party appetizer to use during the busy holiday season.

You can purchase crackers, but making the from scratch isn’t hard and the result is yummier. If you go for a store-bought jam, look for a low-sugar version in a flavor you know that person really likes, or an unusual flavor like beach plum or currant. Locally-made preserves or honey is another neat choice.

For a special look, place homemade crackers in a small tin lined with wax paper. Tie a ribbon around the jar with a small label to identify the flavor. Then put everything in a small basket or gift bag.

Soup Mixes

Jarred soup mixes are available in the gift area of most department or grocery stores. The problem is that they usually contain dehydrated vegetables and broth, plus a lot of salt. And you don’t know how long the container has been around. The answer? Buy the separate ingredients and assemble it yourself.