Compiled by Ruth of Makey-Cakey

Homemade edible Christmas gifts are always a joy to receive, and knowing that someone has taken the time and care to make you something beautiful and delicious can be a welcome antidote to the over-commercialisation of Christmas that seems to be all around us.

However my enthusiasm for them conceptually is often outweighed by my lack of forward planning – I’m sure I’m not alone! Instead of busily preserving the best of the summer’s bounty so that come Christmas, I have a stash of nicely matured chutneys and jams to give, I generally find myself in late November with nothing more to show for my plans than a bookmarks folder on my laptop full of interesting pickles and a packet or two of labels and lids bought in optimism in August that this year would be different.

Written by Amy Green of Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free.
It's that time of year when everyone starts to hustle and bustle. I don't know about you, but I'm at that point in my life where the holidays have meaning beyond expensive gifts. I've got tons of stuff, as does everyone else I know.

What do you give someone with tons of stuff? A delicious gift made with love.

Here are some of my favorite gift ideas from Daring Cooks and Bakers. I hope you find something you can make for your loved ones this holiday season.

Written by LizG of Bits 'n Bites.

As Christmas decorations appear on street lamps and in store aisles, and the weather turns cold and damp, hardy stews and other comfort foods are replacing summer fare on the table. The holiday season offers a time to reconnect with friends, family and traditions. I was born and raised in Trois-Rivières, in the province of Québec, Canada. My childhood memories of that time of year include walking in the cold winter air, way past my bedtime, to sing in the midnight mass choir, then coming home to a slice of hot tourtière (meat pie) and cretons (pork paté) on saltine crackers. On Christmas day, my mother would prepare the turkey or the ham for dinner, with pea soup or a small serving of ragoût de pattes (pork hock stew) as an appetizer and bûche de noël (yule log) or tarte au sucre (sugar pie) for dessert. Looking back at it, I’m a little amazed at the meat and sugar content, but these were different times. Life was definitely more active.

Written by Michele of Veggie Num Nums.

The UK is a great place to be during the holiday season. There are a lot of fun, family friendly traditions, and plenty of good food. As with most other places, Christmas is especially exciting for children, and they look forward to a visit from Father Christmas all year long.

Written by Libby of Low GI & Omega 3 Rich Recipes.

Christmas in Australia at 40 degrees Celcius makes me feel as if I will melt over my chair. A little planning can help to prevent the heat rising in the kitchen!

In Australia the distances are great, and often family are split between cities across the continent, necessitating several smaller events. We used to spend alternate years between Sydney and my grandparents’ wheat/sheep farm in Central NSW. Now they have moved to the city in their old age, the farm is no longer our second home, and it is alternating back and forth between my folks in Sydney and my husband’s loved ones in Melbourne.

Written by Staci of Eating in Denmark.

I'm not Danish and I've only lived in Denmark for a year, but I've learned a little about what Christmas means to Danes and the many traditions involved in celebrating this most special of winter holidays. In addition to ubiquitous Christmas luncheons ("Julefrokoster" in Danish), their penchant for while lights and candles, and special holiday foods, above all else Danes value spending the holidays with close friends and family. Moreover, Christmas in Denmark simply wouldn't be the same without a nisse doll or figurine (household guardian spirit), stocking, or advent calendar in the house. While Christmas traditions might vary from region to region and even family to family, most of what I've discovered is consistent among most Danish families.

Written by Meeta of What's for Lunch, Honey?.

December is a wonderful month filled with the joy of the holiday season and excitement of children all bundled up in fluffy scarves and warm jackets. Colorful, glittering streets and the smiles on peoples faces. The crisp cold air and the warmth of a sparkling fire, in the distance you can hear the chimes of bells and Christmas carols and the air is filled with aromas of rich spices. The joy of Christmas is everywhere!

Written by Agostina of Pane, burro e marmellata!.

In Italy, Christmas time begins in the first week of December, when you can see all the shops with a new look, the streets are more enlightens and, above all, the people have got a more happy and kind mind.

On the 8th of December, the Immaculate’s Day, we make the Presepe (crèche, in english) - that represent the night that Jesus born in Bethlehem - and then it can be a miniature with the Holy Family, an ox, a little donkey, the Angel, the Comet and the Magi or it can be also a big representation with a country of papier – mache or cork, a little lake with a fountain, the shepherds with their little sheeps, some typical characters (as, for example, fishermans, an old woman that spins the wool, musicians, angels, etc.) - and / or the Christmas Three.

All the month until the 6th January, there are poor people that go house to house, piping Christmas songs and ask for a charity.

Christmas is a great moment for all…

Researched and Written by Evelyne of Cheap Ethnic Eatz.

Tonight I am having a mini baking marathon with a girlfriend. Our goal is to complete three recipes (including the December Baker’s Challenge which is due today!) And so last night I was ticking off which ingredients I had in my cupboard and which ones I needed to buy. With Christmas now less then a month away my head started reeling with possible treats I could bake this year. Another list in my head was forming of ingredient purchases to come.

Did I mention I have not even considered sitting down and making a list of gifts I need to buy? As much as I love the holidays it’s a bit tougher this year with the economy. We are all feeling the pinch. But I am a good baker…as you are I am sure. How about baking some treats for friends and family this year instead of gifts? Oh this could be a gold mind idea! I have baked in the past some hostess gifts but how about a large batch of various cookies, bars, and candies as a main gift!