Want to contribute your favorite cookie recipe to our Virtual Cookie Swap? Email them on over (with photo, please!) to theavidappetite [at] gmail [dot] com, we'll start posting them as they roll in!
Since I'm not doing an official gift guide this year as my research time has been spent on cookies galore, I thought it might be fun to round up some of my favorite things that I've received in Christmases past or things that I would be thrilled to open on Christmas morning! Though not all things are food related, they are gifts that I love - either for function, thoughtfulness or both! Here's a few to start off with...
First up, magazines. Though I like mine of the food variety, any subscription to a glossy magazine is a great gift that really does keep on giving. Am I the only one who get unnaturally happy with excitement when they pop up in my mailbox each month? Currently, I have Food Network & Real Simple, but am always scouring for new ones!
Though they may be overdone (apparently there are glitter ones now?!), I can't help but continue to obsess over my Kona Uggs which have lasted me through 4 winters and are still going strong. As opposed to the original Ugg style (which I also own in red), these guys actually offer support for the tootsies while keeping 'em warm.
My kitchen wouldn't be complete without my set of mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons. While any set will do, I have a Williams-Sonoma set that I Love oh-so-much in a pale green color (though all I could find online are red, for which I also tend to have a penchant!):
Last Christmas, my sister Kimberly gave me a few of "The Classics" including Sense & Sensibility and Great Expectations. They have been published in fancy schmancy hard cover editions which really brighten up my bookcase. I absolutely love this since I haven't read many of these but feel it's necessary to co-exist in society. Know what I mean? Anyhow, I think it's a great gift for any readers in your life!
A great stocking stuffer that Shaun once received from my parents was a boatload of spices and a spider utensil. Since Shaun loves to deep fry tortilla chips, the spider really comes in handy for fishing 'em out, which the spices keep them deliciously seasoned. Oh and the giant containers are still going strong in our spice cabinet.
A cute puppy. A mere 14 years ago, this little cutie pie joined the Cannon family on Christmas Eve. Can you think of a better gift to find under your Christmas tree?
It's especially cute when you hide a t-r-e-a-t inside her stocking for said pup to find...
So there you have it. Part 1 of our fun gift round up. Since I have many more gifts that have tickled my fancy, I'll continue to post more things in the coming days. But what I really want to know is: What are some of the best holiday gifts that you've received?