From homemade marshmallows and tootsie rolls to cookies, cakes and candies, Paula has something for everyone on your gift list this year. A gift from the kitchen is a gift from the heart and a gift of love. Why break the bank buying presents for everyone on your list when you can make a unique gift for each. The key is in the presentation.

Paula’s love of junkin’ was her inspiration for packaging this holiday season. With the old and new treasures she found throughout the year, she was able to present her humble gifts from the kitchen in fun ways. At Habersham Antiques Market here in Savannah, Paula picked up single pieces of milk glass, jadeite, vintage pyrex and other inspiring containers. None of the items she purchased were over five dollars and she made sure all can be used for something else after the holiday goodies are gone.

Take her Homemade Tootsie Rolls. She packaged them in a mid century drinking glass and set it atop the bottom half of a milk glass butter dish where the lid had broken. What a cute gift! Filled with delicious homemade chocolates to eat now with a drinking glass for later and the milk glass butter dish bottom makes the best soap dish by the kitchen sink! Or, how about Bodeen’s Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits. The perfect gift for every pet lover on your list. Paula packaged the biscuits in a dog dish she bought for one dollar at a yard sale. Wrapped it all up in newspaper to be clever and tied it with a brown satin ribbon. All total, she spent under five dollars for a one of a kind gift. Paula also bought a small jewelry box filled with vintage brooches while junkin’ in Atlanta two months ago. The cost of each brooch worked out to be under five dollars. She used the brooches as a sparkle at the top of a stack of cookies like the Top Secret Chocolate Cookies. The cookies were stacked and tied up with a beautiful grosgrain ribbon and a brooch on top. What girl wouldn’t appreciate that? Chocolate and diamonds all in one!

Don’t let the stress of holiday gift giving hamper your holiday fun. Look to Paula and her website for fun and delicious recipes, like her festive Red Velvet Biscotti, she whipped up just in time for the holidays. Her gift to you is the entertainment you will get when you read the articles in our food section while you shop for a homemade gift idea. Just remember to think outside the gift box! Happy Holidays!