A quick check of the calendar confirms what we all suspect: Christmas will be here in only a few weeks. If that sends your heart rate into semi-panic mode because you haven't even begun your holiday shopping or you don't really have a lot of money to spend (or some combination of both), I think I can help. This year, think "consumable."

Consumable gifts, as opposed to durable gifts, are meant to be used up, not stashed in a closet for the next yard sale. Consumable gifts are meant to be enjoyed for a short while. Then they're over, done and gone. What remains are the memories, and that's what makes consumable gifts such a great idea. Here are five reasons you should consider giving consumables this year:

--1. No storage. Consumable gifts, because they are quickly eaten or used up, don't carry expectations. They don't have to be displayed, used, adored or maintained for the recipient's lifetime. I hate feeling obligated in that way, and I'll bet you do, too. Here are some ideas for consumable gifts: tickets to a cultural or sporting event; lift passes for a skier; movie passes; or a weekend of baby-sitting (by you, of course!).

--2. One size fits all. You don't have to wonder whether your gift of homemade fudge will fit the recipient. Everyone loves a gift from an experienced cook's kitchen. Copy one of your very favorite recipes. Then package it up with the main ingredients required for your recipients. Or give a child the gift of an experience, perhaps a trip to the zoo with you after the holidays.

--3. Non-perceived value. There's something off-putting about trying to figure out whether you're spending enough money to meet the recipient's expectations by hitting some invisible spending target. That can zap all the joy from giving. With a consumable gift, you won't worry about that, and neither will your recipient.

--4. Allows a bit of decadence. While consumable gifts don't have to be food, many times they are. Usually, they are nutritionally naughty. That's what makes consumable gifts so great.

--5. Saves money. Most consumable gifts turn out to be homemade (though they don't have to be). You can spend only a few bucks and come up with a gift that is really fabulous. Try doing that at the mall.

There's still plenty of time to make any number of wonderful things in your kitchen that you can package and give to those on your holiday gift list. Both my book "Debt-Proof The Holidays" and booklet "Gifts in a Jar" are packed full of ideas, recipes and instructions for how you can give great gifts everyone will love without digging yourself into a debt pit. You also can visit my blog, "Money Rules, Debt Stinks" (www.MoneyRulesDebtStinks.com) if you are looking for more clever gift ideas for the holidays, consumable or otherwise.

Mary Hunt is the founder of DebtProofLiving.com and author of 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living." You can e-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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