‘Tis the season to indulge. And with the holidays right around the corner, parties and gifts are on everyone’s mind. While getting and giving gifts is a fun holiday tradition, it can also be a costly one. This year consider skipping crowded malls and hitting your own kitchen instead.

A homemade kitchen creation can be both inexpensive and delicious. Coming up with smaller gifts for neighbors and friends can be fun and is sure to stand out. Family lifestyle expert, Donna Erickson, suggests baking a favorite dessert and wrapping it for someone special. For example, go beyond the expected holiday cookies and share a pie recipe with someone who is just starting to bake. You can also get a new pie plate as part of the gift and bake your own special pie in it.

To create your special gift from the kitchen, don’t be afraid to try shortcuts and convenience products that will make baking fun for the entire family, and will give you a delicious dessert to share.

Visit www.pillsbury.com for pie recipes and other holiday food ideas.

Produced for General Mills.