Bon Appétempt's $25 or Less Holiday Gift Guide

Inspired by some of my favorite food blogs' holiday gift guides (here and here), I've decided to do my own, but in (sort of) Bon Appetempt tradition, I'm sticking to items under $25. Sound good? Let's see:

1. Weck glass jars. If canning's your thing, Weck is your bling. Matt came up with that. But seriously, these jars, made in Germany since 1900, make a great gift—empty or filled with something delicious. Heath Ceramics, Sold in sets starting at $6.50

2. McClure's Spicy Pickles. So maybe giving someone a jar of pickles isn't normal, but if you have someone in your life who remotely likes pickles, do them a favor and gift them a jar. They will freak out. Surfas, $11.56.

3. Summer Cooking by Elizabeth David. First published in 1955 and then again in 1965 with a revised and enlarged edition, Summer Cooking by Elizabeth David feels like the mid-century’s companion to Waters’ The Art of Simple Food. Of avocados, David writes: “They are, I think, at their best served alone, as a first course, with nothing but a dressing of salt, pepper, oil and lemon. Some people like to stuff them with mixtures of mayonnaise, ham or even lobster, which to my mind diminishes their flavour, and makes them sickly.” Get this for any history, food, or book lover. Powell's, $12.95

4. Magazine subscriptions! Don't sleep on magazine subscriptions, people. They are the gift that gives all year and maybe even another one, too. I recommend Saveur and Harper's. At first glance, both may seem a bit highbrow, but dig on in and soon you'll feel right at home. Before Harper's turns all essays and critiques, it offers a series of short, often excerpted pieces, which are usually shocking and sometimes hilarious with titles like: Mommies, You Bastards. Harper's, 1 year for $16.97. Saveur, 1 year for $19.95.

5. Jonsi, Go. This album is amazing. If you don't believe me, check it out here first. iTunes, $9.99.

6. Wesafari, Sea Survivors. Tell that special someone you love them with the gift of Wesafari's new album Sea Survivors. This Seattle indie rock powerhouse's latest record is amazing. But again, don't go blindly into the night. Preview the track Hiccup here or check them out live here. iTunes, $9.99.

7. Homemade marshmallows. These went over well last year. Remember? Make a big batch and hand out to coworkers and neighbors. About $10 + your time.

8. Bon Appé-tote bag! If you're reading this, you probably need a Bon appétempt tote bag. Stop being crazy and purchase one here! Etsy, $15.

9. Updog spinning or yoga class. I don't just sit around screen-printing tote bags, drinking Bloody Mary's with the brine leftover from McClure's Spicy Pickles and bon appetempting all day without turning it up four to five times a week. If you're in the L.A. area, give the gift of spin! Tevia Celli-Recht's class just may change your life. Updog Yoga + Cycling, $16-20 per class.

10. 3-D cookie cutters. Do you love sugar cookies but hate the fact that the little reindeer shape you just cut out and baked can't stand up vertically let alone pull a 3-dimensional cookie sled? Me too. I'm making mine Tuesday. Results to come! Heath Ceramics (Not available online. Call the LA store at 323-965-0800.), $25.

11. Vintage copy of Heartburn. Uhm, see last post. Amazon, used copy from $0.01.