It's the time of year for buying presents, but it's not always easy. We all have that one person that really hard to buy for, or we might be feeling the pinch on the wallet at the moment. 

So Mike van de Elzen has some ideas for making your own food-based presents!

First up, Christmas cookies. Make up a shortbread dough, roll out and cut with your favourite Christmas shape. I would try and add in some more flavour like raisins, cranberries, dark chocolate chunks or sprinkle with some LSA

Chocolate crunch Simply buy some chocolate, melt it in the microwave and pour onto some baking paper, then sprinkle with chopped nuts, dried fruit, goji berries, sliver hail or coconut flakes. Break them up and package with love.

Jams are really great! especially at this time of the year with strawberries in abundance. 

For something a little less sweet? Olives could be an option. Buy olives in bulk, a big can or jar. Greek bulk food stores are everywhere. Simply mix them with olive oil, peppercorns, lemon rind, chili and fresh rosemary. 

Flavoured salts are very much in trend. Simply buy some flaky salt in bulk and  mix  them up with flavours. The great thing about adding ingredients to salt is what ever you add the salt will take on the flavour by sucking up the moisture and preserving it.

Good flavours that work really well. Rosemary, vanilla, chilli, mushrooms, lemon rind, lavender, basil or simply smoke it

Flavoured vodka! Just go out and buy a big bottle of cheap vodka and re-bottle with your own flavour twist!

Why not try spiced citrus, peppercorn and lemon rind, chia seeds, red grapes  and cinnamon sticks, or cucumber & tarragon?

Making you own Christmas presents may take a little bit of time but adding a bit of personality is worth all the money in the world