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Despite profiting off the Yuletide spirit every year, I am always taken aback by the insane consumerism that grips one and all in December. Now that the economy has dipped more than just a toe into the whirlpool of recession, it's time to get creative with the gift giving. Here are a few ideas for the food lover on your list that won't haunt your Visa bill like the Ghost of Christmas Past.

 

USED COOKBOOKS

A few years ago, the average person would be offended to receive a used cookbook as a present. But in these eco-conscious times, anything previously owned is the ultimate green gift. And while they don't have the selection or return policy of new stores, used bookshops offer handsome first editions, out-of-print books and esoteric volumes that can make for a highly original gift.

BMV Books (471 Bloor St. W., 416-967-5757; two other locations) has the best selection of used and remaindered cookbooks in the city, some titles hot off the press. You can find most of the big names including Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Donna Hay.

A smaller, yet more interesting selection of culinary tomes can be found at Balfour Books (601 College St. W., 416-531-9911), where I recently scored The River Caf�© Cookbook and a first edition of Julia Childs's Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

 

WINE GLASSES

Most people own crappy wine glasses. You can rectify this situation without spending a bundle at The Kitchen and Glass Place (840 Yonge St., 416-927-9925). From tiny sherry glasses to big burgundy bowls, they carry a staggering array of stemware. I recommend both Lara and Belfor, two brands of crystal glassware from Bohemia, Czech Republic that cost around $20 for a box of four.

Even cheaper, at two bucks a pop, are the IVRIG stem-less wine glasses from IKEA (www.ikea.com). They are delicate enough to enjoy a $25 bottle of wine, yet dishwasher safe. And without a stem, Bob from accounting is less likely to tip a full glass of red onto your carpet at this year's office party.

KITCHEN GADGETS

In this economy, stocking stuffers are the new presents. And when it comes to stocking stuffers, it's hard to beat kitchen gadgets. As a professional cook, I am of the opinion that if you use it once, it's worth owning, and my collection of gadgets has grown so big that I have to store the excess in a large red toolbox under my sink.

My favourite shop for culinary tools is The Cook's Place (www.thecooksplace.com) on the Danforth. They've got a huge wall crammed with everything from Microplane zesters to Zyliss ice cream scoops to hard-to-find gnocchi boards. Best of all: most of these gadgets are under $20.