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Spend your mini budget buying your foodie this mini kitchen scene. 'Do Yourself a Flavor' Christmas tree keepsake ornament from Hallmark.

What to do when you have a food lover or cooking fan on your holiday list and your heart says, "Go!" , but your budget says, "No!"? I like these ideas for gifts that are well below $25 or just scraping under the limit, but all worth every penny.

• Barefoot Contessa Dessert Baking Mixes - Choose from yummy mixes like Outrageous Brownie Mix or Raspberry Shortbread Cookie Mix - none are priced above $15.
  

• For the chocoholic baker on your list, Valrhona Cocoa Powder - on sale at Chefs for $4.99 right now - is a real steal since this is reputed to be one of the finest cocoa powders in the world. A treat for even the most discerning gourmet.
  

• The Spoonula Set by Rachael Ray is $14.95 for a set of 3 sizes at Cooking.com in three bright colors: blue, orange and green. I have these and adore the way they work - they make spooning and scraping a breeze.
  

• I adore my mezzaluna for fast chopping without risking my fingers, and this one from Nigella Lawson (love her, too!) is a fabulous find at $15.95 from the Food Network Store.
  

• 3-Piece Sushi Kit by Joyce Chen at Cooking.com is a whopping $3.60! This comes with a sushi mat, a rice paddle and a booklet with diagrams and instructions to get you started making sushi and you'd still have enough money leftover to buy "Sushi for Dummies"!
  

• Gift Baskets - Don't count out the big guys like Harry and David and Dean & Deluca. Both have selections of gifts for under $25!
  

• For the cook with attitude, the Casserole Queen apron, retro-funky-sassy, sells for $19.99 at Seul Boy.
  

• A three tiered tiffin box, a.k.a. Indian lunchbox, is a bright alternative to the usual brown bag and sells for $14.95 at AngelinHome.com.
  

• Hallmark has keepsake ornaments that are perfect for the cook in your life. The King of the Grill Keepsake Ornament for $12.50; the Do Yourself a Flavor Keepsake Ornament for $12.50, and the Coffee Lovers' Tree Keepsake Ornament for $12.50 are all totally cute ways to decorate a tree with a cooking theme.
  

• Carlton has two cute ornaments for diner lovers - Mom's Diner on sale for $11.25 and Dad's Diner also on sale for $11.25.
  

• Desert SonLight carries food and fruit scented candles that are all under $20 and Target has several as well like the Cinnamon French Toast Candle Tin selling for $11.99.