Have you made your Christmas shopping list yet? Let me guess.
Golf balls for Dad?
A new pair of kicks for hubby?
Maybe a Sephora gift card for your best friend?
Yeah. Okay. Maybe that's our garden-variety list.
But, I think we can all agree that it's easy to run out of creative gift ideas.
Of course, you want to give something that's affordable but also thoughtful. Original yet practical.
But, because we've entered into this "adulting" stage, it seems everyone has everything they need and want, or if they don't, they buy it for themselves before you get the chance.
Grinches.
Here's an idea. Why not give a gift that will bring joy to you and your family and friends?
? SPOILER ALERT: You know what this gift is because I mentioned it in the blog title. I mean, that's why you clicked it, right? So, let's cut to the chase.
You are a food blogger. This year give the gift of a food blog cookbook.
What?! I know, right? Novel idea...
You'll achieve YOUR dream of publishing a cookbook, while also mass producing a gift for every person in your life. Can I get three cheers for efficiency?!
- I'm not ready to publish a cookbook.
- I don't have enough time to create a cookbook in less than three weeks.
- But, I can't afford to publish a cookbook.
We hear you quacking, Mother Goose. But, when you're spinning your wheels and making excuses, who you gonna call? MYTHBUSTERS!
- Yes, you can.
- Yes, you are.
- Yes, you do.
Creating a cookbook doesn't have to be an extensive, expensive, or even elaborate process.
It can be as simple as this. And you know we love simple. Keep reading below.
Pick 5, 10, or 15 of your favorite food blog posts.
Waltz to your blog and pick out your posts for the cookbook. Hopefully, you took the time during the year to use high-quality, engaging photos. If so, you're all set for your cookbook too.
You could select posts that got more shares or comments. Maybe choose posts that had strong messages or stories that would resonate with your gift-receivers. You could also theme your cookbook, like everyday meals, party appetizers, or date night.
Easy.
Make sure to read through the posts again to edit out clunky sentences or catch any grammar mistakes. Then, compile your posts into an MS Word Document. See below for more details.
Use Lulu to create your book and publish.
Lulu is a self-publishing tool where you can create, sell, or publish a book. It's an on-demand print service, so books and calendars are shipped in 3-5 days, while digital downloads are ready instantly.
Quick.
You can learn how to format your posts for the book here and even give it a simple theme with a minimal style to match your blog - offering continuity and letting your pictures do the talking. All it takes is that MS Word Document we talked about.
And for your book cover? Lulu has its own Cover Wizard to guide you through the process.
Depending on the book size, paper, and binding, the prices vary. But, a Landscape Photo Perfect Bound Paperback, Full Color is only $12.59 for 20 books.
Affordable.
Lulu has a forum jam-packed with tutorials, advice, and inspiration. But, we think you can wing this one and have a custom-one-of-a-kind-from-yours-truly-gift ready in no time and no sweat!
Have a friend who could use this gift tip? SHARE the post with them on Facebook!
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