The holidays are here, which means moms everywhere are shopping for last-minute gifts, making their homes festive for parties and family gatherings, and cooking or baking up a storm. With the economy still in a slump, why splurge on food and fun? We’ve gathered our favorite Web sites for holiday craft and food ideas that can double as the perfect, homemade gift from the heart.

Looking to finally make that gingerbread house this year? Marian of sweetopia.net shares her sweet and easy directions to achieving your perfect home -- gingerbread home that is. Guests are sure to leave in admiration. For other ways to get your home in the holiday spirit or for great gifts all your friends can take home, blogger Heather of dollarstorecrafts.com offers simple -- and cheap -- ideas for all your holiday needs. For other crafty ideas, craftsbyamanda.com offers tutorials on DIY projects, like making angel ornaments from lightbulbs.

If you’re in search of sweet and savory, Eila of fullplatecookinglessons.blogspot.com serves up some tasty treats, from savory Christmas tartlets and jingle bell pasta to sugar cookies and royal icing. Guests are sure to be begging for more cookies, so wrap six treats in colorful cellophane or place them in a box from The Container Store. For even more ways to satisfy a sweet tooth, Cindy, a blogger at moomettesgramsrecipes.com, shares everything from “sweet gift ideas for the holidays” to “white chocolate rum fudge” -- guaranteed to please everyone on your list this year.