By Richa Naidu and Helen Reid LONDON (Reuters) – Quality Street maker Nestle and Cadbury owner Mondelez are seeing higher sales of confectionery in Britain this holiday season driven by cash-strapped shoppers seeking cheaper gifts. Shoppers hit by inflation and higher mortgage rates are buying cheaper gifts this year, according to analysts and consumer companies. Some are snubbing toys and gadgets in favor of chocolate which, despite price rises over the past year, remains relatively inexpensive, executives say. “Boxed chocolates have had a particularly strong start, with a year-on-year increa…