The holidays are a time for giving — and showing people you care about them. If you’re a gift-giver who loves adding a touch of personalization to what you’re presenting to your friends and family, homemade food gifts are the perfect way to do just that! Not only is a culinary-inspired gift thoughtful, but it’s also practical, as the receiver can use it whenever the time is right.
Discover five homemade food gift ideas that will bring joy to your loved ones this holiday season.
Family recipe booklet. A book of cherished family recipes is the ultimate personalized gift. While an acquaintance may not understand its impact, it’s perfect for your close friends and family. Curate your personal favorites or combine hits the entire family loves into a book that can be copied and given to multiple people this year. Make it even more personal by adding pictures or stories to each recipe. In addition to passing down family recipes, you’ll create a memory that lasts generations.
Spice blends. Give people something they can use to spice up their sides, dressings, and dips — a spice blend. Instead of buying a pre-made blend from the store, combine garlic powder, salt, dried parsley, dill, thyme, and basil, and you’ll have someone on their way to making their very own ranch dressing or dip. Or you can combine oregano, salt, dried parsley, garlic salt, onion powder, white sugar, ground black pepper, dried basil, thyme, and celery salt for the makings of an Italian blend which can be used in dressings or to season meats or roasted veggies. Place your blends in clear plastic ornament balls and tie them with a ribbon for a festive touch.
DIY spa kit. Many people head to their kitchens for quick at-home self-care remedies. Why not save them the trouble of rummaging through their cabinets for the right ingredients? Create an at-home spa kit for the beauty and wellness lover in your life. Using a mix of coarse salt, sugar, and essential oils, you can make scrubs and facial masks for your loved ones this holiday season. Package them in decorative jars or baskets to gift a relaxing, pampering experience they can enjoy at home!
Homemade vanilla extract. Know any bakers or mixologists? Homemade vanilla extract is an excellent gift for the holidays! You can make vanilla extract that yields enough for the whole family with Tahitian vanilla beans, known for their floral, fruity aroma, and rich flavor profile, and a few other simple ingredients. All you have to do is combine 5-6 vanilla beans with a cup of vodka or bourbon in an air-tight jar. Then, store it in a cool, dark place for at least six hours (or up to two months), shaking the jar periodically to ensure ample flavor. Pour into a decorative bottle, label, and gift with recipe inspiration for baking, desserts, or beverages.
Handmade ornaments. With cinnamon, applesauce, and a little bit of glue, you can make homemade ornaments to gift to friends and family. In a mixing bowl, combine a cup of ground cinnamon with a cup of applesauce. Add two tablespoons of white school glue for added firmness. Stir until it forms a thick dough, then roll it out and use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes. Use a straw or toothpick to make a hole to loop a string through for hanging. Then, allow it to dry for 24-48 hours. Once dry, use craft paint to make these ornaments works of art! Loop decorative string or ribbon through, then tie the ornaments to a card or another gift for giving.
You don’t have to break the bank to give meaningful holiday presents. Get crafty this year and make something unique and special for your tdhjvtnm loved ones!
