Thoughtful, homemade gifts bring joy to the giver and the receiver! As we gather with friends and family, these handmade treasures are perfect for sharing, whether for birthdays, holiday gift-giving, hostess gifts, or for that person who has everything.
HAndemade GiftS: Healing Teas & Tonics
Make and share homemade remedies! These recipes give the meaningful gift of health and wellness, requiring little hands-on time and delivering potent results. Place them in a cute bottle or jar, wrap them with ribbon or twine, and make a label.
Homemade Bitters
One of our favorite homemade gift ideas is making Bitters! They add flavor, complexity and depth to drinks and cocktails as well as being an important health tonic that can boost digestion and balance liver health. Making your own bitters is a fun and easy project that takes very little hands-on time! Perfect for holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.
Oxymel (a respiratory tonic)
Made with just three ingredients, this Sage Oxymel is an easy home remedy for throat and lung healing. Full of antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Perfect for making when sage is in abundance and great to have on hand to heal and soothe sore throats, coughs and colds. An ideal gift for family members!
Wild Rose Elixir
A simple Rose Tincture that opens the heart, quiets the mind and soothes the soul. Calming and uplifting it aids in overall well-being, balancing all 3 doshas. Made with simple ingredients, this takes only 15 minutes of hands-on time! ( Allow 24 hours – or up to 6 weeks for infusing). Use in water, as a healing tincture, or to flavor sparkling water, champagne, hot tea, or cocktails.
Herbal Tea Blends!
Three Herbal Tea Recipes you can make at home for sleep, brain function and liver support. Easy and adaptable, these herbal tea blends are nutritive and soothing and make great stocking stuffers and gifts.
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry Syrup is simple to make and tastes so good! Naturally high in immune-boosting compounds, elderberries help to strengthen the respiratory system and shorten the duration of colds and the flu. Whip up a batch and keep your family’s immunity strong and healthy throughout the cold season!
For the Hostess: homemade Sauces & condiments!
Going to a holiday party and don’t want to arrive empty-handed? Here is some fun inspiration!
Chili Crisp
This homemade Chili Crisp makes such a great gift. This shelf-stable recipe will elevate meals with a spicy burst of flavor and the BEST crunchy texture! Chili crisp is a spicy, flavorful chili oil with “crispy bits” that originates from the Sichuan province of China, used as a condiment.
Pumpkin Butter
Velvety smooth and dreamy delicious, this Pumpkin Butter is Autumn in a jar. Ready in about 30 minutes. Spread on toast, biscuits, waffles or swirl into oatmeal and yogurt. You will find many reasons to eat this luscious jam-like spread! Vegan.
Homemade Giardiniera
Want to preserve your fall harvest a little longer? Make giardiniera! It’s a tangy Italian condiment made with garden veggies, hot peppers, garlic, and spices, marinated in vinegar and olive oil. It makes a great hostess gift or delicious chopped finely and added to sandwiches!
Fermented Pickles with Garlic and Dill
How to make Manhattan-style, fermented Dill Pickles! A simple recipe for making the most flavorful, crunchy, tangy, garlic dill pickles with only 15 minutes of hands-on time. Full of healthy, gut-healing probiotics these little guys are perfect as a low-calorie snack, or sliced and added to sandwiches.
Fermented Hot Sauce – Simple and Delicious!
A simple, delicious recipe for Fermented Hot Sauce using fresh summer chilies, with no special equipment and only 20 minutes of hands-on time!
Jammy Roasted Ketchup
My kitchen counter is still covered with all stages of ripening tomatoes, which seems crazy for the beginning of November! I made this homemade ketchup the other day in preparation for a yummy meatloaf recipe (coming), and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Preserved Lemons!
Who wouldn’t want a mason jar full of preserved lemons? A simple easy step-by-step guide to making your own Preserved Lemons at home with only 15 minutes of hands-on time (plus 2 weeks preserving time). Use preserved lemons in dressings, marinades, Middle Eastern dishes, stews, and salads!
Pickled Jalapeños
How to make easy homemade Pickled Jalapeños -a deliciously tangy, sweet and spicy accent to tacos, burgers, soups, burritos, and more!
Coconut Bacon
Deliciously addicting, Coconut Bacon is perfect for snacking or a tasty addition to meals. Easy to make in just 15 minutes. A savory, smoky, vegan topping for salads, soups, wraps & avocado toast!
Pickled Shallots
Quick and easy Pickled Shallots require only 10 minutes of hands-on time before going in the fridge to chill. Use in sandwiches, wraps, and salads, to add a bit of zippy brightness!
5-Minute Hot Sauce
If you’re a Cholula or Tapatio hot sauce fan, you’ll love this homemade version that can be whipped up in just 5 minutes! Using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, this tasty 5-minute Hot Sauce helps you create the delicious flavor of your favorite hot sauce brand without having to run to the store.
Treats & BAked Gifts!
Let’s fire up the oven and bake! From our favorite granola to cookies to homemade crackers, there is something here for everyone’s palette. Vegan and gluten-free options, perfect for friends, family, neighbors and coworkers!
Dark Chocolate Granola with Cacao Nibs
A polyphenol-rich Chocolate Granola recipe made with cacao nibs, cacao powder, Ceylon cinnamon and olive oil – superfoods that heal and nourish the body. Delicious for breakfast or dessert! Vegan.
Cashew Ginger Chocolate Bark
Chocolate Bark with cashews, toasted coconut, ginger and sesame seeds – a festive snack perfect for holiday gifts or gatherings. Easy to make, in just 30 minutes!
A jar of Homemade Granola
Everyone loves Homemade Granola! Who wouldn’t want a mason jar filled with fresh homemade granola? Infused with cinnamon, cardamom, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, and baked until golden, it’s such a cozy, wholesome gift, perfect for the giving season.
Perfect Shortbread Cookies
Completely irresistible Shortbread Cookies are subtlety sweet with a tender crunch. Perfect as they are, or enhanced with your favorite flavors! These cookies improve with time, perfect for gifts and cookie exchanges!
Homemade Nut Bars (Kind Bars)
Delicious, healthy Nut Bars, similar to “Kind Bars”! A gluten-free, paleo, grain-free granola bar recipe that you will fall in love with!
Star Bread
How to make Star Bread – a simple, easy step by step guide to making the most delicious cozy winter treat, perfect for the holidays! (Recipe Updated 12/16/2018). Adapted from King Arthur Flour.
Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies
Richly flavored with melt-in-your-mouth yumminess, these Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies have the perfect buttery crunch. Relish them as is or take them over the top with chocolate drizzle or chocolate dipped.
Chewy Triple Ginger Cookies
Chewy Triple Ginger Cookies, with three kinds of ginger- ground ginger, fresh raw ginger and candied ginger!
Thumbprint Cookies with Walnuts and Apricot Jam
Classic Thumbprint Cookies enhanced with rye flour, cardamom, toasty walnuts, and apricot jam. Subtly sweet with a light crunchy texture and decadent flavor. These beauties are a welcome gift any time of the year!
Chocolate Sesame Cookies
Flourless and vegan-adaptable, these Chocolate Sesame Cookies are irresistibly tender, chewy, and divinely delicious. The perfect treat for gluten-free friends!
Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats
Healthy vegan Rice Crispy Treats are made with puffed 7-grain cereal, almond butter, ground cacao powder and a boatload of healthy omega 3-powered seeds- chia, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. A delicious chocolatey fix, full of nutritious ingredients. A fun alternative rice crispy treat that is perfect for sharing!
Maple-Roasted Candied Pecans
These Maple-Roasted Candied Pecans are a delicious gift! Made in just 15 minutes in the Oven with only 3 ingredients! Oil-free, Vegan and totally foolproof! The BEST recipe that comes out perfect every time! These are a perfect gift or stocking stuffer that most everyone will love! Keep them basic, or “spice” them up!
Crispy Seed Bars
Give Seed Bars! Nut-free, oil-free, grain-free, seed bars take only take 5 minutes of hands-on time before baking in the oven. High in protein and fiber, these all-natural bars make for a simple breakfast on the go or an energy-boosting midday snack!
Sourdough Crackers
Easy and adaptable homemade sourdough crackers are full of tangy wholesome flavor. A perfect use for your sourdough discard! Add seeds and herbs or keep them simple. These irresistible crackers make a welcome gift!
Rustic Seed Crackers
Light and crisp, these popular Rustic Seed Crackers are keto, gluten-free and vegan. This recipe is incredibly easy, flexible, adaptable, and full of toasty, rich flavor. They are the perfect snack by themselves and pair with most toppings. Bring to your next party and watch them disappear!
Jars of Goodness: Spice Blends!
Homemade Spice Blends are such a quick and fun gift to make and a joy to receive! Perfect for last-minute gifts. Pair them with your favorite recipe, or a cookbook from that genre, and you are good to go! It is a perfect way to share the love for cooking and introduce new flavors. Purchase cute spice jars and labels and put your own creative spin on them! Or make a selection or them and create a gift basket!
Homemade Chile Powder
How to make your own homemade Chile Powder using dried chilies in just a few minutes. A great recipe if you grow your own chilis! Easy, customizable, and deliciously flavorful!
Homemade Shawarma Spice
Aromatic Shawarma Spice is easy to make at home! Use this Middle Eastern seasoning on roasted chickpeas, vegetables, chicken, fish, lamb, and meats.
Northwest Salmon Rub
This quick and easy Salmon Rub is made with five simple ingredients you most likely have on hand. Savory, smoky and sweet, this combo accentuates wild salmon’s fresh flavor.
Chinese Five Spice
Give the gift of Five-Spice! Pair it with a Chinese Cookbook and voila! This Chinese Five Spice powder can be made in 5 minutes flat. Fragrant and flavorful.
Za’atar Spice Recipe
An authentic recipe for Za’atar Spice – a flavorful Middle Eastern Spice that can be used to season hummus, baba ganoush, vegetables, meats, etc. (My Egyptian Dad’s recipe.) This makes a wonderful gift!
Herbs de Provence
Herbs de Provence is a savory aromatic blend of herbs. Versatile and adaptable, this mix will enhance grilled and roasted vegetables and meats, soft cheeses, egg and potato dishes! Makes a great gift!
Cajun Seasoning Recipe
This simple Cajun Seasoning Recipe is made from basic pantry spices- easy to make in about 5 minutes! Customize your own savory zesty spice blend that is more flavorful than store-bought!
Wild Mushroom Powder
Easy to make in under 10 minutes, flavor-boosting Mushroom Powder has many uses in the kitchen adding delicious umami flavor to soups, stews, stir-fries, tacos, eggs, beans, and sauces! Who wouldn’t love a jar of this as a hostess gift!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Spice up your meals with Homemade Taco Seasoning! Made with simple spices you already have at home, this flavorful spice blend takes just 5 minutes to make- and you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
Dukkah!
Dukkah is a flavorful Egyptian spice blend made with fragrant spices and toasted nuts. Sprinkle it on soups, salads, eggs, avocado toast, and sautéed veggies… to give an earthy flavor and delicious crunch! Make a double batch and give as a gift!
Furikake Seasoning Recipe
How to make Furikake- a Japanese spice blend made with seaweed, toasted sesame seeds, salt and optional bonito and spices. Use on rice, veggies, fish or avocado toast! Vegan and Gluten-free. So good and perfect for sharing!
Ras el Hanout Recipe
A simple recipe for Ras el Hanout – an aromatic blend of spices used in Moroccan cooking to season tagines, meats, vegetables and stews. A perfect gift for the adventuresome cooks in your life!
Handmade Gifts for Home & Body
Non-toxic recipes for home and body are easy to make with food-grade ingredients! Clean and simple, these healthy products are the perfect eco gift.
Natural Kitchen Cleaner
Homemade, all-natural Kitchen Cleaner Spray made with lavender, thyme and grapefruit-infused vinegar. Easy and Simple! Adaptable scents.
Wonder Balm! (Shea Butter Body Balm)
Looking for more handmade gift ideas? How about this creamy Shea Butter Body Balm to soothe dry winter skin, tame locks, heal cracked lips, and moisturize dry hands and feet. Made with simple all-natural ingredients, scented with your choice of scent and essential oils. A little pot of this makes the perfect stocking stuffers!
And lastly, The Ulitmate Homemade Gift!
Your Sourdough Starter!
Why not give your favorite baker a little jar of your own sourdough starter with personalized care and feeding instructions? It’s giving them an excuse to try a new experience in the kitchen: sourdough baking!
FAQS
It is an acronym for “do it yourself.”
Homemade spice blends are quick and easy!
Homemade cookies, Spice blends, Homemade crackers, Bitters, and Tea blends.
More Favorite Collections
30 Handmade Gift Ideas: Homemade Vanilla Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 ounces
- Category: diy, sauces
- Method: mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Here are 30+ handmade gifts that you can make in your kitchen! A joy to make and receive! Plus an easy recipe for homemade vanilla. Allow 6-8 weeks for the best flavor!
Instructions
- Split the vanilla beans in half lengthwise with a sharp knife, leaving the ends intact.
- Place the split vanilla beans in an 8-ounce jar and cover with the rum. Seal and shake.
- Store in a cool, dark place; a basement, or a lower kitchen cupboard works well. Let sit for 6-8 weeks. The longer the mixture sits, the stronger the flavor will be. Give a good shake every week.
Notes
- If gifting, divide vanilla among smaller bottles with 1-2 vanilla beans. Seal, label and wrap with twine!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
- Calories: 13
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Thanks for one marvelous posting! I enjoyed reading it.
Thanks Saly!