Admit it. When you think of “making” or “baking” some type of holiday gift you think of cookies. Or maybe candy. No matter what it is I guarantee it’s full of sugar, and collectively there’s just too much of that going around this time of year (in my opinion)! I personally think there are many other little holiday gift ideas that are more exciting - and more original - than cookies, and since I like to play by my own rules here’s some of what I will be giving out this year…
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1. Homemade Vanilla Extract
One of my favorite things about this gift (other than how cute the bottles are!) is that you can make them in advance. In fact - this is a gift that will actually get better with time, which is quite the opposite of a lot of other homemade goodies. Simply slit two vanilla beans down the middle, drop them into 375 ml of vodka (I used the red Smirnoff) and within a few weeks you will have infused pure vanilla extract that someone can use in all sorts of recipes like granola, pumpkin bread, French toast, and oatmeal. And save some money by ordering your vanilla beans online instead of buying them at the grocery store! Amazon is cheaper for large quantities, but reviews are mixed. We get ours from J. Crow's Marketplace.
2. Assorted Whole-Grain Muffins
I adore all those cute treat boxes this time of year, and the ones pictured below from Michael’s Craft Store (that I purchased with a 40% off coupon) are no exception. But just because they are “treat” boxes doesn’t mean you have to fill them with cookies, sweets, and cupcakes…try thinking “out of the box” instead! Okay, kidding. There’s nothing like a cheesy joke to lighten the day. :) Anyway, pictured is an assortment of whole-grain pumpkin, zucchini, corn bread, and blueberry muffins or you could also add some banana nut or cinnamon raisin muffins to the mix as well. As far as I am concerned you can’t go wrong! (Hint: Make your muffins in advance, and store them in the freezer until gift-giving time.)
3. Seasoning Mixes
Whether it’s a meat rub for chicken or pork or a spice mixture for homemade ranch dip (or all three!) this could be yet another unique holiday present. Craft stores like Michael's and A.C. Moore sell cute little containers and jars - meant for wedding favors – and with one of their weekly 40% or 50% off coupons it could be a rather affordable gift idea as well. Attach a recipe card detailing how to use the spice mixes and you end up with another creative gift idea!
4. Homemade Granola Cereal or Granola Bars
This is what we eat (and love) for breakfast almost every single day so I can’t think of a better reason to share it with others. You could give the granola cereal version in a jar or gift bag or make some granola bars with dried fruit and put them in little treat boxes (which is what I gave out last year). Don’t forget a little recipe card to go along with it because you know you’ll leave them wanting more!
5. Homemade Bread
If you make your own bread either in the oven or in a bread maker you have an advantage because that’s just one more very thoughtful and tasty holiday gift you can offer. Whether you want to make the standard Honey Whole-Wheat Sandwich Bread or a Cinnamon Raisin Loaf I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed. I've actually given out loaves of bread as “thank you” gifts before, and they were very well received!
6. Glazed/Candied Nuts and Popcorn Mixes
This Cinnamon Glazed Popcorn recipe is easy to make and a crowd pleaser. I also have a standard glazed pecan recipe that we love, but don’t be afraid to mix it up by adding extra pepper or even making something with a stronger flavor like Thai Curry Cashews. You could also add in extras like plain popcorn, pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, or unsweetened coconut to make more of a spiced trail mix. The possibilities are endless!
7. Homemade Whole-Grain Pasta
If you have a pasta machine (like me!) then don’t be shy because just about anybody would love to get some fresh, homemade whole-grain pasta as a gift. You could pair it with a jar of organic and/or local tomato sauce and block of good Parmigiano Reggiano cheese if you really want to get fancy. It would make a very nice - and memorable - holiday gift.
8. Home Canned Goods
I personally have never canned anything (it’s on my to-do list!), but if your pantry is stocked with homemade pickles, salsa or whatever else you were busy making this summer then wrap a red bow around it and call it a day!
9. Frozen Meals/Soups
I do happen to have a lot of homemade soups in my freezer (in both small and large jars), and if you were giving a gift to someone that could refrigerate or freeze it again right away I think this so-called “meal in a jar” would be very much appreciated. Even a cold soup (or assortment of soups in small jars) that had not yet been frozen would be nice to offer as well. Think of those teachers that have to try to avoid the lunch line every single day!
10. Meals in a Jar
Rather than giving someone premade soups you could also create a jar full of pretty layered dried beans and spices along with a recipe card for making homemade soup. Also, I saw a picture on pinterest where someone made their meals at the beginning of the week in attractive layers in big clear glass jars (would love for someone to do that for me!). Once again if you are giving a gift to someone that could keep things cold this could be a very unique and useful idea.
11. Dried Fruit or Beef Jerky
If you have a dehydrator or know how to make your own beef jerky or dried fruit (cinnamon spiced apple chips, anyone?) in your oven this could also be packaged up in cute little bags and given as a holiday gift. I might have to experiment with this idea myself for next year!
12. Advent Calendars
This is a little off-topic since it isn’t a gift you give to others, but it actually is sort of a “gift” you give to your children as you count down to Christmas. I’m sure we’ve all seen those pre-filled advent calendars with a piece of candy or chocolate for each day, and two years ago I followed suit by filling my own little advent house with everything from skittles to M&Ms to gum, etc. Well, last year was our first holiday season since our switch to real food so I was racing all around town looking for little gadgets, figures, and toys that were small enough to fit in the little doors of our advent calendar. It ended up being a bunch of plastic junk that the girls quickly lost interest in…or actually just “lost” because they were all so small! So this year I’ve been inspired by an idea from This Lunch Rox to turn our advent house into a “giving house.” She created a gorgeous little “giving jar” with some amazing ideas, and since I don’t want to over commit our already busy family we are going to do a scaled down version of her brilliant idea! I am going to get a set of blank business cards from the office store and write little suggestions on them that my daughters can do each day on their own. Some examples might be writing a nice letter to their teacher, making holiday cards for children who are ill, writing a letter to a soldier overseas, or even giving extra hugs or compliments to others that day. I figure those little cards will fold up and fit in the doors of our new “giving house” nicely, and if I intertwine them with a few fun gadgets (similar to last year) it will hopefully be a smooth transition!
If you have any other “real food” homemade gift ideas please leave them in the comments below!
cidney says
regarding the vanilla, you need 375 ml of vodka for only two pods? do you do it all together at first and then dish it out among your containters or do you do it in each container?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Cidney. Yes, two pods split in half so you have four halves in 375ml of vodka. After it has developed, you can distribute it among your containers. You can put a pod in each container so it continues to develop and adds to its homemade look. :) ~Amy
Becky says
We make vanilla extract by the quart. When we gift it or sell it we pour it into the small jar with a vanilla bean. http://www.specialtybottle.com is a good place to purchase bottles of various sizes at a good price. We make bourbon and rum vanilla which are for more specialized baking.
@Stevie: Vanilla extracts (even from the store) and most extracts are alcohol based as that is the best way to extract the vanilla from bean to liquid. Imitation extracts typically do not have alcohol because they are flavorings.
Amber Best says
I just made my vanilla last week to be ready for Christmas. I need to find some cute jars, but do use pretty jelly jars for mine. I also make my vanilla with rum and it is amazing that way as well!
Pamrla says
You can find super cute bottles for vanilla extract and Cost Plus and Pier One.
Julie says
My grandkids are already asking if I am making peanut brittle this Christmas. It's great to make and give in tins because it makes a lot and once you get the hang of it, it is pretty easy to make. Homemade is so much better than that stale stuff on the box.
Vicki says
Don't forget about homemade laundry detergent! I use this recipe (without the orange extract): http://askannamoseley.com/2013/05/the-best-homemade-laundry-detergent-and-why/
Stevie says
Is there a way to make homemade vanilla without vodka or other alcohol?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Stevie. I know you can steep vanilla in liquids that you will be using in recipes in order to infuse vanilla flavor but I do not know much about the process. ~Amy
Natalie Ames says
I will be gifting some homemade seasoning mixes this year. I've started combining my own seasoning mixes (taco seasoning, seasoning salt, greek seasoning, etc) using recipes off the internet instead of buying the prepared mixes that are so expensive in the store.
Brenda says
Hi, can you give any more details about making the vanilla? It's all a bit foreign to me. Like, in what to do keep the two split breaks and vodka in while they are sitting? The jar right away, with cork? Then do you take the beans out? It looks like you have the whole stick in your jars, not just two beans? Thx!,
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Brenda. You can steep the two (or more) split beans right in the vodka bottle and then distribute to smaller bottles in a few weeks time. If you wish to place beans in each smaller bottle and steep each separately, that is fine, too. Lisa does not remove the beans. The flavor will continue to develop and it looks pretty. :) ~Amy
Tina says
With the vanilla extract, does the percentage of alcohol remain the strength that it has while being vodka?
Bethany says
It does but most of the alcohol evaporates once you cook it.
Jill says
Is there anything that we could use for the vanilla extract besides vodka?
Bethany says
A friend of mine used spiced rum and really enjoyed the depth of flavor that came along with it. Im not sure of any alcohol free options if thats what you were thinking.
Laura Clark says
Good day. I want to make the vanilla extract for Christmas gifts. The jars in your pic look like the size I would like to use. May I ask where you purchased yours, please? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Laura. Not exactly sure where those came form but there are many online sources. Here is one: http://www.specialtybottle.com/?gclid=CIXs7K6-lroCFcSd4AodLzMAsw. ~Amy
Cassie says
I love these ideas! For the vanilla extract, where did you get the glass bottles?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. Not sure where these exact ones came form but there are sources all over the web. Here is one: http://www.specialtybottle.com/?gclid=CIXs7K6-lroCFcSd4AodLzMAsw. ~Amy
Ruth Spesshardt says
Many of the things listed we already do for our friends... we make Christmas baskets with a variety of homemade goodies each year. We also include homemade Creamy Hot Chocolate & a new small homemade ornament and/or homemade holiday decoration. I also include the recipes for them. :) Plus each year we try to add something different, but at the request of our friends some of the things made have become a standard thing to include in the baskets.. the main request is the homemade Creamy Hot Chocolate. We have been told that they look forward to it every year. <3
~ Ruth
Robyn Small says
Can make flavored salts using dried herbs, 1 cup salt to 2tsp(?) dried herbs. Let sit for two Weeks shaking every day. Can place stem of herb on side of jar to indicate flavour. Can also do this with sugar and vanilla bean, citrus zest, and lavender. Happy creating!
Kasey says
Hi! I started the vanilla and it seems there is a film building up on the beans....is this normal? I followed your instructions with the vodka and beans in the bottles. I don't want to give my friends and family bad vanilla. Help!
Lisa says
Kasey - Yes that can happen...it's totally fine to use!
Alicia says
In the spice mixes, the ranch one is pretty straightforward, but for the pork rub, do you just add the Oregano, Salt, Pepper,and Cumin? And for the chicken, just use the dry spices from the recipe link of the Crock Pot Chicken?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Alicia. Yes, just mix the dry ingredients together. Hope everyone enjoys them. Jill
Jami says
I just ordered my vanilla beans from http://www.olivenation.com! I can't wait to taste the finaly product. Thanks!!
Jane Scruggs says
The link to vanilla shows prices that seem extremely high . . . they show 1/4 lb for $50. I found an organic vanilla (including shipping) for $20 . . .
Amy says
Hi, silly question but how many liters is375 ml? I wanted to make one big batch them separate. I have a 1.75 liter of vodka.
Thanks
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Amy. It's .375 liters, so, it would be just shy of 5 to make 1.75. Jill
Lynn says
We have a tradition similar to the one you posted about the giving tree. Sometime before December, we sit down with the calendar and put all 'must-do' activities on it. Example - school programs, town tree-lighting, and then begin to fill it in with must-do's. My husband and I figure out the best day for getting the tree, decorating outside, visit out-of-townn folks or invite folks in. Then we fill in with good-will acts - visit SPCA and take treats, letter to soldier, donation to food bank, etc. Lastly we fill in fun things - cookies, crafts, letters to Santa, hot cocoa and Christmas movie. Then I put up a chain with an activity on each that coordiates with the December calendar. Also, I keep track so if I need to make a switch-a-roo (ex - bad weather on outside decorating day) I can easily. Hope this helps and will be anxious to read other ideas.
kate says
For the Advent Calendar, no need to fill the kids with trinkets - rather create an Advent of Activities - one different per day, some fun (baking real food treats), some silly (camp out under the tree), some serious (reading t'was the night before...) I have a list! :)
Kemma says
I already have vanilla going for friends as well, been aging now for 2 months and looking dark and lovely, and was thinking what to put with it, the granola sounds like a terrific addition!
Maureen Bozek says
Homemade Christmas gifts are my favorite things to do!Thanks for some new ideas. Last year and this year I dried my herbs from my garden mixed them all together and made "Summer Harvest Herbs" packets in clear cellophane bags with a cute label and ribbon. Family,Teachers and friends loved them and I heard through out the year when they used them and on what! A gift that keeps giving! (Thank you Mother Nature!!)
Stephanie Pyne says
I have a question about the little tins that you put your spices in...what size are they? I don't have either of those stores around here, so I am trying to find some online. However, when I look at the dimensions they seem incredibly small. I was looking at the ounces of the containers. I am wondering if a 4 oz container is going to be too small.
Lisa says
Stephanie - I am so sorry to be getting back to you after the holidays (too late) with an answer! I hope it worked out for you regardless.
Tammy Kainz says
LOL, I had already thought about sending the vanilla as gifts. The advent GIVING calendar is an amazing idea. We have one that hangs on the wall with little pockets that I can slip little cards into. Thanks for all the GREAT ideas. I am all for sending gifts that people can really use and giving healthy gifts is even more of a bonus!!
Nikki K says
Hi There! Regarding the vanilla....how many beans go in each bottle? I wasn't sure if it was 2 beans per bottle (so 4 pieces), or it was 1/2 a bean (1 piece) per bottle? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Nikki. Yes, it's the 2 beans split in a 375ml bottle, but, if you have a smaller bottle, then you can split them. Jill
Cj Moye says
How about home made BBQ sauces. Especially for the men in your life. And of course salsa. Because the ones in the stores have chemicals and preservatives.
I make a smoky tomato soup base. That is canned. Then who ever I give it to. Just has to add milk or cream. Yumm. Smoke some tomatoes. And make a soup.
And I like condiments for cheeses. Like chutneys and pesto. Or dips for bread. With tapenade or basil and sun dried tomatoes.
I love your blog by the way. I eat clean. With the odd slip up. But I am a chef and I use no pre made sauces etc. just home made goodness. And I know what's in my food. Good for all of us to try
Cheers
Sarah Hillman says
Just a thought - homemade stock. I started making my own stock years ago and was amazed at how easy, tasty and let's face it - hugely superior it was to the store bought kind. A pretty jar with a ribbon and a festive handmade label could make for lovely presentation of a quart of homemade stock. (And who wouldn't love to receive something that will make their next few soups or stews extra delicious!?)
Anna says
I have a quick and maybe dumb question. How do you thaw frozen muffins and bread? I froze the whole wheat zucchini muffins and put them in the oven but the middle was still cold. I'm asking because I want to make them for gifts ahead of time and freeze them and mail them to family. Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Anna. I just allow them to thaw on the counter...no heating required. Jill
busygrammydonna says
Thank you for the vanilla extract recipe, I made for a cookie exchange gift, and I found the bottle at Michaels.
Tumbleweed Contessa says
I love this stuff! I have featured it on my Weekly Rays of Sunshine: http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com/blog/weekly-rays-of-sunshine/
Thank you for sharing! Great pics.
Julie says
Homemade infused olive oil - you can make with chilis, herbs,etc and put in small bottles with a cute sticker on it with the oil flavor
deborah says
Oh, I love this idea, Julie! I'll be making this for sure this year!
Kristin says
Love this post....wondered where you got your adorable advent house...also, the glass jars for the vanilla beans! (I'm already gearing up for Christmas! ;) ) thanks!
Kristin
Lisa says
Thank you! I got the advent house at Target (a few years ago) and the bottles can be found at A.C. Moore and World Market.
Terry says
What size are the bottles for the vanilla extract???
Terry says
Sorry, I found the answer once I read down the blog.
Sarah says
Ive made homemade Kahlua before, easy and oh so tasty! The friends and I always do a baking gift exchange which is super nice and easy
Lillian says
Thanks for the great holiday gift ideas. Just curious if you could share how's money you save by making these wonderful gifts. I love making homemade holiday gifts, but often find myself spending more money that way.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Lillian. I'm not sure that it's necessarily a money saver as much as it is just a change from the usual cookies and items of that sort. I find myself probably spending about the same. Hope you can get some great ideas for this holiday season. Jill
Torry says
Last year I gave out applesauce. 4 ingredients-apples, frozen blueberries, frozen apple juice concentrate (1/3 of a container per 5 lb of apples) and cinnamon. The blueberries and apple juice add so much natural sweetness that no cane sugar is needed.
Julie says
Hi! I'm making the vanilla extract for gifts this year. Do you leave the beans in the bottles even after 6 weeks? Do you leave the beans in the gift bottles & leave them in until the vanilla is gone? I'm making it today so just not sure if I need to leave the beans in the bottles I'm giving people for Christmas or strain them out?
Lisa says
I never take the beans out so you can just leave them in there even when you give them as gifts!
katie says
I came across this on pinterest. This year, I am doing flavored salts for all my friends. I took the crazy amounts of basil I had at the end of the summer, and instead of making pesto, I threw it in the food processor with kosher salt and then in the oven. I 've also done it with rosemary as well as thyme and oregano.
Zak says
2 more homemade gifts that always go over well and are easy to make
Homemade Irish Cream (takes less than 20 minutes) http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Original-Irish-Cream/
and
Homemade Kaluha (Must be made at least a month in advance anad requires darkness)
http://www.ehow.com/how_2069432_make-kahlua.html