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!
BetsyD says
Vanilla beans are on sale at Olive Nation thru today with free shipping....much cheaper than the other sites mentioned in this post. Here's the link to the coupon code and website~ http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/one-day-left-20-off-vanilla-beans-and-chocolates/comment-page-1#comment-287871
Jan says
Your uncooked gift ideas are great! I am gearing up to make the vanilla extract - meaning I have the vanilla beans but need to get the vodka.
In the past I have given herb infused vinegar for a oNO cal salad dressing. You just pour white vinegar over a favorite herb bunch put the stopper and allow to set a few weeks. Tasts great.
Jocelyn says
Please tell me where to find those pretty glass jars with stoppers for the vanilla. I looked on Amazon and could not find that size/shape.
Thank you,
Jocelyn
Ash says
I got some for decently affordable at Beanilla.com :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
...and here is another source: http://www.specialtybottle.com/. :)
christy says
How long will the homemade vanilla be good for? Thanks! Can't wait to make it!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Christy. Since it is mostly alcohol, pure vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life. ~Amy
Stephanie says
I'm planning to make the homemade vanilla and wanted to know about how many weeks before it's ready to use. I'm not sure it will be ready at Christmas so I want to tell people when it will be ready. Also, does it go bad after awhile if it's not all used right away?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Stephanie. It needs to steep a few weeks, at minimum, and will keep maturing as long as the vanilla bean stays in. Pure vanilla extract should have an indefinite shelf life very much like the vodka it is steeping in. :) ~Amy
Molly says
Where did you get that wooden Advent House calendar? I love that versus the paper ones.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Molly. Target! :) ~Amy
Melissa says
Found this website for bottles for the vanilla and small tins for the spices. Thought I would share.
http://www.specialtybottle.com/
Danielle Griffes says
I made the vanilla extract today. We brew our own beer occasionally, so I used old beer bottles and corks. They turned out really pretty. Thanks for the idea!
Michelle says
I was wondering where you found the bags for the cinnamon glazed popcorn? Making the vanilla today!!! Thank you!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Michelle. You can usually find them at stores like Michael's. Festive cellophane bags, in general, are pretty easy to find this time of year. ;) ~Amy
Cynthia says
Don't forget pomander balls. They look easy to make and pretty! Only oranges and whole cloves. A simple non-toxic air fresher. Display in a bowl, hang on your tree, give as a gift.
Susanna says
This is great! I've been trying to thing of better gifts and I love this vanilla idea! I didn't read all the comments, but I did see a few that asked about the advent calendar, and I have the same one and it's from Target :)
Amie says
I make apple pies and freeze them for holiday gifts. Then they have a homemade frozen pie on hand whenever they need one!
me says
An idea about the advent calendar....
My mom made an advent calendar out of felt. The top part has a blank tree and the bottom half has 24 pockets (four rows). Each pocket contains an ornament to go on the tree. Examples: candy canes, round ornaments, little toys etc, presents to go under the tree. The last ornament is the star for the top of the tree. Each night we put one ornament up. No candy involved and a tradition since I was a kid myself.
Krista says
WOW!! So I use vodka to make homemade vanilla extract and I can still use it for my kids in their yogurt?!?! I did a little research just now and I guess I never really thought about the alcohol content in store bought extract. But with this homemade recipe it's the same thing?!?! Just feel a little weird to fill up a bottle with vodka and then pour some in my kids yogurt for school lunches!!
Nadia Ramos says
I was wondering if anyone knew how many "beans" come in the 4 ounce package?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Nadia. Maybe 10. That is a bit of a guess. :) ~Amy
Shawnee says
Thanks for the inspiration! Can't wait to do this! My question is......if I make it this weekend will that be enough time to give the extract as gifts for Christmas? Did it ferment enough......4 or 5 weeks? Will they be able to enjoy a great taste by then?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Shawnee. It should be fine. The longer you allow it to steep, the stronger the extract will become. So even if it has not developed as much as you would like it to in 5 weeks, leave the bean in and it will continue to develop. You can give it at as a gift regardless. ~Amy
Kimberly says
Can you use a different alcohol to make the homemade vanilla? I can not drink vodka.
Thank You,
Kimberly
Brittany says
Hi, I have heard you can use bourbon and it gives it a more full taste! I haven't tried it, I'm doing vodka.
Katie says
I was hoping to find time to make natural bird feeders this year, for our feathered friends.
And while not food related, I have noticed many of our neighbors letterbox numbers are faded or missing. So I'm going to slip new ones in their Christmas cards.
Christine says
Hey Lisa,
Where did you find your cute advent calendar? Thanks! Christine
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Christine. I'll let you know if Lisa remembers the exact spot but you can find them, this time of year, all over the place. Look at Target, Walmart, and stores like Michaels (which might be your best bet). :) ~Amy
Maura says
Hi,
So regarding the rub recipes, I click the links pork and chicken and the rub ingredients are the dry spices listed? Do you have a beef rub recipe? My family is really big on spice rubs but not so much with ranch.
Thanks,
Maura
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Maura. We don't have a rub to replace the ranch. This recipe has a combination of spices that might work: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/12/19/recipe-slow-cooker-flank-steak-fajitas/. ~Amy
Dawn says
Where can I find the cute bottles for the vanilla?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Dawn. Here is one source: http://www.specialtybottle.com/corkedbottlesmi.aspx. ~Amy
Leli says
Thanks for the ideas! I made a big batch of vanilla extract this morning. I'm super excited to use them as homemade, unique and totally usable hostess gifts this holiday season. I ordered organic vanilla beans from livesuperfoods.com. They arrived quickly and were pliable, sticky and smelled heavenly. I looked for organic vodka but apparently there are only one or two brands, none of which are available in my area (having them shipped was crazy expensive) so no luck on that. BUT I did do a little Googling and learned that Absolute vodka is GMO free because it's made in Sweden where GMOs are not allowed. And as a bonus, my house smelled insanely good all day after after slicing up the beans! Thanks again! Love!!
Danielle says
Hi Amy,
I am wondering about the size of the bottles - I have found 4oz. bottles that look like this, but 375ml would require a 12oz. bottle. Do you have a link to the bottles or approximate size dimensions?
Thanks so much - love this idea and can't wait to get started.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello. Lisa purchased her bottles at a local craft store but you can find any shape or size online. Here is one example: http://www.specialtybottle.com/corkedbottlesmi.aspx. ~Amy
Sandra says
Hi! Love this idea and just placed my order... question... does this have an expiry date or is it safe to consume for long after? Thanks.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Sandra. This should answer your question: http://www.eatbydate.com/other/baking/how-long-does-vanilla-extract-last-shelf-life/. ~Amy
Marianne says
I have been making my own vanilla for years. I slit, mash the beans and toss the entire Madagascar vanilla bean stalk (5 or 6 stalks) into a bottle of cheap vodka (a half gallon) and let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least three months. After three months I then strain some of the vodka through a piece of cheesecloth. The rest I leave in the bottle with the vanilla beans until I need more.
Maria says
You're vanilla recipe requires 2 bean pods per 375ml of vodka (approx. 12.75 oz). Other recipes I've seen require 3 pods per 8 oz. Will your recipe need to soak longer or will it be weaker in flavor?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Maria. I am not sure about other recipes. This is the recipe that Lisa uses and allows them to steep for a few to several weeks. She also does not remove the seed pods. ~Amy
Heidi says
I have been using an advent house for 4 years now...each day I put a different family activity in the door. Examples are: inside tent camp-out, scavenger hunt, game night, ice-skating etc. the kids love it and look forward to it every year - especially the tent!!
Meredith says
About the vanilla extract- do you leave the beans in the bottle until you run out of extract or should you remove them after a certain amount of time? Also, while infusing do these bottles sit on the counter or need to be in a dark cabinet? Finally, does something happen to the alcohol content or am I essentially gifting vanilla flavored vodka? Not that that's a problem, just asking...
Sally says
I've had the same bottle of vodka & beans for a few years now. I just add vodka and more bean pods from time to time (maybe a handful of times a year?).
Lindsey says
I also have questions about the vanilla extract- 2 beans for each 375 ml of vodka, correct? And do you leave the beans in there to continue fermenting after the 2 weeks? If they should be taken out, to the beans need to be scraped at all>? thanks so much!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Lindsey. That is correct. And, Lisa says she never removes the beans. ~Amy
Shawna says
A pastry chef friend of mine suggested using brandy instead of vodka. Have you tried that?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Shawna. We haven't but apparently our readers have tried other forms of alcohol with much success! ~Amy
Johanna says
How many vanilla beans do I need to purchase to make 10 jars? Is it 2 beans with 375ml vodka per jar?
Thank you!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. That would completely depend on the size of the jars/bottles you are filling. And yes, it is two vanilla beans split in half (so you have four pieces) in a 375ml vodka bottle. ~Amy
Christina says
If you use a rum for the vanilla extract should it be a white or dark rum?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Christina. I think that would be up to you. A couple readers suggested spiced rum. Each different alcohol would infuse a somewhat different flavor. ~Amy
Camille says
How many ounces is 2 vanilla beans?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Camille. This is a rough guess as the sizes will vary. But, I would say 2 large beans are 2-3 ounces. ~Amy
Kendra says
I'm making homemade cleaners for friends this year. I don't like using harsh chemicals around my apartment, so I make a lot of my own cleaners. Friends have expressed interest in this, so I thought I'd give them as gifts this year. Good plastic spray bottles are available for cheap on Amazon, and vinegar based cleaning recipes will be filling them! Put a cute label on the bottle, and a bow around the neck, and it is a super cute/practical gift.
Jennifer Fraser says
Another candy-free advent idea we did last year is to wrap up a bunch of short children's books individually and each day let them pick one to open and then snuggle with them and read it!
Theresa says
Since my daughter was diagnosed Type 1 diabetic four years ago we stopped getting Advent calendars with candy in them. One year we hung a string of miniature stockings with the days counting down (found them at a craft store) and filled each one with something different. We had three young kids at the time so some days was a Bible verse picked for each of them, or a small gift (miniature decks of playing cards etc that we found at the dollar store in multi packs, or we simply put a dollar for each kid in a couple of stockings. Then I discovered that they make advent calendars with some of our kids favorite toys. Littlest Pet Shop, Barbie and Hot Wheels have been some in the past. This year the youngest (the diabetic one) is twelve and the others are much older, so we are down to one advent calendar and I splurged on a Lego Friends calendar that will be given as a birthday present (her birthday is Dec 1st!) due to the expense. We encourage the older ones to create their own advent calendars after Thanksgiving. Thanks for the DIY ideas for gifting. Working with a budget can be very difficult come the holidays and almost all of our gifts will be DIY. I am even making some jewelry for the daughters this year and sewing ties for the adult sons and the hubby!! Hope they like them!
Jennifer says
For the Rub recipes that call for garlic cloves- I assume you can substitute with garlic powder- but how much powder?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Jennifer. The conversion is 1 garlic clove = 1/8 tsp garlic powder. ~Amy
Natalie says
Where did you get the bottles for the vanilla extract? What size are they?
Thank you!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi. They are readily available online but I've not researched where to find the best price. Lisa bought hers at a local craft store. There are all shapes and sizes, too. It just depends on how much you wish to make and separate into smaller bottles. Having a bean in each bottle also adds to the look and keeps the flavor developing. ~Amy
Danielle says
These are brilliant! I was having anxiety over what to do this year for my grandmother when my dad mentioned how much she loved my homemade marinara I canned and sent to her. Then you posted this on FB. Perfect!
Amanda says
I love all these ideas but I especially love the giving house idea and will be doing that this year. Where did you get your house from?!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Amanda. Not sure where this one came from but you can find various versions of advent houses and advent calendars throughout stores during the holiday season. Target, Walmart, department stores, and places like Pottery Barn Kids have them every year. You can usually find little pocket versions of them at the Target dollar spot in mid-November. :) ~Amy