Scrambling to get together a sweet and thoughtful gift for your family, a friend, or a neighbor? Don’t stress! Sure, you could race to the mall and sift through crowds and deals on socks. Or, you could spend a cozy day in the house and whip up some of these homemade treats. You can customize these any way you like; just pick a recipe that works for you. Don’t forget to stock up on lots of pretty jars and labels!
Cake/Cookie Mix in a Jar
Take any cookie or cake recipe you love and layer the dry ingredients into a jar or glass bottle. Then make two labels: a detachable one with a list of wet ingredients, and one with instructions for how to bake it. This is especially cute with oatmeal chocolate chip-the layering can be super festive if you use green and red M&Ms!
Homemade Candy
There are plenty of great recipes online (I personally love bonappetit.com and foodgawker.com) but one of the simplest things you can do is coat or dip things in chocolate. Chocolate covered almonds, graham crackers, marshmallows, or peppermint candies are always good fallbacks, but don’t be afraid to get fancy with homemade candied fruit peels: we’ll have a recipe for those coming soon!
Hot Chocolate
Mix cocoa powder, sugar, and any spices you like (cinnamon, ground up peppermint candies, or a mixture of chili powder and ginger are all fun options) in a clear jar. Give your gift with a candy cane, a small bag of marshmallows, homemade graham crackers, or a miniature bottle of your favorite alcoholic mix-in. My favorite is cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate with rum-what’s yours?
Mulled Wine/Hot Toddy Kit
Speaking of alcohol, if you don’t have to ship your gifts, consider presenting someone with a mulled wine or hot toddy kit. Simply find a festive box or gift bag, and fill with a clove-stuffed orange, homemade spice mix with individual tea filters, and either a bottle of good red wine or a small bottle of apple cider supplemented with another small bottle of rum.
If you’re still stumped or don’t have the time to make something yourself, consider going out to a specialty foods store and pick up something in pretty packaging. It might not have the quaint effect of homemade, but it will certainly do in a pinch. Good luck with gift giving to all your loved ones and Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!