Anyone who has lots of leisure time and excess money (know anyone like that?) can go out and buy fancy edible gifts, but is there anything more personal—and thoughtful—than a homemade treat? Try one of these super simple, inexpensive ideas to show the recipient that you’re willing to go the extra mile for them.
1. Cake Mix: Instead of baking a cake for your holiday hosts, make them a mix! This way, you’ll share a favorite sweet with them without making them feel obligated to serve it that day.
Here’s How: Choose a favorite cake, muffin, biscuit, or cookie recipe and pour the dry ingredients (in layers for an attractive presentation) into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Use a pretty ribbon to tie a tag to the jar with a list of wet ingredients and baking instructions.
2. Nut Bark: Nix pricey store-bought peppermint or nut bark and make your own in less than 30 minutes.
Here’s How: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat about 2 cups chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) in 30-second increments, stirring between each heating, until completely melted. Pour the chocolate onto a parchment paper–lined, rimmed sheet pan. (For added flair, microwave two colors of chocolate in separate bowls and swirl them together in the sheet pan.) Sprinkle the melted chocolate with toppings such as crushed candy canes, sprinkles, chopped nuts, candied fruit, and toffee bits. Cool in the refrigerator until firm, then break into medium-size pieces and package in a decorative tin or small box.
3. Signature Granola: Give harried hosts homemade granola and save them from having to make a fancy breakfast the morning after preparing a big dinner.
Here’s How: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, bits of dried fruits, seeds, and nuts with a touch of cinnamon and a pinch of salt (optional), vegetable oil (about 1 teaspoon per cup of dry ingredients), plus the sweetener of your choice, such as brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Make your own creative mix or follow a recipe like Maple Apricot Granola. Pour the mixture onto a parchment paper–lined, rimmed sheet pan and toast at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place the cooled finished product in Mason jars or cellophane bags, and gussy them up with festive ribbons or bows.
Photo: CN Digital Studios4. Brightened Spirits: Wine is a lovely holiday gift, but home-infused alcohol is much more personal and distinctive—and it’s incredibly easy to stir up.
Here’s How: In a large glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, combine a 750-milliliter bottle of alcohol with 2 to 3 cups of chopped fruits or vegetables.Some great combinations: tequila with jalapeños; vodka with pineapple; gin with berries; and rum with oranges and cloves. Cover and let sit for 7 to 10 days in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator, then strain out the solids and return the alcohol to its original bottle or another decorative bottle and add a personalized label.
5. Cinnamon Candles: Forget cloying scented candles and create your own subtle cinnamon votives.
Here’s How: Glue cinnamon sticks vertically around the outside of glass votives, then tie a colorful ribbon around the sticks. The votives look festive and, when lit, emit a mild cinnamon scent that won’t clash with culinary aromas.
Photo: Romulo Yanes6. Chocolate Truffles: Candy is ever-present during the holidays, so try a treat that will stand out: homemade chocolate truffles, which are much easier to prepare than you might think.
Here’s How: Make chocolate ganache—simply two parts bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate with one part heavy cream. Heat the cream, then pour it over the chocolate in a bowl and let stand 5 minutes; stir to combine until completely melted. Let the mixture cool, then roll into 1-inch balls and coat with cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar, or chopped nuts. For an even more impressive version try our Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Truffles or Dulce de Leche and Nut Butter Truffles.
7. Spice Rubs: For an edible gift that will last until summer, assemble a homemade spice rub (stored in a cool, dry place, rubs will keep for up to six months).
Here’s How: In a small bowl, combine your favorite dried spices (grind whole spices in a spice/coffee grinder first), and pour into a small jar or tin. For a mild blend, combine coriander seed, salt, dried tarragon, onion powder, dried oregano, and bay leaves. For bolder spice blends, try our Chicken Spice Rub or Beef Spice Rub. Or experiment with other spices, such as paprika, fennel seed, garlic powder, dried rosemary, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme to create a signature blend. Tie a tag to the jar with serving and preparation suggestions such as “Great for chicken and fish” or “Sprinkle on your salad for extra flavor.”
8. Scented Sachets: For a gift that keeps on giving, make potpourri sachets, which add a delicate scent to drawers and closets.
Here’s How: Tie whole spices, such as cardamom pods, broken cinnamon sticks, cloves, juniper berries, allspice, bay leaves, coriander, and star anise, in a cloth bundle with a ribbon, or sew them into a dainty pouch.
9. Flavorsome Sauces: Branch out from homemade jams and jellies (with so many high-quality store-bought options there’s less incentive to make your own) with rich and bold reductions.
Here’s How: Heat port or other sweet fortified wine or good-quality balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium-low heat until reduced by half. If the result is too tart, add a bit of sugar to taste. Cool to room temperature and pour into glass jars with tight-fitting lids. These delicious sauces can be served alongside cheese, as a topping for poached fruits, or poured over roasted meats. Reductions will keep, stored in the refrigerator, for up to a week.
10. Nuts with a Kick: Spiced nuts are perfect for nibbling on between meals, and the right combination of spices gives them a seasonal twist.
Here’s How: Toss plain unsalted nuts (one kind or a combination) with sugar, a pinch of salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little water (just enough to make the dry spices stick to the nuts). Spread the mixture out on a parchment paper–lined, rimmed sheet pan and toast in a 350°F oven until golden and aromatic, about 7 to 9 minutes. Use any baking spices you like—pumpkin pie spice is wonderful with pecans or hazelnuts, and cayenne pepper adds a kick to any nut mix. When the nuts have cooled completely, put them in a jar with a tight-fitting lid or a pretty, parchment paper–lined box.