I am a planner and a list maker. Doing both helps to keep me organized and grounded on many levels. I feel that when I’m not planning nor have a few lists going, then my brain might as well be scrambled eggs. I work best when I’m on track, and I can’t do that without a plan and a list to go with it.
Same goes for when I start planning out Christmas gifts, and although I do my fair share of shopping in the stores, I do love to give gifts that I have made myself – most of which are made from ingredients from my garden that I start making right now.
Super Easy DIY Christmas Gifts
I know, I know, I totally missed the Christmas in July gig, but fresh garden ingredients are just as prevalent now, and I’m super pumped to start making Christmas gifts; like, now.
5 Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas To Make Now
What if I were to tell you that all of these gift ideas take less than 30 minutes to make?!
I’m serious!
The prep time on these gift ideas does take 30 minutes or less, but for a couple, the blending of flavors takes a few weeks in order to infuse, which leads me to my first of my homemade Christmas gift ideas.
1. Homemade Pure Vanilla Extract
Did you know that pure vanilla extract consists of only 2 ingredients? Well, it does, and it couldn’t be easier to make, nor more delicious. I have given vanilla extract to my friends the past two years, and I’m going to continue to, year after year. My friends love to receive it as much as I love to infuse it. I promise that this homemade pure vanilla extract is far superior to the best stuff that you’ve bought from a store. Totally.
2. Homemade Tarragon Vinegar
Tarragon vinegar is called for in many recipes. Homemade Tarragon Vinegar is a vinegar I always on hand, and I make my own using fresh tarragon from my garden. Used in a myriad of sauce recipes, tarragon vinegar is also delicious in homemade vinaigrette and alongside most proteins like meats and fish.
3. Homemade Chive Blossom Vinegar
Totally amazing in salad dressings and marinades, chive blossom vinegar adds that extra zing to a dish along with a slight onion flavor that ends up being a perfect blend. Not only is this vinegar easy to make, but it’s always pretty in the bottle. Because, let’s be honest, that’s important too…
4. Homemade Mulled Wine Mix In A Jar
This mulled mix makes for a great gift to give to hosts of a party you’re invited to, and also as an “open early” gift. Super easy, just pour this mix in a bowl of a slow cooker, add the wine and let it mull. The best part? One recipe makes a lot of gifts to give. Pretty cool gift, I’ve gotta admit.
5. Homemade Jams
I love to make jams, and I wrote about that love recently. Fruit ones like strawberry and raspberry are among my favorites, but I also like to make hot pepper jams like THIS ONE. Put a pretty label and a ribbon around the lid, and you’ve got a great gift to give at Christmastime. A little summer comes to winter. Don’t mind if I do.
One More Of My Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas
Now that I started making homemade hot cocoa mix, I never buy the kind from the store anymore. I make a large jar and keep it in my pantry at the ready. Homemade cocoa also makes for a great gift. Make a big batch and then divide into cute jars to give away. Great gift!
