Homemade Holiday Gifts

Tonight’s the first night of Hanukkah and we’re less than a week away from Christmas. Are you ready? In all of the hustle and bustle of the season, time might not be on your side. But if it is, these homemade holiday gifts are truly the best gifts – made with love.

Every year I try and round up a list of gifts that aren’t tangible gifts, the gift of presence and making memories. An Alternative-Gift Giving Guide that gives ideas of experiences and/or ways to give back. This week I’m rounding up a few ideas of homemade holiday gifts that you can make fairly quickly and that are mostly simple. The key is having a few ingredients on hand (of whichever one you select) and you’re good to go. Again, some take more time than others, but believe me when I say, people will appreciate a homemade holiday gift!

• Chocolate Mendiants (Discs) – The hardest part of these might be selecting what toppings you’ll add. These seriously are so simple to make. You’re melting the dark chocolate, using a tablespoon to let it set on parchment paper, and adding a few toppings for a variety of flavors. That’s it! One year I tried to make food art during the pandemic. No need to get crazy fancy as I did. Just a simple dollop of chocolate added with a few added toppings and voila, you’re set! Almonds, sesame seeds, pistachios, and pomegranates are one of my favorite combos.

• Easy Peppermint Bark – Similar to the chocolate mendiants is this peppermint bark. Made famous (at least to me) by Williams Sonoma, over the years I started making my own. I try to remember that time is money but also try to think of how to save money in the same token. Theirs retails for $29.90 for a pound. I’m not great at math (for the cost and equivalence of how much I make), but it’ll definitely depend on the chocolate you use. Stock up on chocolate when it’s on sale if this is something you’re wanting to make. I use Ghiardelli chocolate and it often sells for $3 for the 10-ounce package. The most exotic item here is the peppermint extract. Buy some and have on hand. It goes great in a homemade Peppermint Mocha. Treat yourself and save money on peppermint bark and a seasonal coffee. Chocolate and mint go great together!

• Maple-Glazed Pecans – At the grocery store today, these maple-glazed pecans were going for a ton of money. No joke! These might be the simplest item on my list of homemade holiday gifts. Using some maple syrup makes these festive and fun, however, this version uses much less added sugar than the store bought. Better for you yet festive and fun. Maple-Glazed Pecans are great for cheeseboards, salads, and for snacking.

• Homemade Granola – A little more time consuming, but if there’s someone you know that pays a ton for this at the store, this will be a game changer. Simply include the recipe for them so they can start making some of their own homemade granola at home. Groceries are now more expensive than ever and making this homemade granola is a cinch to make at home.

• Homemade Taco Seasoning – Maybe not a holiday gift that you’d think to give, but I am a dietitian. Packaged seasonings are full of sodium. My version is full of flavor and no added sodium. For those loved ones that might be watching their sodium/blood pressure and are unsure of how to include tacos in their life, this homemade taco seasoning might just be the perfect gift.

• Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette – Sticking with the same theme as the previous DIY, salad dressings in the store are loaded with sodium. This version once again has no sodium but a ton of flavor. Not only do I use this for salads for the week, but it even works well as a marinade for seafood. The hardest part is shaking the dressing until it all mixes together. Simply the best.

• Homemade Trail Mix – Supermarkets definitely sell versions of this homemade for a ton of money. However, if you buy all the ingredients separate and mix them up yourselves you’ll get way more for your dollar. This homemade trail mix is great for the person that’s always busy during the day and might not think ahead to have a snack on hand. Store this mix in a mason jar and you’ll always have some on hand for those busy moments. Equally great for an active person in your life, the trail mix is a great mix of long-standing energy while they’re out on a hike, bike road, or whatever activity they’re up to!

• Homemade Chia Jam – Recently bought the Advent Calendar from Bonne Maman. Sucker for an advent calendar, but not really used to all that sweetness. My homemade chia jam is more my jam. Use fresh or frozen berries (whichever is more economical) and you’re on your way to less added sugar jam/jelly. Whether you gift this to yourself or end up making this for a loved one, odds are they won’t even realize how easy it is to whip up!

• Simple Syrup – The simple version is just sugar and water: combine one part water with one part granulated sugar and boil until dissolved, then chill. However, if you want to get a bit fancy, you can always add in other flavors/herbs. These syrups at the store are beyond expensive and yet so simple to make your own. Mint, Rose, Cardamom & Ginger, Rosemary, Lavender and Thyme, the possibilities are endless. Use the simple syrup for your alcohol infused beverages, coffee and/or teas, and even as a drizzle on desserts.

• Dried Orange Slices – If you find yourself at home one day, these dried orange slices are great to stick in the oven and let them dehydrate slowly. Highly suggest making some of these up. I made these last year and would add them to my drinks here and there for a fun and festive look. And while I keep mentioning the prices at stores, dried orange slices are up there in price. As always, my suggestion is to decide if the time outweighs the cost. However, know that these can be done in the oven versus a dehydrator. The key is making sure they’re sliced as uniform in size as possible and make sure they’re on the thin side. Simply beautiful.

Making homemade gifts can be time consuming, however, I rounded up a few that don’t take too much time. They’re festive, fun, and practical. Over the years, I’ve started making more of my gifts that I give and/or going the experience route. Making memories with family and friends is the best gift. And maybe starting a new tradition here and there. Wishing you all the happiest of holidays.