It’s officially the holiday season! Christmas songs are back en vogue, twinkly lights abound and I have a good excuse to bake hundreds of cookies! Homemade gifts are a great way to show someone you appreciate them without breaking the bank. They’re a great treat for co-workers, the neighbors, your kid’s favorite teacher, as something you mail to faraway friends, or even as a post-party treat for guests.
The best homemade gifts have two important characteristics: they’re easy to make (since you’ll likely be making large batches) and can stay relatively intact for a week or two without spoiling. They also ideally travel well, on the offhand chance that you are shipping them across the country. Most people think cookies, which will never disappoint, but there are plenty of other goodies to share this time of year. I’ve rounded up some of my faves below, but I’m always looking for new ideas!
What are your favorite homemade holiday gifts to give or receive?
Cookies
Airy Dark Chocolate Meringues
Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Chocolate-Dipped Whole Wheat Shortbreads
Coffee Chocolate-Chip Shortbread Cookies
Condensed Milk Cookies
Dark Chocolate, Pistachio and Sea Salt Cookies
Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Mini Chocolate Crackles
Peppermint-y Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Pistachio-Cardamom Meltaways
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Regal Shortbread Cookies
Salted Dark Chocolate Shortbreads
Spiced Ginger Cookies
Toasted Pecan Sandies (I literally cannot show up for our Christmas party without these.)
Vanilla Crescent Cookies
Candy
Boozy Dark Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles
Chocolate-Toffee Cracker Crunch
Peanutella (Chocolate-Peanut Butter Spread)
Peppermint Bark
Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Bark
Red Velvet Cake Balls
Jams, Jellies and Sauces
Easy Pear Refrigerator Jam
Fig-Olive Jam (great for friends who prefer savory treats and/or cheese lovers, since it’s insane with sharp cheeses)
Salted Butter Caramel Sauce
Granola
(I love this idea, since people are usually sugar-ed out this time of year and on the lookout for easy breakfasts they can quickly squeeze in … or maybe that’s just me)
Dark Chocolate Cherry Granola
Vanilla Maple Cinnamon Granola
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