Even without the increasing frustrations of finding, buying, and giving the perfect gifts on a budget, the winter holidays are still the most expensive time of year. Shouldn’t the holiday season simply be about spending time with loved ones, making merry, and eating great food? I’ve never been one to partake in the shopping frenzy that fuels retail sales.

That said, I still love giving gifts.
Yes, it’s possible to hold both of these sentiments true. Store bought gifts, purchased for the sake of an obligatory exchange, bring me as much joy as the credit card bills to follow. Homemade gifts, thoughtfully crafted with the recipient’s wants and needs in mind, are a gift to the giver as well. Seeing someone’s face light up because of something you made is an indescribable and irreplaceable sort of joy. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive or complicated; the best presents simply start from scratch.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting gifts for the holidays.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to spoil the wonderful people in your life with something special. Everyone should be able to afford that basic human connection and the happiness it brings to both the giver and recipient.

Christmas cookies are in their own category; when it comes to homemade gifts, the options are endless. Sweet and savory, edible and not, there really is something for everyone on your list. There’s no need to stress over getting the hottest toys and blowing your budget when you start from scratch, too. Here are just a few of my favorite suggestions for giftable DIY goodies.
15 Best Homemade Holiday Gifts
Over budget, out of time, and can't think of holiday gift ideas? Try one
of these food proof homemade treats that everyone is sure to love.
Fruit Basket Scones
Each bite of these tender scones unveils the essence of a different fruit; chewy, sweet, tart, and tangy in alternating nibbles and crumbs
Instant Cream of Mushroom Soup Mix
Whip up your own instant cream of mushroom soup mix to make a comforting starter in seconds, or use it for greater culinary creations. It's an indispensible pantry staple that you'll want on hand at all times.
Bacon Salt
A savory sprinkle of tempeh and mushrooms that's simple to make yet remarkably satisfying tor seasoning any dish.
Big Batch Cinnamon Buns
What you're getting here are the most buttery, pillow-soft, tender rolls twisted around a warm cinnamon sugar filling and then slathered in creamy maple icing, made for a crowd. They're perfect for holiday gifts, make-ahead breakfasts and brunches, and late night desserts with all your loved ones. It would be hard to share if it was just one pan, but you'll have enough to sweeten up everyone's day, with seven full pans of these luscious treats in all. It takes very little work, which will be repaid ten fold in sugary satisfaction.
Girasol Cajeta (Sunflower Caramel Sauce)
Homemade sunflower-based cajeta is truly a step above all the other caramel sauces. Rich and creamy without a drop of dairy, the mixture is slowly cooked over low heat to transform into a thick, decadent, caramelized topping
Whiskey Sour Candied Pecans
Whiskey Sour Candied Pecans, inspired by the classic cocktail, are guaranteed to make spirits bright as a quick, easy, homemade holiday gift!
Everything Cheese Straws
Everything cheese straws take the irresistible savory seasoning synonymous with the very best bagels and wraps it up in cream cheese-slathered puff pastry. These buttery, flaky, and crispy morsels come together in an instant with just four essential ingredients.
Sweet and Savory Rosemary Crisps
Crunchy yet pleasantly toothsome crackers with a symphony of seeds, olives, and sweet medjool dates in every bite.
Herbed Cashew Cheese
This Herbed Cashew Cheese is a decadent and creamy homemade dairy-free cheese alternative. Spread it on toast or crackers as thickly as you please!
Eggfruit Lemon Curd
Smooth, spreadable, or spoonable like custard, this rich lemon curd is an ideal introduction to eggfruit. You'll fall in love after one batch!
Salsa Macha
Unlike more common salsas made with fresh vegetables or fruits, salsa macha has an addictive combination of textures and tastes, with toothsome, crunchy seeds tumbled together in this slick miasma fiery, nutty, tangy oil. One spoonful and you'll be hooked.
Tomato Jam
A little bit sweet, a little bit savory, this rich tomato jam will be your new favorite spread. It goes brilliantly with so many dishes; you might want to double the batch.
Whipped Vanilla Bean Body Frosting
Rich, thick, and incredibly soothing, it smells just like sweet vanilla frosting, but is a topical treat instead. Homemade Whipped Vanilla Bean Body Frosting is made of such high-quality whole ingredients that it’s technically edible, but trust me, it’s much more enjoyable to luxuriate in the creamy sensation soaking into rough skin, smoothing over dry patches with quick absorption, leaving behind only the robust scent of birthday cake and homemade sugar cookies behind. Just beware that the temptation to lick your fingers will be very high after every application.
Energizing Charcoal Body Scrub
This energizing charcoal body scrub is a thoughtful gift that everyone will love. It uses spent coffee grounds and coarse salt as exfoliants, and charcoal powder serves as a detoxifier. Personalize it with any of your favorite essential oils.
Irish Almond Cream Liqueur
This homemade almond-based take on Baileys incorporates a touch of cocoa and coffee for a gentle mocha kiss. Flawlessly smooth and creamy, a straight shot envelopes the palate like liquefied ice cream, with an extra kick.
Serve it thoroughly chilled, on the rocks, for an instant after dinner treat, or use it as the catalyst for bolder culinary experiments. From brownies to cheesecakes, French toast to hot chocolate, it's an incredibly versatile ingredient in its own right.
Oh my…. What a feast of delights you have given us to choose from..
Thank you Hannah for these Holiday gifts my friend..
Have a wonderful weekend and Holiday season xx <3 xx
I’m certainly going to be checking out a number of these links, Hannah. I’ll be making homemade granola as a gift for some people but some of these sound so good too. I have to agree with your sentiments about gifts and the holidays. I love giving gifts but I don’t like having to spend a zillion dollars. One way to spread out the spending it to accumulate gifts over the year when you find something you know someone will like. You may spend as much, but it’s not all on one credit card. :-) I wish I were handier and could make more things but alas, I didn’t inherit that gene from my mom. :-) Happy holiday season.
Yes, that’s exactly it! It feels better spending the money because you can put more care and thought into the gift, while also upgrading the ingredients and getting a bit more of it, hopefully. I hope you’re just as appreciated and gifted, too!
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I couldn’t agree with you more Hannah and you have some fabulous suggestions.
Agreed on the madness of finding perfect gifts, these are such great ideas. Thanks!