Homemade for the Holidays: Gifts from the Kitchen

From cookie mix to the friends with kids to dog treats for the pet owners, homemade gifts from the kitchen are a wonderful way to personalize the holiday long after the presents have been exchanged.

Toasted Coconut Caramels opens in a new tabWhen it comes to gift-giving, sometimes I can get stumped about what to give my friends and family.

Given my prowess in the kitchen, however, it’s a natural solution to base my gifts in that area too.

From cookie mix to the friends with kids to dog treats for the pet owners, homemade gifts from the kitchen are a wonderful way to personalize the holiday long after the presents have been exchanged.

Packaging Perfection

Make homemade gifts even more special with these tips.

  • Tie up bundles of baked goods with holiday ribbon, colorful kitchen twine, or cut strips of pretty fabric.

  • Keep a stash of gifts handy for unexpected guests or last-minute party invitations.

  • Be sure to list ingredients and note if the gift is appropriate for those who are vegan, gluten free or follow other special diets. Keeping those gifts separate will help when it’s time to dole out the love!

  • Let your recipient know if there is a “best by” date. Homemade vanilla sugar lasts forever, but chocolate-covered fruits do not.

Here are my favorite recipes for do-it-yourself present perfection.
Treats in Jars

Homemade Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats opens in a new tabGet more recipes for gifts from the kitchen opens in a new tab and find inspiration in our online holiday guide opens in a new tab.

What holiday gifts do you create in your kitchen? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below.

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