Homemade gifts are made with love, straight from the heart. They are a cost-effective way to share your crafts with others around the holiday season.
3 Easy, Inexpensive Homemade Gifts
Here are three popular and easy homemade gifts, complete with instructions for creating and gifting them this season.
1. Homemade Simmer Pot Potpourri
Dehydrated fruits and seasonings, jarred and tied with a bow, make a thoughtful homemade gift. Simply add the contents to a simmering pot of water to enjoy a warm, festive scent throughout your home. Choose ingredients based on color and fragrance—during the holidays, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and citrus are especially popular.
Directions:
- Dry the citrus: Slice oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruit into ¼-inch slices. Dry in a food dehydrator at 135°F for 7+ hours or in your oven at the lowest temperature (ideally under 200°F) for 2+ hours, until fully dry. Allow the fruit to cool to room temperature.
- Choose a jar: Pint-sized canning jars work well. Fill jars completely to avoid empty spaces.
- Add ingredients: Include dried fruits, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, dried cranberries, dried rosemary, bay leaves, thyme, or other dried herbs. Add spices such as whole allspice, dried ginger, star anise, nutmeg, clove, or cardamom pods.
- Finish the jar: Secure the lid, tie a ribbon or bow, and your simmer pot gift is ready.
Tip: When simmering, always set a timer and check the water level regularly to prevent burning.
2. Homemade Ranch Seasoning Gift in a Jar
Ranch seasoning in a homemade jar is a simple, thoughtful gift for friends who love cooking. Making your own allows you to skip unnecessary ingredients found in store-bought packets.
Yield: One 4-ounce canning jar
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup dry buttermilk powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1.5 tsp dried dill weed
- 1 tsp dried chives
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp white granulated sugar
- ½ tsp dried tarragon (optional)
- ¼ tsp fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
- ¼ tsp ground yellow mustard powder
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients and pour into a small canning jar.
- Secure the lid and tie on a bow or ribbon.
- Label your jar.
Serving suggestion: Mix 2 tablespoons of the seasoning with ¾ cup sour cream, ¾ cup buttermilk, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp mayonnaise. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving as a dip or salad dressing.
Bonus: This seasoning also makes a flavorful rub for chicken or roasted vegetables.
3. Homemade Sugar Scrub Gift
Sugar scrubs are easy, practical gifts perfect for winter when skin tends to get dry. Customize with essential oils or additional oils for a luxurious touch.
Yield: One 8-ounce jelly jar
Ingredients:
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (white or brown)
- Optional: 1 tsp jojoba oil, 1 tsp vitamin E oil, 1 tsp olive oil
- Optional: Organic essential oils (sweet orange is a favorite)
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine coconut oil and sugar. Mash and stir until fully blended.
- Add optional oils and essential oils, stirring well.
- Transfer to an 8-ounce jelly jar. Wipe the rim clean, secure the lid, and tie on a ribbon or bow.
Tip: This scrub also works well as a lip or foot exfoliant during the dry winter months.
Creating these homemade gifts is a simple and thoughtful way to show you care. Whether it’s the warm scents of a simmer pot potpourri, the savory flavor of a homemade ranch seasoning jar, or the pampering touch of a sugar scrub, each gift is unique and personal. These easy-to-make ideas are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or neighbors, adding a handmade touch to the holiday season.
This article about homemade gifts was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
