Every year, I spend weeks checking everyone off of my list: in-laws, parents, siblings, kids, teachers…and, then the week before Christmas I realize there are quite a few folks I didn’t even add to the list (like neighbors, the piano teacher, my husband’s college friend who stopped by with a small something, you get the idea).
So, I turn quickly to my kitchen and put together some homemade food gifts with the help of the kids who are now on break. In fact, I highly recommend that you get the kids involved in the process. There are always fun memories to be made in the holiday kitchen.
And don’t worry! Most of these ideas are super simple and most likely you have a ton of the ingredients already in your pantry.
Top Image: White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Cookies from Daring Gourmet, Santa Belly Cookie Balls from Southern Bite, and Mason Jar Recipe for Toffee Blondies from Mels Kitchen Cafe
White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Cookies | Daring Gourmet
Our readers supplied the very best the best holiday cookie recipes, and we even have ideas for the most festive way to package them!
This one amazing sugar cookie recipe makes ten easy Christmas cookies all from just one recipe!
Christmas tree rice krispie treats are an easy, fun treat that little kids can help decorate. And these gingerbread whoopie pies are so dang good you may want to make a second batch to keep for yourself.
Santa Belly Cookie Balls | Southern Bite
Spectacular no-bake cookie balls are super fun for the entire family to gather around the table and help make. From toddlers to teens, there is a recipe here for every age and skill level.
The perfect holiday cake gift.YES! you can gift people a whole cake.
Liz’s dad makes the best peanut brittle every year and it is so good.
I’m personally trying one of these creative Christmas bark recipes because my sister gave us some last week and it was “the best thing” my kids have ever eaten.
Mason Jar Recipe for Toffee Blondies | Mels Kitchen Cafe
These 10 mason jar food gifts are so smart and I love that the recipient can pull them out and make in the New Year after the other home-baked treats have disappeared.
Flavored salt and spiced nuts are perfect for those people in your life who prefer more savory treats.
A unique food subscription box (we love this one from Bokksu) is so much fun and keeps the surprises coming long after the decorations are put away.
Homemade extracts are so beautiful, and don’t worry if they need more time to steep past the gifting date. Just put a note on it with the date it will be ready!
Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur | As Easy as Apple Pie
And for grown-ups only, a bottle of homemade liqueur, or a gorgeously wrapped bottle of wine or non-alcoholic wine to see 2021 out the door seems wholly appropriate this year.
