Every year, long before the Thanksgiving dishes are even dried and put away, the Christmas rush is on. That’s when so many of us find ourselves racing around, spending money we don’t have on lots of things we don’t need. It’s crazy! One way that I’ve found to minimize the stress of Holiday shopping – and spending - is to make delicious gifts for family and friends in my own kitchen. Not only are homemade gifts often more economical, but they can also be much more meaningful to their recipients.
Each year, I choose a different assortment of tasty treats to give as holiday gifts. I package each in pretty decorative packaging and make up cheery goodie bags to deliver to the lucky recipients. I usually choose a few easy recipes along with some that are a little more complex to get a nice balance in my bags. I really enjoy doing this, and the whole process helps to get me into the Holiday spirit. And, after all that has happened around here lately, I could really use some help getting my Christmas mojo on!
When it comes to creating edible gifts, the possibilities are endless. From the simplest sugar cookies to more labor intensive items like candies or preserves, there are plenty of recipe options available, regardless of your level of culinary expertise. Below are some of some of my favorite gifts from the kitchen from years past. I hope you find a few that inspire you.
What are your favorite edible gifts to give and to receive?
How NOT to Make Homemade Marshmallows
On December 12, 2011 at 1:43am, Rosa said...
Great creations and gifts! Those boxes are so cute.
Cheers,
Rosa
On December 12, 2011 at 6:48pm, Susan said...
Thanks, Rosa! Happy Holidays!
On December 12, 2011 at 2:30pm, Katrina said...
This is so fun! Love those boxes!
On December 12, 2011 at 6:48pm, Susan said...
Thanks!
On December 12, 2011 at 4:53pm, Karen@Mignardise said...
You’re packaging is fabulous! And I’m sure the treats inside are even better.
Happy, healthy holidays to you and your family.
On December 12, 2011 at 6:49pm, Susan said...
Thanks, Karen! Same to you!
On December 12, 2011 at 5:25pm, Anecia said...
A girlfriend and I make hampers every year for for all of our friends. This year our hamper included tomato relish, whisky Christmas cake, date loaf, shortbread (plain and orange), gruyere crackers and white chocolate & cranberry cookies. All made over one very long day!
Your packaging looks fantastic - did you make them yourself or were you able to buy personalised boxes from somewhere?
On December 12, 2011 at 6:52pm, Susan said...
Sounds fabulous! Wish I was on your gift list. 😉
I bought the boxes and ribbons at Bake It Pretty, and made the labels and gift tags myself.
http://www.bakeitpretty.com/
On December 12, 2011 at 9:26pm, Phyllis Kirigin said...
Susan,
All great ideas with fabulous photos, too. Love your packaging, too. You have inspired me. My favorite gift to make and give are my stained glass cookies http://sweetpaprika.wordpress.com/2010/11/29/stained-glass-cookies/ Happy holidays!
On December 12, 2011 at 9:30pm, Elies_Lie said...
when there’s “homemade” on the label I love them all!!
I plan to make a homemade gift also this week since x’mas celebration in my chrurch is on 18 dec…
loves the photos and loves the idea, tq for sharing and nice to meet u 😉
On December 13, 2011 at 9:32am, Rachel (S[d]OC) said...
I used to do a lot of cookie baking for gifts for the holidays, but the problem is I never know if people really want them. It turns out someone doesn’t like chocolate (weirdos!) or is allergic to nuts, or watching their calories. My father and stepmother even told me they threw out the cookies I baked them one years because they didn’t want temptation in the house.
Of course my husband complains that every time I bake, I take the stuff elsewhere, so he told me he wants me to bake him cookies for Christmas!
Hope those fruit pates didn’t come from any snooty French companies who send you a box of thawed out goop!
On December 16, 2011 at 7:14pm, Anne Galivan said...
For many years my daughter and I have been baking cookies to give out: some go to neighbors and the last couple of years I also have given them to my son to take to the golf course he works at and my husband takes some to work also (I already have had one of his best clients pestering me for cookies!)
Every year we make Snickerdoodles. From year to year we change up the other choices. Last year I discovered a recipe for Norwegian Butter Cookies that are going to become a regular fixture as well. And your Sweet and Spicy Pecans are going on the “menu” this year too. We will round out the assortment with Pecan Nut Drop Cookies because they are my 18-year old’s favorite.
On December 19, 2011 at 9:30am, Susan said...
Sounds like a lovely tradition. I can never get my daughter interested in baking with me. I’m so glad you found something from my list to add to your “menu”! The pecans are one of my favorites!
On December 18, 2011 at 10:02pm, ALICIA said...
I just discovered this blog tonight and I have repinned you about 5 times on Pinterest already! You now have a new fan ma’am!!
On December 19, 2011 at 9:31am, Susan said...
Thank you, Alicia! I’m thrilled that you found me!
On December 20, 2011 at 12:54pm, Jill Mant (SaucyCooks) said...
They look good enough to eat, or maybe even shellac and display! How do we get on your “friends and family list”?
On February 18, 2012 at 6:26pm, Diane said...
Oh my god…I have just found you - been scrolling thru recipes….cannot wait to try so many of them…..sharing your blog with everyone I know…..
On February 18, 2012 at 6:32pm, Diane said...
Looks like I best invest in a candy thermometer:-)
On March 16, 2014 at 9:13pm, http://www.theholiergrail.com/how-to-incorporate-traditional-rugs-in-order-to-complete-your-homes-style said...
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have really
enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
On April 10, 2014 at 4:17am, thecoconutmama.com said...
I do not know if it’s just me or if everyone else encountering problems with your site.
It appears like some of the text within your posts are
running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and let me know if
this is happening to them as well? This might be
a problem with my browser because I’ve had this
happen before. Many thanks
On April 13, 2014 at 4:08am, carpets and carpet fitters said...
Great blog you have here.. It’s hard to find excellent writing like yours nowadays.
I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!
On May 14, 2014 at 2:18am, real estate lock box said...
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.
I don’t know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you
aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
On May 22, 2014 at 9:41pm, premier designs said...
It’s perfect time to make some plans for the longer term and it’s
time to be happy. I’ve read this submit and if I may I wish to suggest you few interesting
issues or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next
articles regarding this article. I desire to read
even more things approximately it!
On May 23, 2014 at 1:08am, family law attorney orlando florida said...
Exceptional poat however , I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more
on this topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little
bit further. Thanks!
On June 09, 2014 at 8:36pm, esmnation.com said...
I always emailed this blog post page to all my associates,
as if like to read it next my links will too.
On June 15, 2014 at 1:03pm, Moonshine said...
I’m gone too convey my little brother, that hhe should also go to ssee this webpage on regular basis to obtain updated from latest gossip.
On July 31, 2014 at 6:20pm, hobbies kits said...
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google,
and found that it is really informative.
I’m going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this
in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your
writing. Cheers!
On August 05, 2014 at 12:10am, hobbies For stay at home Moms said...
Everything typed was very reasonable. But,
consider this, what if you composed a catchier post title?
I ain’t suggesting your content isn’t good, however what if you
added a title to possibly grab people’s attention? I mean Gifts from
the Kitchen | Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy | A Blog About Food with a Little Life
Stirred In is kinda vanilla. You could peek at Yahoo’s front
page and note how they create article headlines to grab viewers interested.
You might add a video or a related pic or two to get people interested about what you’ve written. In my opinion,
it would bring your posts a little livelier.
On August 13, 2014 at 2:43pm, farmheroessagacheatsx.wordpress.com said...
Hello, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your website in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet
Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just
wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, great blog!