Saturday, November 30, 2019

70+ Homemade Christmas Food Gifts (Using Simple Ingredients)

Looking for the best homemade Christmas food gifts that will impress your friends & family but are simple to make? I've hand-curated an awesome list of easy edible food gifts with something for everyone (sweet, savory, low-carb, paleo, gluten-free, vegan & more)! You can make many of the recipes either in advance OR last-minute and package them in a jar for Secret Santa exchanges, stocking stuffers, party favors, and more. Keep reading for loads of DIY food gift ideas & inspiration!

70+ Homemade Christmas Food Gifts (Using Simple Ingredients)

One of my favorite yearly traditions is making homemade Christmas gifts. I dabbled with it in high school but started making it a "thing" about 10 years ago. I typically do a mix of edible food gifts and non-toxic crafts (like balms, scrubs & sprays).  

I find it therapeutic to work with my hands & create something that others appreciate. To keep things fun, I switch up the recipes every year and choose gifts that are practical + made with good ingredients so they actually get used. 

The best part? Homemade gifts make your loved ones feel really special! You spent your precious time on them and that's a big deal these days.

But, let's get real. If you do anything for holiday gifts, it takes time.

You can either spend an hour in the kitchen fixing an easy recipe like peanut butter balls OR you can spend that hour driving in traffic with distracted, stressed folks then waiting in line at a stuffy store to buy a gift card.

What sounds more appealing to you?

Both require time & effort, but the former comes off as more thoughtful and you can make it the comfort of your home with a cup of hot cocoa or hot chocolate and cheerful music playing in the background.

Maybe I'm biased, but it's a no-brainer for me!

TIP: If you need an even quicker food gift, make my sweet & salty popcorn snack mix with simple pantry ingredients. 

You can also put together a quick homemade hot cocoa gift basket or DIY breakfast gift basket for a cozy wintertime gift!

Or if you have a loved one who enjoys wine, pick up some cheese, crackers & fruit from the store and assemble a DIY wine & cheese gift basket in minutes.

(In a hurry? Click Here to Save This To Your Homemade Gifts Board On Pinterest!)

How to Make Christmas Food Gifts Without Losing Your Sanity

Most of us are stressed and starved for time these days. And going the DIY route does take time. Usually, at least a few hours to prep and assemble everything, not including shopping for the ingredients.

But it doesn't have to be all homemade or nothing at all.

If you're super busy or already have most of your holiday gifts picked out, but want to include something homemade...it's 100% do-able without overexerting yourself!

Here are some of my best tips from years of going the homemade route:

  • Large list this year? Pick 1-3 recipes and make double/triple/quadruple batches of them. That's fewer ingredients for you to keep track of and you can give your friends, family & co-workers larger portions (which they usually love).
  • Small list this year? You can afford to be a bit more ambitious if you want. Pick 4-6 things from this list, but try to choose things that share similar ingredients so you can keep costs down.
  • Shipping gifts out of state? Pick recipes that are don't need to be refrigerated and have a longer shelf life. Nuts, toffee, caramel, jerky, flavored popcorn, cookies, dried fruits or whole fresh fruit, spice mixes or dry mixes, local jams & spreads (unless you are experienced with pressure canning), coffee or tea, etc. Also - use plastic if possible instead of glass so you reduce the risk of breaking and save yourself some added weight for shipping costs.
  • Start with foods that either have a longer shelf life (so you can get them done early) or take longer to make (inactive time to infuse, dry, etc.) so those are done in time.
  • Give candy making (or anything that requires reaching/maintaining a specific temperature) your undivided attention. Trust me on this! If you're busy multi-tasking and get distracted - there's a good chance you will burn your caramel or toffee, then you just wasted time and money. No one wants that!
  • Pick recipes that share common ingredients (sugar, butter, chocolate, spices, etc.) so you can buy those in bulk to save some moolah. 
  • Choose mostly easy recipes (easy = low difficulty - not fast) and then pick one that's a bit more complicated (like hard candy) or has a more unique main ingredient. That way if it doesn't pan out you have simple things (like cookies, roasted nuts, hot cocoa mix) to fall back on. 
  • Make extra of everything. There's a good chance when it comes time to package everything up, you'll think of more people you want to give some of your precious made with love foods. If not, you'll actually have some leftover for yourself to enjoy! 

How to Package Christmas Food Gifts

If you're taking the time to fix some made with love food gifts - let's not mess it up by packaging them improperly. Here are some things to consider before you choose the vessels:

Does it contain a liquid? Things like extracts and infusions qualify here. Put it in an airtight container with a tight seal.
  • Good option: mason jar, hermetically sealed jar, plastic jar with a screw-on lid.
  • Avoid: ziplock or cellophane bags, cutesy jar & bottles with flimsy lids.

Does it contain loose materials that could spill out? Things like granulated sweeteners, powders, dry mixes, spices, etc. Put it in a container with a tight seal.
  • Good option: ziplock bag, metal tins, mason jars, hermetically sealed jars, etc.
  • Avoid: party bags (cellophane, kraft, etc.) that are only tied at the top.

Does it need to be refrigerated or frozen? Foods with fresh ingredients or stuff that is temperature-sensitive usually fall into this category. Put it in a container with a tight seal. This will prevent any odors from your fridge or theirs seeping into the food or drink. Also - make sure to write a note so the person knows it needs to be stored in the fridge when they get home OR verbally tell them when you give the gift.
  • Good option: ziplock bag, resealable cellophane bag, Tupperware, mason jars, metal tins, hermetically sealed jars, etc.
  • Avoid: party bags (plastic, craft, etc.) that are only tied at the top and cutesy jar & bottles with flimsy lids.

Can it be stored at room temperature on the counter? Things like cookies, some muffins/quickbread, marshmallows, nuts, crackers, popcorn, toffee, caramels, etc. Your options are a bit more relaxed with these as the shelf life is a bit longer. Just make sure you let the person know if they don't plan to eat it within a few days, to make sure it's sealed properly.
  • Good option: metal tins, festive plates with clingwrap over the top, party bags tied with string, ziplock bags, resealable cellophane bags, Tupperware, mason jars, cutesy glass jars with fun lids.  


My Favorite Containers For Packaging Homemade Gifts

If you need easy gift-wrapping or container ideas for your homemade gifts, here are my favorites (I try to go for practical & reusable containers when possible):

70+ Homemade Edible Christmas Food Gifts (Using Simple, Real Food Ingredients)  

Now that I've given you some of my best tips + container recommendations, it's' time to browse through this awesomesauce list of homemade food gifts that I hand-curated (you're welcome).

Everything here uses real food ingredients (at least according to my food philosophy). So that means no corn syrup, golden syrup, canola/soybean oil, cool whip, shortening, artificial sweeteners, margarine, low-fat/fat-free foods (that have been stripped of their fats), etc.

What you will find is food gifts made with regular pantry ingredients like flours, butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, granular sugars (like cane, coconut, maple), liquid sweeteners like honey & maple syrup, different types of chocolate, etc. I've included gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and low-carb recipes so you've got healthy options for everyone on your list!

Baked Goods: Cookies, Bars & Biscotti

70+ Homemade Christmas Food Gifts Ideas (Easy & Simple)


Orange Pistachio Shortbread Cookies via Pies & Tacos (pictured)

A simple shortbread cookie recipe jazzed up with pistachios, orange, and semi-sweet chocolate. This makes a pretty & unique addition to holiday cookie trays or gift baskets.

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies (Three Ways) via The Rising Spoon (pictured)

How do you make buttery, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies taste even better? Dip them in chocolate, of course! I'm sharing three irresistible combos for chocolate dipped shortbread cookies that will wow your friends & family with hardly any work. This makes an excellent inexpensive last-minute Christmas gift or dessert for a holiday party!

German Almond Crescent Cookies (Vanillekipferl) via Earth, Food, and Fire

Vanillekipferl are a traditional German Christmas cookie popular during the Advent season. Small crescent-shaped shortbread style cookies made with almonds, flour, and vanilla, these are always a hit and won't dry out before you eat them all! One batch makes 50 cookies so its ideal as a recipe meant to be broken into smaller packages of 10.

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies with Dark Chocolate Chips (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) via The Rising Spoon

This is one of my most popular dessert recipes and I have received rave reviews from loads of people. It's made with only six simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry right now and is an excellent option if you're looking for a holiday cookie recipe that's not too sweet or heavy.

Chocolate-Dipped Olive Oil Biscotti via The Simple Green (pictured)

These vegan chocolate-dipped biscotti are a healthier variation of the traditional Italian cookie. The hint of olive oil in these cookies pairs well with dark chocolate and the nutty flavor of spelt flour. Bake a batch and gift these to the coffee & tea lovers in your life.

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies via The Rising Spoon (pictured)

An easy recipe for double chocolate peanut butter cookies that are thick, soft, cakey & heavenly straight out of the oven while the chocolate chips are all melty. Make a batch in about 20 minutes start to finish with simple ingredients from your fridge & pantry. The best part? No flour, no butter, no electric mixer, and no chilling the dough!

Pistachio, Lemon & Rosemary Biscotti via The Cook's Pyjamas (pictured)

Biscotti makes the ideal last-minute present. Crisp slices of nutty bread, with the surprising kick of rosemary. Keep a loaf of cooked dough in the freezer for emergencies, and never be caught without a gift again.

Apple & Oat Mix-In-The-Pan Bars via Cheapskate Cook

These Easy Apple & Oat Bars taste like an apple crisp but are 100% more portable and gift-able. Inexpensive, quick to make (one bowl), made with simple, real food ingredients, and they are gluten-free (made with oats), dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan.

Orange Cranberry Madeleines via Pies & Tacos

A beautiful, light & cakey cookie flavored with orange and cranberries. These are best served fresh, so bake a batch in the morning and bring it along to a holiday gathering for a special treat.

Cannoli Cookies via Snappy Gourmet

An easy recipe for cannoli cookies with ricotta, chocolate chips, and pistachios! Fun Italian Christmas cookies, inspired by Italian cannolis, that will make a great addition to your Christmas cookie baskets and gifts this year!

Matcha Checkerboard Shortbread Cookies via Daily Cooking Quest

Do you love shortbread cookies? And do you love matcha? If you said yes to both, then you are going to love this matcha checkerboard shortbread cookies. They are so crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth, and not too sweet.


Baked Goods: Bread, Crackers & Granola

70+ Homemade Christmas Food Gifts Ideas (Easy & Simple)


Christmas Crack via Little Sweet Baker (pictured)

This cracker candy is chocolaty, crispy and highly addictive! That’s why it’s popularly known as Christmas Crack. This fool-proof recipe is just 4 ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to make.

Nana's Potica (Slovenian Nut Roll) via Trial and Eater (pictured)

"My grandma would make these nut rolls for Christmas gifts because everyone loves them and one batch makes several rolls! Very festive for the holiday season."

Festive Crunchy Granola via Homemade & Yummy

Made with wholesome ingredients, and can be tailored to suit your flavor profile. Perfect for gluten-free and vegans too. Just put in some jars and it makes great stocking stuffers or hostess/host gifts.

Pear Gingerbread via The Lean Green Bean (pictured)

This Pear Gingerbread is the perfect holiday gift! It's easy to make, festive and flavorful! Plus it's easy to double the recipe and make several mini loaves for friends and neighbors!

Rosemary Sea Salt Crackers via Fox and Briar (pictured)

These easy homemade Rosemary Sea Salt Crackers are the perfect addition to your cheese plate, or just to have on hand for snacking. They are so simple to make and take less than thirty minutes.

Banana Bread with Applesauce & Yogurt via The Rising Spoon

An easy & healthy recipe for cozy banana bread made with unsweetened applesauce & plain Greek yogurt (no oil) + fresh orange zest and juice, chopped nuts & dark chocolate chips. This would make an excellent gift for neighbors, teachers, and co-workers!


Candies: Toffees, Nougats, Marshmallows, Barks & Brittles

70+ Edible Christmas Food Gifts Ideas (Easy & Simple)

Pumpkin Spice Pecan Toffee via What A Girl Eats

Love Pumpkin Spice? This Pumpkin Spice Pecan Toffee is a sweet treat for the holidays! Make a batch or two to add to your holiday gift basket.

Homemade Crystallized Ginger via From The Larder (pictured)

Homemade Crystallised Stem Ginger (or Candied Ginger) is a delicious & spicy treat. It's excellent as a little nibble with some coffee, an adornment to baked goods, or given away as a beautiful sparkly gift.

Healthy Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallows via Recipes To Nourish (pictured)

Healthy Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallows are so festive and special for the holidays! These real food, naturally sweetened marshmallows are easy to make, a fun treat to snack on, delicious in hot chocolate, and perfect as a homemade holiday gift!

Peppermint Bark Cups via What A Girl Eats

These copycat Peppermint Bark Cups are easy to make and are the perfect holiday or hostess gift. Why spend a lot of money, when you can make this tasty treat for just a fraction of the cost?

Candied Bacon Nut Brittle via Running To The Kitchen (pictured)

This candied bacon nut brittle is spicy, sweet and outrageously delicious. It also makes the perfect DIY food gift for the holiday season!

Dulce de Leche Chocolate Bark via Mommy's Home Cooking (pictured)

Who can resist this Dulce de Leche Chocolate Bark? Velvety chocolate with nuts, pretzels, and topped with popcorn and dulce de leche chocolate. An award-worthy snack!!

White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Christmas Pretzel Rods via The Kitchen Girl (pictured)

Three ingredients...pretzels, vanilla milk chocolate, and peppermint candy. Great holiday food gift because it's easy to make, easy to package, and doesn't require refrigeration.

Almond and Pistachio Nougat via Patty Saveurs

Almond and Pistachio Nougat is such a nice treat to offer, especially in Wintertime, very versatile too and sooo much cheaper homemade.

Rocky Road via Joy In Every Season

Rocky Road is a Christmas tradition in our family! With only three ingredients it's surprisingly simple to make and is the perfect gift for teachers, friends, co-workers, and neighbors!


Chocolate: Truffles, Balls & Fudge

70+ Edible Christmas Food Gifts Ideas (Easy & Simple)


Easy Peanut Butter Balls with Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt via The Rising Spoon (pictured)

An easy no-bake recipe for peanut butter balls using healthy ingredients like dark chocolate, an unrefined sweetener, and coconut oil to create a satisfying treat with WAY less sugar than the traditional holiday recipe! It's also gluten-free and vegan with an easy grain-free option.

Three Chocolate Truffles Recipes via Happy Kitchen Rocks (pictured)

Three decadent, rich and creamy Chocolate Truffles Recipes: Dark chocolate with cardamom or lavender and white chocolate with lemon and pistachios. Awesome gifts for chocolate lovers!

Coconut Protein Bounty Balls via One Clever Chef

These chocolate covered protein bounty balls are a healthy, homemade version of the classic candy bar. Made of only 6 simple ingredients, these would be a great holiday gift or addition to a cookie tray. This no-bake recipe is also paleo, vegan, gluten-free, flourless, and dairy-free.

Vegan Peppermint Patties via Delightful Adventures (pictured)

Cool, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth vegan peppermint patties coated with rich dark chocolate. These easy-to-make, 5-ingredient treats are a great idea for holiday gift-giving or special treats!

Healthy No-Bake Rum Balls via Cinnamon & Coriander (pictured)

An easy no-bake recipe for rum balls that is amazingly fudgy but secretly healthy thanks to hidden black beans. Low in calories, sugar-free, dairy-free but high in protein and fiber, these vegan chocolate rum truffles make for a great holiday treat.

Edible Chocolate Boxes via Living Sweet Moments

These Chocolate boxes make beautiful Holiday DIY gifts for friends and family. Fill them up with chocolate or candy.

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cups via Rhubarbarians (pictured)

These no-bake double chocolate peppermint cups can be made with only 4 ingredients (no palm oil) and in only an hour! They keep well and don't have to be refrigerated.

Dark Chocolate Covered Dates Stuffed with Orange Coconut Cream via Vegetarian Gastronomy

This creamy healthy rich dessert is the perfect one-bite indulgence! It makes for a great homemade gift because it's festive, colorful, requires no baking, and has all sorts of fun delicious flavors!

Flavored Nuts: Savory & Sweet

70+ Homemade Christmas Food Gifts Ideas (Easy & Simple)


Savory Rosemary Spiced Nuts via The Rising Spoon (pictured)

An easy recipe for savory rosemary spiced nuts you can prep & bake in less than 30 minutes. Each bite has an addicting blend of salty, herbaceous, and slightly spicy + sweet flavors. They taste even better the longer they sit, which means they're great for prepping ahead of time!

Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar via Fox and Briar (pictured)

Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt and Turbinado Sugar just like Trader Joe’s, but you can make them at home! Only four ingredients and a few minutes are all it takes to make these healthy and delicious treats.

Stovetop Candied Pecans with Maple Syrup via The Rising Spoon (pictured)

Learn how to make addicting candied pecans on the stovetop in as little as 10 minutes. This quick & easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients so you can fix a batch last-minute for salads, desserts, snacks, or homemade gifts. That is if you don't eat them all yourself...

Lightly-toasted nuts, drizzled with dark chocolate and dusted with Black Truffle Salt. Box them up and gift them as decadent sweet and salty treats. No refrigeration needed!

Salted Caramel Walnuts with Rosemary via Happy Kitchen Rocks (pictured)

Salted Caramel Walnuts with Rosemary: a flavorful and healthy snack made in just 10 minutes with 5 ingredients. Easy and fancy Christmas gift!

Rosemary Spiced Mixed Nuts via Cooking On The Front Burner (pictured)

Mixed nuts are a delicious snack and a great source of protein! This homemade rosemary spiced mixed nuts recipe makes an easy homemade food gift for the holidays.

Honey Roasted Peanut Clusters via Girl Heart Food

5 ingredients and all-natural - perfect for holiday entertaining or gifting.


A simple recipe for candied pecans that are crunchy, sweet & fragrant! They're coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture that creates an irresistible craggy texture that will keep you reaching for more! Bake a batch in under an hour for snacks, appetizers, salads, or homemade gifts.

Paleo Maple Cinnamon Candied Pecans via The Clean Eating Couple

Paleo Maple Cinnamon Candied Pecans are simple to make and full of flavor. They're great for snacking on or for using in baked goods!


Spices & Dry Mixes

70+ Homemade Food Gifts Ideas (Easy & Simple)


Homemade Basil Salt (Easy Gourmet Finishing Salt) via The Rising Spoon

Learn how to make an easy batch of homemade basil sea salt with only two simple ingredients. Works perfectly as a gourmet finishing salt on pasta, steak, chicken, fish and more! Package it in a mason jar or saltbox for a simple DIY Christmas gift that foodies will love.

Homemade All-Purpose Greek Seasoning via Cheapskate Cook

This Simple Greek Seasoning costs pennies to make and is the frugal cure-all for boring food. Sprinkle it on any vegetable or meat, and it’s instantly more awesome – chicken, beef, roasted vegetables, steamed vegetables, potatoes, pizza dough, garlic bread, vegetable dip, salad dressing, and more.

Rosemary, Orange & Thyme Flavored Salt via The Rising Spoon (pictured)

An easy recipe for simple citrus & herb flavored salt with fresh rosemary, orange & thyme. It's perfect for seasoning & finishing foods like poultry, fish & vegetables & makes a wonderful homemade gift for the foodies in your life. You can even use it for natural personal care products like salt scrubs & bath soaks. Fix a batch today in less than an hour!

Hot Cocoa Mix via The Flour Handprint

A simple 4 ingredient homemade hot cocoa mix recipe that will turn you off the store stuff for good. This hot chocolate mix is easy to make and contains simple ingredients you’ll recognize while still being safe to store for up to a year! It also makes a great mason jar gift!

Mexican Hot Cocoa Mix via Raia's Recipes

This homemade Mexican Hot Cocoa Mix is the perfect way to spice up your hot cocoa life. With no gluten or dairy, it's a great allergy-friendly gift, as well!

DIY Gingerbread Pancake Mix via The Rising Spoon

Stir together flour, baking powder & soda, sugar, salt, and ground gingerbread spices and place them in a jar to use as a dry mix for making pancakes that taste & smell like gingerbread cookies. These are so yummy! 

Swiss Mocha Coffee Mix via The Nourished Life

This mix would make a great jarred gift for the coffee lovers in your life. Make a quick batch using simple pantry ingredients and switch it up to make it decaf or use different sugars.

DIY Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancake Mix via A Mind "Full" Mom

Treat your neighbors, teachers, and friends with delicious Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancake Mix. Includes printable gift tags with instructions for an EASY DIY Homemade Gift.

Vanilla Infused Sugar via The Rising Spoon

This is the perfect gift for bakers and foodies in your life. It only requires two simple ingredients and you can use any type of granular sweetener, which gives you lots of options. Give this as a stand-alone gift or include it in a gift basket with other ingredients for baking!

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix via Homemade Food Junkie

This Homemade Hot cocoa mix is Low-Sodium and Gluten-Free. It Stores in an airtight container for a long shelf life of up to a year. This mix is well-loved by kids and grown-ups alike and looks adorable in a pretty jar. A perfect gift for the holidays.

Homemade Spice Rub via The Cook's Pyjamas (pictured)

A Homemade Spice Rub is perfect for quickly adding a little zip to a piece of meat or some roasted vegetables. Keep some on hand for a speedy meal, or make up jars of this spice rub for the perfect hostess gift.

Three Ingredient Dark Hot Chocolate Mix via Nourish Nutrition Co.

This 3-ingredient dark chocolate hot cocoa mix is rich, creamy, and such an easy gift to give. For all of you who love hot cocoa that's not overly sweet, this is perfect.

Homemade Jalapeno Salt via A Fork's Tale (pictured)

Jalapeño Salt is incredible on everything from salads, vegetables, baked potatoes, meat, pasta, and popcorn!! This Homemade Jalapeño Salt Recipe is easy to make and perfect for the jalapeño lover.

DIY Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix in a Mason Jar via Melanie Cooks (pictured)

Looking for gift ideas that don’t break the bank? This homemade cookie mix in a jar takes less than 5 minutes to put together and makes a perfect present with a personal touch!

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix (Paleo & Vegan) via Natural Fit Foodie (pictured)

Try this Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix and you’ll never buy instant cocoa mixes again! Made from three simple real food ingredients and contains no milk powder.

Homemade Coconut Oil Baking Mix (Bisquick Alternative) via Homemade Food Junkie

Cooking healthy recipes from scratch just got easier. A quick mix of Coconut oil, aluminum-free baking powder, sea salt, and organic all-purpose flour (Low-Sugar, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Dairy-Free). Now it's easy to whip up a quick batch of healthier baked goods. This baking mix is shelf-stable at room temperature for at least 6 months and up to a year. A unique and welcome foodie gift your friends and family will appreciate.

Homemade Italian Seasoning via Veggie Converter

An easy homemade Italian seasoning mix with an extra garlicky punch. Use it in lasagna, Italian sandwiches, homemade ranch dressing, or a simple olive oil dip with crusty bread & fresh cracked pepper. Give these out in small mason jars for a quick & inexpensive DIY holiday gift.

Homemade Powdered Toffee Coffee via Everything Pretty

A simple DIY recipe for coffee lovers using homemade powdered coffee creamer, instant coffee, coconut oil, and your favorite sugar.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice via The Rising Spoon

This makes a thoughtful gift for the folks in your life who love fall spices and pumpkin recipes. Whip together a batch in minutes. And if you need recipe recommendations, try my pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin apple harvest muffins.

Jams, Butters, Spreads & Sauces

79+ Homemade Gifts For Foodies


Cajeta (Mexican Caramel) via Mama Maggie's Kitchen (pictured)

Cajeta is a Mexican caramel sauce made from goat's milk. It's delish drizzled on any dessert and would make a fantastic homemade gift for any foodie in your life with a sweet tooth!

Dark Chocolate & Coconut Roasted Almond Butter via Girl Heart Food (pictured)

Just five ingredients and perfect for hostess gifts for the holidays.

Balsamic Fig Jam via Deliciously Plated (pictured)

A sweet and tangy homemade balsamic fig jam recipe you can fix in about an hour.

Maple Cinnamon Sunflower Seed Butter via The Lean Green Bean (pictured)

This Maple Cinnamon Sunflower Seed Butter makes a great holiday gift! It's nut-free so it makes a great option for families with school-aged children.

Wild Fermented Salsa via Yang's Nourishing Kitchen (pictured)

Who doesn’t love some salsa for dips during the holidays! This fermented salsa (vegan, paleo) is nutrient-dense and probiotic, making it a unique healthy gift you can pack in a pretty jar!

Merry Christmas Jam via Masala Herb

A simple Christmas jam prepared with pears, plums, raisins, fresh figs, and spices. Each spoonful of jam will get you into Christmas mood & it makes an excellent homemade gift for folks who love toast, English muffins & scones.

Infusions, Extracts & Syrups

70+ Homemade Christmas Food Gifts (Using Simple Ingredients)


Homemade Cold Brew Coffee (Super Easy & Inexpensive) via The Rising Spoon (pictured)

Make the best cold brew coffee at home using two simple ingredients and a few household items likely sitting in your kitchen right now. This cold infusion method produces gloriously smooth, strong coffee that's less acidic, not bitter, and tastes just like the expensive coffeehouse stuff. Pour it into a classy glass swing-top bottle for a thoughtful, impressive gift that any coffee lover will appreciate (and yes, you can make it decaf).

White Chocolate Liqueur via Masala Herb

Based on the Mozart white chocolate cream liqueur from Salzburg. Use this sweet creamy alcoholic beverage to jazz up your cocktails or enjoy it plain. Homemade chocolate liqueur makes a great holiday gift!

Gingerbread Syrup via The Rising Spoon

Fix a batch of this cozy simple syrup on the stovetop in about 40 minutes with ingredients like water, sugar, fresh ginger, molasses, and whole spices. Drizzle the syrup on pancakes or waffles, use it to make a gingerbread latte, or stir it into fall & winter cocktails (like a Moscow Mule or White Russian) for a warming & fragrant kick.

The Best Bloody Mary Vodka Infusion via A Fork's Tale (pictured)

Give the Bloody Mary lover the ultimate gift. This Bloody Mary Vodka Infusion is made with a variety of flavorful fresh vegetables and herbs. Mix it in with your favorite Bloody Mary Mix and you have THE BEST BLOODY MARY EVER!!!

Easy Blueberry Infused Vodka via The Rising Spoon (pictured)

Learn how to make a gorgeous & yummy blueberry infused vodka in as little as two weeks. Perfect for cocktail lovers who like to make drinks with fresh herbs & fruit!

Homemade Coffee Liqueur & Kahlua via Ramshackle Pantry

Making your own homemade coffee liqueur is a fun treat and an exercise in frugality. This would make an excellent DIY gift for any of your loved ones who drink White Russians!

Gingersnap Syrup (For Gingersnap White Russians) via Meg Is Well (pictured)

Gingersnap Syrup, infused with all the spices of the cookie, gives this Gingersnap White Russian an amazing holiday twist. It's a great item to include in a cocktail-themed gift basket.

Sous Vide Limoncello via Crave The Good (also includes regular infusion instructions(pictured)

Longing for the sweet, refreshing flavor of limoncello? This easy DIY limoncello recipe has your back! Use sous vide to make it faster, or if you’ve got the patience, make it the old school way!

Homemade Vanilla Extract via The Rising Spoon

With the price of vanilla beans soaring, it's worth it to make your own extract to save money. Grab some vanilla beans for the best price you can find (usually online) then follow this simple tutorial to make the best homemade extract that is loads better than store-bought. Gift this in a nice glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to any foodie in your life.

Low-Carb & Diabetic-Friendly

70+ Homemade Christmas Food Gifts: Low-Carb & Diabetic Friendly Recipes

Homemade Beef Jerky (Made In The Oven) via The Rising Spoon (pictured)

I've made this every Christmas for the past several years and gave it away as gifts, along with other goodies. And you know what? It's the thing that disappears first that everyone loves. Homemade jerky is much easier to make than you think and tastes waaaaay better than 99% of the stuff in the store + you get to control the ingredients in it (no soy, no corn syrup, more or less salt, spicy, sweet...your choice).

Sugar-Free Candied Pecans via Wholesome Yum (pictured)

Candied pecans make a delicious gift that's perfect to wrap up in a pretty box or tin. No one will guess these are sugar-free until you tell them!

Baked Zucchini Chips via Wholesome Yum (pictured)

For a health-conscious gift that's still yummy, try these crispy zucchini chips. They will be much appreciated as people try to eat healthier as the new year starts!

Lemon Vanilla Coconut Butter Bites via The Rising Spoon (pictured)

These bite-sized coconut butter treats are buttery, fragrant, and filled with healthy fats and fiber to keep you satiated when a sugar or carbohydrate craving strikes. Make a batch in minutes, pop them in the freezer for thirty minutes, then enjoy. (Note: Have someone in your life who's doing the Whole30 program or avoiding sugar during the holidays? You can make this without the maple syrup and vanilla extract and it will still taste great.)

Cranberry Almond Biscotti Cookies via Low Carb Yum

Low carb almond cranberry biscotti are elegant yet easy to make. They make a tasty gluten-free snack or holiday cookie. Perfect with coffee or tea!

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70+ Homemade Christmas Food Gifts (Using Simple, Real Food Ingredients)
UPDATE (November 2019): This round-up was originally published in December 2017, but I've recently updated it with new links, image collages, and helpful tips.

DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. However, I ONLY recommend helpful products that I myself would use. And I'm really picky about what I share with you guys. Recommending products that I love or want to own helps me cover the costs of running this blog and keep providing you with free, helpful information. And it costs nothing extra for you. Thanks!

MEDICAL DISCLOSURE: The information included on this website is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. None of the opinions expressed here are meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. You should always consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for your own situation or if you have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

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