There is nothing that says “Merry Christmas!” and “Your are Special” like homemade goodies from your own kitchen. Through the years our family has had a lot of fun cooking up and packaging yummy treats for those who are important in our lives. Everyone gets involved. There is always more than enough stirring and mixing and pouring to go around, not to mention the carol-singing and container-filling.
Does your family have a specialty they whip up every year and share with others? Or do you try something new every year, hoping to out-do what you did last year? These are some things we’ve given in the past. We try to include a label with the name of the treat and when appropriate, we include a card printed with the recipe and/or instructions.
Cranberry-Pecan Granola – We have been making our own granola for several years. We love sharing it with others. It’s tasty, wholesome, healthy. It’s my husband favorite breakfast and the kids enjoy it on yogurt at snack time.
Aunt Cindy’s Spiced Tea Mix – We first received this from my sister and her family in a Christmas Gift Basket years ago and we’ve been sharing it with others ever since. We keep a stock of it in our own kitchen, specially when the weather turns cool. We take it along when camping and for bonfires and hayrides. So good! You will find the recipe here.
Homemade Baking Mixes – Master Baking Mix recipes and Bulk Pancake Mix recipes can be poured into bags and sealed tightly. Be sure your label includes specific instructions for mixing, along with how many the recipe will serve.
Home-Baked Bread – Need I say more? Whether it is white or whole wheat or banana or pumpkin, fresh baked breads of any kind are sure to tickle the taste buds of those receiving your gift.
Creamy Chocolate Fudge – This fabulous fudge recipe is the perfect thing for the younger guys to whip up. Tucked into a holiday tin, it makes in impressive presentation and will ‘WOW’ everyone. Our daughter took orders one year, used a similar recipe to fill her orders and delivered them by the pound in order to make a little spending money.
Jams, Jellies and Preserves – If you haven’t made your own yet, this is the perfect time to give it a try, and to share your sweet creation with others. Did you see my post on how to make Peach Preserves? It is easy, really!
Hot Cocoa Mix – Layer hot cocoa mix (your own recipe or store-bought) in a mason jar with mini marshmallows. You can add an extra special touch with an extra layer of chocolate chips or mint pieces or crushed candy cane.
Classic Christmas Cookies – Do you have an annual baking day as you get ready for the holidays? Do you have a signature Christmas treat for which you are well known? Why not bake up a few extra and use them as gifts? Line a shirt box (plain white or jazzy-Christmas type) with tissue paper or waxed paper and layer your goodies in for an extra sweet gift.
Delicious treats, from your home to theirs, are always winners. You can choose fancy containers with elaborate decorations or mason jars or simple plastic zip bags or brown paper sacks. Add a ribbon and tag, share with a smile and give with love.
You can follow me on Pinterest where I’ve been collecting gift ideas and holiday ideas and food ideas and more! Sharing this post at some of these wonderful places.

Those gifts look lovely! Especially the Granola. I am making sugar scrubs and spiced nuts this year. And probably cookies and candies too. In fact I think I have bought the Dollar Store out of small jars and Holiday containers. I need to get busy soon.
Thank you Amanda. I love spiced nuts! That definitely needs to be added to my list. I am looking forward to a wonderful family Thanksgiving next week, and then we’ll be ready to tackle some of these projects!
Ah, Linda,
I think I am going to make the creamy chocolate fudge. I have the perfect gift jars, too! Thanks for the great idea and recipe 🙂
Blessings!
Creamy fudge in a pretty gift jar will make a wonderful gift1 Glad I could help, Jacqueline. Thank you, again, for hosting your linky party every week and have a blessed weekend!
We love baking goodies to share with our neighbors each year. I try to add something new or different to change it up a bit but most of what we make are favorites from year to year 🙂
A wonderful tradition, Tajuana 🙂 I would agree, it’s fun to try something new each year (we might find a new favorite!) but sticking with tried and true is something we look forward to as well. Merry Christmas!
Beautiful sentiments shared through a tradition of time. I love this!
I’m so glad you stopped by today, Lori 🙂 and thank you for your sweet comment! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thanks so much for partying with us at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty and Giveaway! We hope to see you at our next party on Dec-19-2018.
I do love a good party – see you next time!
Great ideas for Christmas gifts! Thanks for linking up with us #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 27