Homemade for the holidays

On Monday we supplied links to great online resources to purchase holiday hampers and other food gifts. Sometimes you might want something more personal, or perhaps something less expensive – let’s face it, this year not all of us can afford to spend a lot on presents. In either of these situations, homemade gifts fit the bill.

We tend to have our favorite tried and true gifts, but sometimes the inspiration well runs dry, especially in 2020. You can find over two dozen ideas at Serious Eats, including spiced nuts and homemade spicy chili crisp (pictured above). The website Australia’s Best Recipes offers ideas for homemade food gifts that ship well, an excellent trait for a holiday season in which many of us will not be traveling to visit friends and family. Food52 has several recipes as well, and Country Living boasts a whopping 97 DIY gift ideas, including plenty of food gifts.

In addition to being great for friends, family, and coworkers, homemade treats are also wonderful hostess or teacher gifts. I like to keep a few on hand for those last-minute occasions that always seem to pop up during the season. If the recipient also likes to cook or bake, a copy of the recipe and a trendy gadget (or one that is suited to the particular dish) are great add-ons.

The EYB Library is brimming with recipes for DIY gifts. You’ll find thousands of recipes for jams, jellies and preserves, cookies, candies, crackers, and homemade liqueurs. Ingredients can be fantastic presents as well: think homemade spice blends (za’atar + a recipe that uses it) or even baking ingredients (homemade vanilla extract or Homemade sprinkles).

If making food gift isn’t your thing, look to local restaurants and other small business that are suffering during the pandemic to see if they are selling gift cards or merchandise that might make a lovely gift.