homemade gift ideas
Andrea
Christmas is only 5 days away (!), and I'm guessing that most of you already have holiday gifts determined and purchased...right?!? This post is probably a bit late, but I thought it might be helpful to those of you still looking for last minute gifts for friends, family and co-workers.
Brian and I have given homemade gifts out for the last few years, and always enjoy the pleased responses we receive in return. In a time when spending significant amounts of money is difficult for most, putting personal effort into gifts rather than cash is a nice alternative. I've compiled a few ideas for you to choose from...enjoy!
dark chocolate almond bites
peppermint eggnog scones
citrus scones with cranberries and ginger
![scone 4](http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/666655/8371951/2009/12/scone-4.jpg)
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Homemade Jam
Homemade jam can be made with fresh and frozen fruit. Be sure to use a proper method of preservation if you plan to give the gifts un-refrigerated. If you'd rather not tackle the canning process, tell recipients to keep their jam refrigerated for up to 4 weeks. blackberry peach jam![jam-3](http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/666655/8371951/2009/12/jam-3.jpg)
Homemade Granola
A batch of granola is quick to whip up, and keeps for weeks in an airtight container in the pantry. mixed fruit granola![granola-1](http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/666655/8371951/2009/12/granola-1.jpg)
Homemade Almond Butter
Nut butter made from scratch is so much better than store-bought because you can mix your own interesting combinations. It can be a bit pricey though, depending on the nuts you choose. cinnamon vanilla almond butter![merge 1](http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/666655/8371951/2009/12/merge-11.jpg)
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix and Marshmallows
Homemade marshmallows are nothing like their store-bought cousins. So light and fluffy, they truly melt in your mouth (or your hot cocoa). For a little twist, add some peppermint extract in place of vanilla. If you don't have vanilla sugar for the cocoa mix (it takes about 2 weeks to make your own) just substitute regular sugar. hot cocoa mix marshmallows![merge-2](http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/666655/8371951/2009/12/merge-2.jpg)
Homemade Baked Goods
Always a winner, nobody frowns at a box/tin/basket/bag full of baked treats. triple ginger cookies![ginger-7](http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/666655/8371951/2009/12/ginger-7.jpg)
![drops 2](http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/666655/8371951/2009/12/drops-2.jpg)
![BSI 8](http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/666655/8371951/2009/12/bsi-8.jpg)
![scone 4](http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/666655/8371951/2009/12/scone-4.jpg)