5 Last Minute Crafty Homemade Christmas Gifts
Christmas is two days away and I know you’ve still got some shopping to do. Often times, we wonder what to get the people who already have it all. No need to worry, this post contains handmade holiday gifts guaranteed to melt the hearts of loved ones. Realistically, you can gift them all for under $25 and put them in a nice basket that could also be useful in the kitchen! I know I would love to receive these as a gift!
Pralines in a Jar
A Louisiana staple, pralines often referred to as pecan candy is the perfect sweet treat with a great shelf life. Making these bite size slices of heaven is pretty simple, but can be slightly time consuming. The trick is to whip the ingredients and never leave the pot unattended. You can buy cute mason jars or even gift boxes and fill, accompanied by a thoughtful card.
What you’ll need:
1 cup sugar
1 can of condensed milk, sweetened
1 cup of pecans, chopped and halved
1 stick of butter
Parchment paper
How to:
1) In a pan over medium-high heat, add butter.
2) Slowly stir in sugar and allow to cook down, constantly stirring the content.
3) Add in condensed milk. Continue stirring until content has melted and begins to caramalize.
4) Once browning, add pecans and continue to stir.
5) Immediately scoop content onto parchment paper in small scoops. Allow to cool then place in container.
Infused Olive Oils
Olive oil is a staple in the kitchen. This year, get your favorite foodie some homemade infused olive oil. Simply grab some glass containers and some extra virgin olive oil along with some spices and make the magic happen. I’ll give you three versions to make. Simply gift them as a combo and you’ll make their day!
What you’ll need:
2 cups of olive oil (per oil)
Red pepper chili flakes
1 whole red chili pepper (optional)
1 whole lemon
1 large bulb of garlic
4 Fresh rosemary sprigs
4 Fresh thyme sprigs
Lemon Olive Oil
1) Warm lemon peel and olive oil together over very low heat for twenty minutes.
2) Cool half-hour.
3) Break lemon peel into jar. Pour olive oil into bottle with funnel.
Garlic Chili Olive Oil
1) Warm olive oil, garlic, chili pepper, and chili flakes (if using) over low heat for eight to ten minutes until garlic is lightly brown.
2) Remove from heat. Let cool. Remove garlic and slice.
3) Place garlic in bottle. Pour olive oil, chili, and chili flakes into bottle with funnel.
Rosemary & Thyme Olive Oil
1) Warm rosemary, thyme, and olive oil together over very low heat for five to seven minutes.
2) Cool half-hour.
3) Place rosemary and thyme in jar.
4) Pour olive oil into bottle with funnel.
Please note olive oils can be refrigerated for up to one month.
Homemade Honey Nut Butter
A great homemade spread can save the day. This simple recipe combines nuts and honey to make the perfect blend of goodness. When preparing this as a gift, consider the common nut allergy before gifting!
What you’ll need:
1 1/2 cups unsalted peanuts
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil*
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
How to make:
1) Blend peanuts in food processor until creamy. Add oil and salt.
2) When fully mixed together, add honey and pulse a few times to combine. Do not over mix.
3) Remove from food processor and scoop neatly into jar.
Please note the peanut butter does not have preservatives and can be stored at room temperature for one week or refrigerated for one month.
Homemade Salad Dressing
Along with olive oil, salad dressing is a pretty popular kitchen stock item. You can’t go wrong with gifting the homemade savory delight to friends or family. Simply make and bottle.
What you’ll need:
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
Salt + Pepper to taste
How to:
1) In a bowl, combine all ingredients and whisky until they blend. You can also add ingredients to a blender or food processor.
2) Pour into glass container and label.
Lemon + Lavender Kitchen Soap
We love a clean chef! Add some suds to your favorite chef’s kitchen by gifting this unique hand soap. You’ll combine castile soap with essential oils and other natural ingredients! Hack : buy a foaming hand dispenser to make it fun!
What you’ll need:
1 cup distilled water
1/4 cup plain castile soap, liquid
1 tbsp fractionated coconut oil
15 drops essential oils of choice (7 drops lemon + 8 drops lavender)
1) Simply combine all ingredients in soap dispenser and shake well.
P.S. you can throw in a kitchen towel, apron, mat, cutting board, etc. for extra brownie points!