
As you've probably guessed, I'm big on handmade gifts around here- and not the kind that take a lot of skill and artistic talent (however, I would never object to those...). The emphasis, though, is squarely on gifts that are simple, useful, or beautiful (and when they're all three- score!) and above all, thoughtful. I probably don't need to mention frugal, too, do I?
I should probably define "handmade" as it pertains to these gift ideas. For our purposes, it doesn't necessarily mean that all the items need to be handmade, but that in the end the gift was put together, with love, by you.
For instance, it's OK to put a wooden spoon that you didn't carve yourself into a basket of soup mixes that you put together.
However, if you are into wood carving, go for it.
I have given homemade gifts for Christmas since I married and my extended family joined the bandwagon soon after. We give one "family gift" to each family- only the children get individual gifts. Needless to say, this cuts down on a lot of expense and stress. My favorite gifts to give, by far, are themed baskets or containers and I try to keep them to $10 or under.
Here are 12 gift basket ideas to inspire you:
Here are some I've given and some I've received:
1. Italian Food Basket. This has been one of our most lasting gift baskets - one we did back in 1994. My family and friends all tell me they still use the recipe booklet that was included. You can see how well-used mine is...and yes, I kept one for me- is that weird? It's just so convenient having my favorite recipes in one place.
- a spiral-bound booklet with 22 of our favorite, tried-and-true family recipes
- a head of home-grown garlic
- a baggie of home-grown and dried tomatoes
- a spice jar of home-grown and dried basil and oregano
- a jar of home-canned pasta sauce
- purchased noodles and wooden spoon.
Since all I purchased were the noodles, spoon and basket (thrift store, of course!), plus incidentals like baggies and jars, these baskets cost only around $5 each, well under my $10 goal.
2. Cleaning Bucket. This was another basket that left an impression (though I'm still not sure what kind...) - a metal bucket filled with homemade cleaners. I mean, how many times does someone give you cleaning supplies? You're not gonna forget that.
In fact, I felt kinda funny about it when the thought came to me and discarded the idea until one of my brother-in-laws asked what I did with my huge box of baking soda when they were helping us move. When I told him I made cleaning supplies, he said they'd like to have the recipes. Ok, then.
Items to include:
- inexpensive containers (dollar store and some I found online) filled with: 1) an all-purpose cleaner 2) a disinfectant 3) a scouring powder (baking soda based) and 4) a liquid soap for dishes and hands (castile-soap based) - I found these recipes from library books, now it's easy to find them online.
- metal buckets I found in Home Depot
- include the recipes so your recipients can make their own later
- wrap the filled bucket in part of an old white cotton sheet ( to be used as rags)
The containers added to the cost, so this bucket came in just over the $10 goal.
3. Basket of Home-Canned Foods And Recipes. This basket takes a bit of advanced planning since time is needed in the spring and summer to plant a garden and/or buy produce to can during the season. The side benefit, though, is your gifts are done early!
Here are some items I've used in the past:
- Spicy Rhubarb Chutney
- Addictive Tomato Chutney
- pickled green beans
- pickled asparagus, and peppers
- Roasted Red Peppers in Wine,
- pickled jalapenos and cucumber pickles (both made like these refrigerator dills)
- salsa
- canned Bruschetta Tomato Topping
- berry jams, jellys, and/or syrups
Divide the jars between the baskets, add recipes printed out on pretty card stock, and wrap the baskets in gift wrap or fabric pieces.
The cost of the jars, thrift store baskets, basket filler and a few bought items were only around $5.00. I didn't add up the cost of vinegar, etc., as that came from the food budget as I was making them throughout the season and most of my produce was from our garden. I'm sure the true cost is a bit higher, but since it was absorbed into the food budget, it's a good way to extend the gift budget (plus, a lot of my family gave me back the empty jars).
4. Breakfast Basket:
- home-canned syrups from the Ball Blue Book (Maple-Walnut, Blackberry, etc.)
- pancake mix
- spoon or ladle
5. Scone Basket:
- 1 or 2 bags of scone mix
- home-made lemon curd (refrigerated)
6. Large Glass Storage Container with a fun chalkboard label. Fill it with homemade:
- granola
- hot cocoa mix
- cookie/baked good mix
- soup mix
7. Tea/Coffee Basket:
- vintage cups or mugs
- tea or coffee
- different sugar cubes or honey
8. Bread & Topping Basket:
- A jar of home-canned Bruschetta Topping
- a loaf of Easy Artisan Bread
- recipe card of instructions (i.e., rub bread with garlic and olive oil, grill or broil, and top with tomatoes)
9. Homemade cordial with a sweet tea bread flavored with the cordial and recipe.
10. Family Fun Basket:
- popcorn with packets of homemade flavorings
- card games or small family games
- candy (homemade or not)
- old movie purchased for a couple of dollars
11. Ice cream Basket:
- homemade chocolate syrup
- nuts and toppings
- ice cream scoop
12. BBQ Basket:
- home-canned or special store-bought BBQ sauce
- Basic Spice Rub
- long oven mitt
- grilling tools
What are some baskets you like to give or have gotten?
Tammy says
Even tho I'm on the East Coast, I love your blog. I was also wondering about your cleaning recipes. Have you had a chance to post them yet? Thanks so much!
Jami says
I haven't, Tammy - by the time I posted this (even though it's old now!) there seemed to be a lot out there for natural cleaning recipes. I did recently post a recipe for foaming hand soap: https://anoregoncottage.com/diy-liquid-foaming-soap/
I also hope to add more, but I don't have a timeline yet.
Carolyn says
Would you be willing to share some of your cleaning recipes? I would love to compare them to some of my homemade "recipes".
Jami says
I have been meaning all this time to post some of the recipes I used for this basket, Carolyn! I can't believe I haven't done it yet. I think one part of me thought there are so many recipes out there...but another won't hurt and you're right - I often like comparing. 🙂 Putting it on my to-do list!
Anonymous says
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
nativetexangirl says
I love your ideas and loved Karrie's response! I am still laughing!
The Paper Princess says
Great ideas!
Thanks for joining me at Create With Joy. I am following you back!
Ramona
Anonymous says
I'm working on a homemade gift that I'm not sure how it will be received: I had some leftover bright colored terrycloth fabric, so... I sewed a tote bag, and am filling it with a novel, a container of sand, a tiny parasol (fancy drink kind)... and I'm cracking myself up thinking it's a virtual trip to the beach. Still trying to think of a good snack to include... Think they'll like it.
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Charla @ Healthy Home Blog says
Jami, what special gifts you've thought of giving! Glad you stopped by Friendly Friday. Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
Gina says
Thanks so much! Your list has my mind spinning with ideas! My husband's family does homemade gifts too and I often am running out of ideas!
Gina
~Holly~ says
Thanks for all the great ideas Jami!!
allysgrandma says
Dirty Dancing of course!! One of the classic mom and daughter movies of all time (in our house anyway)!
Karrie says
I think those are fabulous gifts!
And I'm going to guess that your quote is from a creepy version of "Dirty Dancing" where instead of putting Baby in a corner, they put her in a box!
Hehe.
Cheers.
Anonymous says
I made a pretty cool garden gift basket once. It had a measuring stick to measure depth. some gardeners soap (could use boraxo which is wonderful) hand lotion, garden gloves, seed packets, gardeners journal and a nice pen. You could add bulbs. they can still be planted in January if the weather is not too cold yet or you could add a pot to force them in. some plant food. I like looking forward to spring and the days start getting longer right after the holidays.
Xenia says
Wow! I feel like such a slacker just going out and buying a card. You're definitely creative and talented! I might just have to give one of these ideas a try sometime soon. 🙂
Thanks so much for joining us for Friendly Friday, have a wonderful weekend!
ana @ i made it so says
i'm looking forward to the ideas jami, thank you.
and i KNOW that movie but it's not coming to me... must have more coffee 😉
happy friday to you and yours!
ana