It's Not Too Late: Christmas Gifts from the Kitchen

 Today is my birthday!
I'm 24 years young.
Did you think I was 24?  Discuss.

Since my birthday is so close to Christmas, I am almost always blessed with friends and family around to celebrate with.  I'm really hoping someone makes me a rainbow cake this year.. just kidding!  (Usually people are afraid to make cake for me.  So sad!)

I love to give and receive simple, homemade things during the holidays (I'm the girl who wants to stuff oranges and pomegranates in her kids' stockings), so as a birthday gift to you, I've put together this round-up of simple Christmas gifts from the kitchen.  You can make many of these with pantry items you have on hand and package them up in jars, tins or cellophane bags; whatever you've got.  I promise, you still have time to throw one of these together!  It's only Wednesday, after all.

First up, the classic gift in a jar.  Most of us have received these over the years from friends and neighbors and they're still as popular as ever.  Here are a few of my favorites:

via Good Life Eats: Pancake Mix in a Jar

I love this one!  My girl Emmy gave me a similar gift last year and it was so nice to have on hand for one of those mornings when the hubs requests pancakes and I'm still rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.

via Disney Family: Pumpkin Spice/Gingerbread Granola in a Jar

There can't be more than twelve people alive that don't like granola.  It's the perfect homemade gift; how can you go wrong here?  Sub in your favorite granola recipe if you like.

via Tidy Mom- Cinnamon Honey Butter Jars

Tell me you would not love to receive this.  I dare you!  So simple, but unique.

via What's Gaby Cooking- Cakes in a Jar

Forget powdered mixes.  Give 'em the real thing!  You could pair it with some homemade hot fudge or caramel sauce, too... yum.

via Baked Bree- Toffee Blondies in a Jar

Okay, these are just gorgeous looking.  Bree has just finished up her 12 weeks of Christmas cookies and every single recipe would make a fabulous gift.  Check them all out in her recipe file (look for  '12 Weeks of Cookies' under Desserts).

And now time to think out-of-the-jar, if you will.

via Our Best Bites- Cookie Dough Gift
I mentioned this quickly in my post yesterday, but I think it's such a great idea that I had to mention it again.  No pressure to eat these right away- how great is that, especially with all the holiday goodies around?  Wouldn't you love to pull this out of your freezer (post-New Year's Resolution..)?

via 52 Kitchen Adventures- Chai Tea Mix

Brilliant!  A tea lover's dream.  Bag it up in cellophane, stick it in a mug with a tea infuser/tea ball and you've got a gift!

Une-Deux Senses- Fleur de Sel Caramels

 Sea salt caramels are a no-brainer if you're not afraid to work with sugar.  Your friends and family will love you and bug you all year long to make you more.

via My Kitchen Addiction- Cocoa Cardamom Espresso Roasted Almonds

I've had my eye on these ever since Jen posted them!  Sweet roasted almonds always remind me of seeing the Christmas shows at the Sight & Sound Theater.  (Have you been, Jen?)

via Confections of a Foodie Bride- Swirly White and Semisweet Peppermint Bark

Can't forget peppermint bark!  One of the easiest and most addicting gifts of all.  I love the look of this marbled one.

via Not Without Salt- Vanilla Salt

Simple and gorgeous.  Perfect for the foodie in your life, since they might be the only person you know who would appreciate vanilla salt..

  via Giver's Log- Hot Chocolate on a Stick
These are adorable and a genius idea.  Wrap up a few of these with some marshmallows (see below) and package in a mug for an adorable gift.  I made these for our first annual gingerbread house party and they were easy peasy.

 
In the beverage category..

via The Lipstick Blogger- Homemade Irish Cream

Great to have on hand during the holidays.  You don't want your hostess to run out!

via The Food Channel- Lemoncello Liqueur

Though I'm pretty positive it's 'limoncello' (right??), I can't ignore this beautiful-looking liqueur.  Someone send lemons, and fast!

via Modern Comfort Food- Basilcello and Crancello

Now it's time to get a little crazy.  Check out these two twists on the lemon classic.  Think of the cool drinks you could make!

And last, but not least, a few from the Oven Love archives.

Honey Barbecue Sauce.
This is a great idea for husbands and dads or anyone who loves to grill.  Pair it with a spice rub, some grill utensils, an apron or a cookbook- lots of possibilities here.

Marshmallows.
I've posted my pumpkin version (pictured here), and recently made some honey vanilla marshmallows from Joy the Baker which I can't stop talking about.  These would be great on their own, with some hot chocolate mix (like Jess' idea!), in a mug, in a s'mores kit, dipped in chocolate, on a stick.. I could go on.  Just make these for someone/yourself!

Lemon Curd.
Easy and delicious.  Put it in a cute jar, maybe with a recipe card or a batch of biscuits?

Whew!  Thanks for hanging with me to the end.  I hope you got a little inspiration for your last minute gifting.  I'm signing off for the holidays and off to track down some birthday cake!