In any given holiday season, some of us are hosts, but most of us are not! That means a lot of you are needing a little something to bring along to show your appreciation. Here’s a list of great host gifts that you can easily make right in your own kitchen.
Don’t show up empty handed! Homemade host gifts don’t have to be complicated and they’re usually much more appreciated than another bottle of wine. I’ve got lots of inspiration in my recipe archives, but I’ve picked out just a few to get you started…
Shortbread
Shortbread is one of the most elemental baking projects which means it’s easy, and just about everybody loves it ~ who wouldn’t love a buttery melt-in-your-mouth cookie? You can make the Scottish shortbread, below, in a mold, or you can bake up any shortbread in a plain cake pan, like I do with my Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies.
Cranberry Curd
I think this is the best host gift ever, the color is gorgeous, and they’ll be blown away by the flavor. Plus, it takes just minutes to do.
also try: Easy Crock Pot Cranberry Butter
Homemade Crisp Crackers
This is one of my favorite recipes on my site. We do a lot of cheese plates in our house and these crackers are even better than the pricy store bought versions. Any host would love a cellophane bag full of these uber crunchy crackers. The process is actually very simple, too.
also try: Gruyere Cheese Crackers
Hot Chocolate Bombs
Easy to make and fun to give, they look like festive little truffles.
also try: Jewel Box Chocolate Truffles
Homemade Boursin Cheese
Everybody will be amazed at your creativity, and you don’t need to tell them how easy it was. This is one homemade host gift they won’t be expecting!
also try: How to Make Labneh (Yogurt Cheese)
Fresh Cranberry Muffins
Show up with something deliciously thoughtful for the morning after, and you’ll win best guest, hands down. These fluffy muffins are right on theme with plenty of tart cranberries.
also try: Christmas Stollen Muffins
Party Mix!
Party mixes are such fun to make. With a few tweaks you can make this one your own signature homemade host gift recipe. Package it up in cellophane bags, or Mason jars. Mason jars with wide mouthed hinged lids are perfect.
also try: Christmas Popcorn Snack Mix
Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
This is the ultimate hot cocoa mix, don’t save it just for the kids!
also try: Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Mix
Homemade Irish Cream
Instead of a boring bottle of wine bring your host a real treat ~ your own homemade liquor.
Mulling Spice Recipe
I mull everything from wine to cranberry sauce and more! I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love this beautiful jar of spices.
Spiced Pecans
These easy spiced nuts are so crispy, and your host will use them in so many ways from cheese plates to salads.
Lemon Curd
I can’t think of a more welcome gift than a little jar (or jars!) of sunny lemon curd. Silky curd can be made out of lots of different fruits, but lemon is primo.
also try: Whole Lemon Dressing
Easy Hot Pepper Jam
A great hot pepper jam or jelly could easily become your go-to gift for the entire season. I love to package homemade jams and jellies in German Weck jars. They’re cute canning jars that come in lots of different sizes and shapes.
Homemade Turtle Candies
When you’re unsure, go for chocolate! These candies are surefire hits with everybody. I’ve streamlined the recipe so it’s quick and easy, using store bought caramels. Even if you’ve never made candy before, you can do this!
also try: Homemade Ferrero Rocher Truffles
Easy Wine Jelly
This is one of my personal favorite host gifts for wine lovers. It’s a lovely silky jelly that can be made with so many different varieties of wine.
also try: Mulled Cider Jelly
Dark Roasted Almonds
The absolute simplest host gift you can bring, and one of the most memorable, promise!
I love this picture of the bouquet with Brussel Sprouts!!! To cute 🙂 I am a fan of your newsletters
Thanks Carol, I had fun with that shot!