Easy Last Minute Hostess Gifts for the Holiday Season
We all know there can be a lot of pressure associated with being the holiday hostess. That's why I love to give my hostesses gifts … they don't have to cost very much, but can say a lot about who you are and the person you are giving it to. In my opinion, giving a homemade gift shows that you care about that person - to devote time towards making something special, instead of just running out and buying something at the store - it's more personal. The best part about homemade gifts is that you can make them inexpensively, while leaving a lasting message for your recipient.
I wanted to share a few of my favorite DIY hostess gifts for the holiday season that are easy on your wallet and time constraints.
Elegant Quick Bread
Quick breads are one of my favorite hostess gifts to give for the holidays because they can be frozen ahead of time and stored in your freezer for last minute gift-giving! You don't need to be a fantastic baker to achieve success with them, and the recipes can be multiplied to make several gifts for the holiday season in one afternoon.
Quick breads are just as their name states… quick. All the ingredients can be thrown together in a bowl, beaten with a wooden spoon and baked in a matter of minutes. Whether it is a gingerbread loaf, pumpkin bread, or even special cinnamon bread, it is an easy gift to create. Once the bread has baked and cooled, simply cover with a little wax paper or plastic wrap and tie with a festive bow to give to your favorite hostess.
Make a Breakfast-Themed Gift Basket
Premade gift baskets bought at the store can be expensive, but creating your own can be a fraction of the price and tailored to the recipient's favorite things. One of my favorite gift baskets to give (and receive!) is a breakfast-themed basket to make for a carefree morning after entertaining. Mix together the dry ingredients for your favorite pancake or waffle mix in a clear jar, add a bottle of maple syrup, throw in a whisk, a mixing bowl and a delicious beverage like Minute Maid ® Pure Squeezed No Pulp 100% orange juice - be sure to tell your hostess that the OJ should be refrigerated! For wrapping, visit your local dollar store for shrink wrap kits that help add a professional touch to your gift basket. Don't forget to tie with a festive red or green ribbon! Please see recipes for pancake/waffle mix and syrup below.
Get Creative With Jars
I love to put gifts in a jar, especially hostess gifts, because they are the perfect size and you can create multiple gifts from one batch of whatever you are making. Fill jars with edible treats like mini no-bake cheesecakes, mini pies, or an individual cake that your hostess can enjoy after the party is over. You can also create other fun gifts like drink mixes or bath salts for an evening of relaxation. Spray paint the tops of the jar lids a fun holiday color and attach a bow to the top to make them really decorative.
Homemade Baking Mix (AKA Bisquick)
Ingredients
5 ½ cups sifted flour
1 tsp baking soda
3 tbsp baking powder
1 cup shortening
Mix all ingredients well until crumbly. Store in an air tight container.
Ingredients
3 cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups water
3 tbsp molasses
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp butter flavoring
1 tsp maple extract
Bring all of the ingredients to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Turn off burner, but leave pot on burner until the bubbling stops.
