Homemade Holiday Gifts ~ tips from the Farm Kitchen at Farmers Market Online

Kitchen Tips

Homemade Holiday Gifts

Foods and other homemade items make wonderful holiday gifts, especially for people on a budget. Try these low-cost gift ideas and recipes:

Create a fruit basket. Choose a few apples, oranges and/or canned fruits and arrange them in a basket or decorated paper bag.

Bake a loaf of bread or rolls either from scratch or frozen bread dough and deliver them to a friend while they are still warm. (See Holiday Breads)

Make festive dough ornaments (recipe below). Cut shapes with holiday cookie cutters and use ribbon as hangers.

Make play dough (recipe below). Place the dough in a plastic bag and decorate it with stickers or ribbon.

Share a batch of holiday cookies with a friend.

Make gift certificates using old Christmas cards or paper and stickers. List what you will do for the person, such as washing dishes, babysitting, or a free hug or cup of hot cocoa.

Dough Ornaments

2 cups white or whole wheat flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add water, a little at a time, mixing as you pour. Form into a ball and knead 7 to 10 minutes until dough is smooth.

Shape into ornaments. Remember to put a hole in the ornament for hanging. A straw works well! Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes, or until dry. Dough can be made ahead and kept in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Play Dough

1 cup flour
1 cup water
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons cream of tartar
1/4 cup salt
Food coloring or flavored drink powder

Stir and cook over medium heat until thick. Keep in a plastic bag or wrap and put in refrigerator.

Rudolph Sandwiches

Cut a slice of bread into four triangles and spread each with peanut butter. Use pretzel sticks for antlers and raisins for eyes. Add a half-cherry, strawberry, candy, piece of red apple with skin on for the nose, or a touch of red frosting.

Holiday Breads

Use your favorite quick bread recipe: banana, pumpkin, etc. Use small coffee cans, soup cans or even tuna cans to make different sizes and shapes for attractive gift giving. Be certain to grease cans thoroughly to prevent
sticking. Wrap the baked bread in plastic wrap or bags. Decorate with stickers, ribbons or holiday wrap.

Return to the Farm Kitchen

Baskets
Direct from the Crafter

Baking Supplies

Rudolph Reindeer Cookie Cutter

Ideas for Family Holiday Activities

The holidays are a great time to encourage reading together as a family, singing carols, making holiday crafts or participating in group activities like sledding or playing games. Families can also spend time together stringing popcorn and making paper chains as decorations, or gathering in the kitchen to make special gifts like cookies, quick breads or ornaments.

Six easy ways to enjoy each other around the holiday table

1. Try one new food and make a new favorite for this year.

2. Set your table in a festive way and add holiday colors.

3. Share memories at mealtime about what makes you special

4. Turn off the TV and listen to holiday music.

5. Wash hands and store leftovers safely to keep everyone healthy for the holidays.

6. Hang around after the meal and read a holiday book.

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