How to Make Homemade Christmas Gifts

1. Apple Pie Cookie Kit

An Apple Pie Cookie Kit is a perfect homemade Christmas gift because it combines all the warm, comforting flavours of apple pie in a fun, easy-to-make treat. Each kit can include pre-measured ingredients, cosy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and clear instructions—making it simple and enjoyable for anyone to bake fresh cookies at home. Thoughtfully packaged in a festive jar or box, it’s a charming gift that’s both practical and delicious, bringing the nostalgic taste of homemade apple pie to their holiday season. Plus, it’s a unique twist on classic Christmas baking!

Ingredients:   

• 175g plain flour
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 100g light brown soft sugar
• 50g oats
• 85g raisins or sultanas
• 50g malted milk biscuits, broken into small chunks

• 1 shiny, perfect apple

You will need: 

• 1 big jam jar or small Kilner jar (about 750ml capacity)
• 1 long colourful ribbon
• 1 sticky label for the jar (or tag to tie to the top) and a pen
• weighing scales
• measuring spoons 

Method:

Step 1: Wash the jar, then dry thoroughly. 

Step 2: Combine the flour, spices, and bicarb, then add to the jar. Break up any lumps in the sugar with your fingers and pour it in. Layer each remaining ingredient in order, finishing with the biscuit pieces. 

Step 3: Once all ingredients are in the jar, seal it tightly. Place the apple on top, securing it with ribbon. The mix and apple will stay fresh for 4 days. 

Step 4: Attach a sticky label to the jar with these instructions:
Pour contents into a large bowl, grate in a peeled apple. Melt 50g butter with 2 tbsp golden syrup, mix with 1 egg, and add to the bowl. Place 10 spoonfuls on greased trays, bake at 180C for 15-18 mins until golden. Cookies firm up as they cool.  

2. DIY Scented Candles 

DIY scented candles make the perfect homemade Christmas gift because they add warmth, light, and a personal touch to any space. Customisable with festive scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or pine, these candles create a cosy atmosphere that’s ideal for Christmas. Making them yourself allows you to choose high-quality ingredients, like natural soy wax and essential oils, for a cleaner burn and longer-lasting aroma. Plus, each candle can be uniquely decorated and packaged, adding a heartfelt, handmade touch that your loved ones will appreciate.

Materials You Will Need: 

• Wax (soy wax)
• Candle wicks (pre-waxed and tabbed wicks work best)
• Essential oils or fragrance oils (choose your favorite scents)
• Containers (glass jars)
• Microwave-safe container for melting wax 
• Stirring stick (wooden spoon or chopstick)
• Wick holder (or a pencil/chopstick to hold the wick in place)
• Gloves

Method:

Step 1: Lay down newspaper or paper towels to catch any spills. Gather all your materials.

Step 2: Measure the Wax. Determine how much wax you need based on the size of your containers. A good rule of thumb is to fill your container with wax flakes and then double that amount since wax shrinks when melted.

Step 3: Melt the Wax. Fill the bottom pot with water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Put the wax in the top pot and allow it to melt, stirring occasionally until completely liquid, around 76-82°C. Alternatively, place the wax in a microwave-safe container and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.

Step 4: Add your Fragrance. Once the wax is melted, remove it from heat. Add your chosen essential or fragrance oils (typically 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax for a strong scent, but you can adjust based on your preference). Stir thoroughly to ensure the fragrance is evenly distributed.

Step 5: While the wax cools slightly, attach the wick to the bottom of your containers using a bit of melted wax or a wick sticker. Hold the wick upright using a wick holder or a pencil laid across the top of the container.

Step 6: Pour the Wax. Allow the wax to cool to about 150°F (65°C) before pouring. This temperature helps to prevent sinking or cracking. Carefully pour the melted wax in. 

Step 7: Make sure the wick stays centered as you pour. You can adjust it if necessary.

Step 8: Cool the Candles. Allow the candles to cool completely at room temperature. This can take several hours. Avoid moving them during this time to prevent uneven surfaces.

Step 9: Once fully cooled, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the candle.

Step 10: Label and Decorate. If desired, label your candles with the scent and any special instructions (e.g., “Burn within sight, keep away from flammable items”). You can also decorate the jars with ribbons, stickers, or personalized tags for a festive touch.

Ingredients: 

Method: 

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples. Finely chop the onion.

Step 2: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the apples, cranberries, chopped onion, sugar, and cider vinegar.

Step 3: Grate the zest of the orange and squeeze in the juice. Add the cinnamon stick, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt.

Step 4: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.

Step 5: Cook until thickened. Lower the heat and simmer the chutney for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the mixture is thickened and the fruits have softened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Take out the cinnamon stick once the chutney is done.

Step 7: Spoon the chutney into sterilised jars while still hot, and seal tightly.

Step 8: Allow the jars to cool before storing in a cool, dark place. Let the chutney mature for at least a week to develop flavors, but it can be enjoyed right away.

Step 9: Gift wrap. Add a festive ribbon around the jar and a handwritten label with serving suggestions.