S’mores on a Stick via I Heart Nap Time

Going to the mall was an activity my younger self loved loved to do. Remember hanging out at the mall all day and trying to explain to your parents that it was fun? I still enjoy window shopping (especially at William Sonoma and Anthropologie) and now my own little daughter thinks lunch at Nordstrom Café is pink sparkly frosting on the mall experience.

But during the holidays I want to avoid the mall like the plague. A stroll downtown to look at the big Christmas tree and city lights with a cup of hot cocoa can easily put me in the festive mood without fighting crowds in the mall. And for many of the people on our shopping list, I’d really rather share a thoughtful present than another gift basket with lotions and bubbles. Or if we do give bubbles, I’d like my daughter and I to make them and package them up in a pretty bottle. With pink sparkly ribbons.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been scouring my favorite websites and blogs looking for new homemade gift ideas to build my list out. With just a few weeks until Christmas, I’m not sure how many on the list will get made but didn’t want to keep these fun and tasty ideas to myself.

So, here are the top 10 homemade gifts from the kitchen that I’ve collected. What will you be making this year? Share in the comments below!

Apple Cider Caramels. Photo by Smitten Kitchen

Apple Cider Caramels

Can you think of anyone who wouldn’t love these? They look and sound delicious, and are from Smitten Kitchen, who’s new cookbook is on top my cookbook wish list!

Candied Pretzel Sticks

I’ve been making these for almost ten years and each year try something new. Haven’t quite figured out what this year’s will look like yet, but I’ll let you know when I figure it out.

Chocolate Bark 

Last year I made Oregon Bark which was hazelnuts, cranberries and dark chocolate but I’m ready to try something new. And with one of the two ingredients being trail mix, you can really have fun mixing things up with this recipe from PBS Parents.

S’mores on a Stick

I am absolutely crazy about these! What fun for kids and grown ups – it’s all in how you decorate them, and would be lots of fun for the kids to make for their friends.

Olive Oil Granola with Hazelnuts & Cranberries

There’s something really special about gifts in jars with pretty ribbons and this granola by my friend Carrie at La Pomme de Portland is the perfect snack to gift in a jar.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Mix

I’m crazy about practically anything with salted caramel, and chocolate sends it over the edge!

Monkey Bread in Jars

Who doesn’t love monkey bread? My kids devour it. Sure, there are recipes out there that call for packaged dough, but we likely already have these ingredients in the pantry and they’ll taste better homemade.

Monkey Bread in a Jar by EatLiveRun

Cookie Balls

I love the idea of making a variety of these little cookie balls covered in melted chocolate – cookies and cream, peanut butter and little vegan cookie dough bites.

Cinnamon Pecan Brittle

Need something gluten free? Elana’s Pantry never fails!

Apple Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins

I know that it’s popular to give jars with food mixes like chili’s, soups and cookies, but when I give a gift, I don’t want the recipient to have to lift a finger to enjoy it. I know some teachers that would love these with some tea.

Apple Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins by GoodLife eats

I better get going!