GIFT

What to can for Thanksgiving day gifts?

I want to make jars of homemade something to give to family and host/hosteses this Thanksgiving. I’ve got my cans ready now I just need a great and easy recipe! I was thinking pumpkin butter.. but would love more suggestions =)

Well, I don’t have any specific recipes on hand, but I know they can be found online through search engines (ie, google), so I’ll just give you some ideas that you may not have thought of

Preserves (Jam)- You probably thought of this one already, as it is probably the most common. But you could change it up a little with variety! Strawberry is common, but you could try apricot, peach, blueberry, raspberry, or blackberry.

Pie Fillings- Everyone loves pie, but few people get as excited about making it themselves. So a jar of pre-made pie filling would make putting together a yummy, homemade pie a lot easier for your family and friends. Apple and cherry, or even pear, would work nicely.

Soup mix- This might take some extra effort, but it’s such a cute idea! I read about it in a book a while back ago. By combining small, dried noodles, powdered chicken bouillon, and various spices and other ingredients (like dried minced onion), you create an instant dried soup mix. Don’t forget to include directions on how to prepare it.

Hot chocolate mix- This might take some extra effort as well, unless you wanted to cheat and buy pre-made dried mix, and just pour it into jars. Just be sure to include directions on how to mix it (ie, place X amount of mix into X amount of hot water).

Marmalade- Similar to jam, but gives a whole different taste and variety. Orange is traditional, but lemon and other citrus is also good.

Home made candy- Keeping it air tight isn’t as much of a concern, so the jars will be primarily for decoration. Fill each jar with homemade truffles or other small chocolates, or try things like candied orange peel for something different.

Sauces- There’s nothing like the taste of a home made pasta sauce! Tomato sauce with added ingredients to make a traditional pasta sauce. Or you could make your own alfredo sauce, or any other variety of cream based sauces.

Non-edible ideas- Who says because it’s in a jar that it has to be eaten? You could melt down your own wax and make jarred candles, or put together your own scented potpourri mix in each jar. Also, a cute idea would be to either paint (with glass paint, so that it’s permanent) on cute designs and maybe even peoples names, or make cute labels for each jar.

I hope this has given you some ideas! Have fun!

Homemade Christmas Gifts in a Jar