14 Homemade Edible Gifts People Will Love More Than Anything From the Store

The best presents are the ones you can eat. Homemade edible gifts cost a fraction of store bought presents, and they show people you took the time to make something just for them. Teachers, neighbors, mail carriers and coworkers all light up when they get a jar of something sweet. For more holiday candy ideas, see our homemade fudge and Christmas candy recipes. Grab some jars and ribbon, and let us get cooking..

A Cookie Jar Full of Edible Gifts

A big glass jar packed with homemade cookies is one of the sweetest edible gifts you can give. Bake a few kinds, stack them inside, tie a ribbon around the lid and add a handwritten tag. Choose sturdy cookies like shortbread, snickerdoodles and chocolate chip that travel well. Who on your list would love a jar like this the most?

You will need: 1 large glass jar with lid, 3 dozen sturdy cookies, parchment rounds, ribbon, gift tag, string lights or greenery to decorate.

How to make it: Bake and fully cool the cookies. Stack them in the jar, placing a parchment round between flavors. Seal the lid tightly. Tie a ribbon around the neck and attach a tag with the flavors and the date. Give within 5 days for the best taste.

Cookie Mix in a Jar, Classic Edible Gifts

This is the classic gift that lets people bake fresh cookies whenever they want. You layer all the dry ingredients for chocolate chip cookies in a jar, then attach a card with the simple baking steps. The colorful layers look beautiful on a kitchen counter. It is one of the cheapest edible gifts you can make, and kids can help scoop. Would you rather get a jar of mix or the finished cookies?

You will need: 1 quart jar, 1 3/4 cups flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup chopped nuts.

How to make it: Layer the flour mix, brown sugar, white sugar, chips and nuts in the jar, pressing each layer firmly. Seal. Attach a card: Add 1/2 cup soft butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix, scoop and bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Hot Cocoa Mix, Cozy Edible Gifts in a Jar

On a cold December night, nothing beats a mug of rich hot cocoa. A homemade mix tastes far better than the packets and costs much less. Layer it in a jar with a handful of mini marshmallows on top. Add a candy cane to the ribbon for a festive touch. Poll: A) classic, B) peppermint, C) Mexican spiced or D) salted caramel cocoa?

You will need: 2 cups powdered milk, 1 cup cocoa powder, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup chopped chocolate, 1/2 teaspoon salt, mini marshmallows.

How to make it: Whisk the milk powder, cocoa, sugar and salt. Stir in the chopped chocolate. Spoon into jars and top with marshmallows. Tag: Stir 3 heaping tablespoons into 1 cup of hot milk.

Chocolate Truffles in a Gift Box

Truffles look like they came from a fancy chocolate shop, but they need only two ingredients: chocolate and cream. Roll them in cocoa, nuts or sprinkles and pack them in little paper cups inside a box. They feel luxurious and make perfect edible gifts for a host or a teacher. Keep them chilled until you give them. What coating would you pick?

You will need: 8 ounces dark chocolate, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon butter, cocoa powder, chopped nuts or sprinkles for rolling.

How to make it: Heat the cream until steaming and pour over the chopped chocolate. Wait 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add the butter. Chill 2 hours. Scoop and roll into balls, then roll in coatings. Keep cold.

Candied Pecans, Crunchy Edible Gifts

These crunchy, sweet pecans make the whole house smell like a holiday market. Egg white helps the cinnamon sugar cling to every nut, and a slow bake makes them crisp. Pack them in cellophane bags or mason jars. They are great on salads, ice cream or straight from the bag. Fair warning: you may eat half of them before they get wrapped. Can you resist?

You will need: 4 cups pecan halves, 1 egg white, 1 tablespoon water, 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt.

How to make it: Whisk the egg white and water until frothy and toss with the pecans. Mix the sugar, cinnamon and salt and toss again. Spread on a lined sheet. Bake at 250F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely.

Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts

Not everyone has a sweet tooth, and these savory nuts are perfect for them. Mixed nuts get tossed with butter, fresh rosemary, a little brown sugar and a pinch of cayenne, then roasted until golden. They are addictive with drinks and make great edible gifts for the people who have everything. Pack them in jars with a sprig of rosemary on top. Sweet or savory gifts, which do you prefer?

You will need: 4 cups mixed unsalted nuts, 2 tablespoons butter melted, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne.

How to make it: Toss the nuts with the butter, rosemary, sugar, salt and cayenne. Spread on a baking sheet. Roast at 350F for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once. Cool completely and pack in jars.

Peppermint Bark

Peppermint bark is the gift that says Christmas the moment someone opens it. Dark chocolate and white chocolate are layered and topped with crushed candy canes. Break it into rough pieces and stack them in a tin with parchment. It costs a lot at gourmet shops but only a few dollars to make at home. How many tins could you fill with one batch?

You will need: 12 ounces dark chocolate, 12 ounces white chocolate, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, 6 candy canes crushed.

How to make it: Melt the dark chocolate and spread it on a lined sheet. Chill 15 minutes. Melt the white chocolate, stir in the extract and spread over the dark layer. Sprinkle with candy canes. Chill until firm and break into pieces.

Crunchy Caramel Corn

Homemade caramel corn is crispy, buttery and way better than anything in a tin. The trick is baking the coated popcorn low and slow so the caramel turns glassy instead of sticky. Fill clear bags and tie with ribbon for an easy gift for classmates or coworkers. It is cheap enough to make in a huge batch. Do you like adding peanuts?

You will need: 12 cups popped popcorn, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup corn syrup, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla.

How to make it: Boil the sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in soda and vanilla. Pour over the popcorn and stir to coat. Bake at 250F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool and break apart.

Small Batch Berry Jam

A jar of homemade jam feels like a little piece of summer in the middle of winter. Frozen berries work perfectly, so you can make it any time of year. This small batch version needs no special canning equipment and keeps in the fridge for three weeks. Add a pretty fabric square on the lid and a handwritten label. Who on your list loves toast in the morning?

You will need: 4 cups mixed berries fresh or frozen, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

How to make it: Cook the berries, sugar and lemon juice in a wide pot, stirring, for 15 to 20 minutes until thick. Test a spoonful on a cold plate: it should wrinkle when pushed. Pour into clean jars, cool and refrigerate.

Maple Pecan Granola

Homemade granola is a healthy feeling gift that people actually use every day. Oats, nuts and seeds are tossed with maple syrup and a little oil, then baked into big crunchy clusters. Add dried cranberries after baking for a festive red pop. Fill a big mason jar and tie on a wooden spoon. It is one of those edible gifts that disappears fast. Yogurt or milk with yours?

You will need: 4 cups rolled oats, 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/3 cup oil, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup dried cranberries.

How to make it: Mix everything except the cranberries. Spread on a lined sheet and press down. Bake at 325F for 30 minutes without stirring. Cool fully, then break into clusters and add the cranberries.

Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows

Once you taste homemade marshmallows, the bagged kind will never feel the same. They are soft, fluffy and taste like real vanilla. Cut them into squares and pair them with the hot cocoa mix for the perfect gift set. They also toast beautifully over a candle or stove flame. Have you ever made marshmallows from scratch? It is easier than it sounds.

You will need: 3 packets gelatin, 1 cup cold water divided, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup corn syrup, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon vanilla, powdered sugar and cornstarch for dusting.

How to make it: Bloom the gelatin in 1/2 cup water in a mixer bowl. Boil the sugar, corn syrup, salt and remaining water to 240F. Pour into the gelatin and whip on high for 12 minutes until thick. Add vanilla. Spread in a dusted pan, set overnight and cut.

Sweet and Salty Pretzel Bites

Pretzels dipped in chocolate and topped with sprinkles are a favorite with kids and adults alike. The mix of salty crunch and sweet chocolate is impossible to resist. Use mini twists or rods and get creative with festive sprinkles. They are a great project for little helpers, and they pack well in tins. Would you choose milk, dark or white chocolate?

You will need: 1 bag mini pretzel twists, 12 ounces chocolate melts, festive sprinkles, crushed nuts or toffee bits.

How to make it: Melt the chocolate in short bursts. Dip each pretzel halfway or fully and let excess drip off. Place on parchment and add sprinkles right away. Chill 15 minutes until set and pack in tins.

Spiced Shortbread Squares

Buttery shortbread with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger and cardamom tastes like the holidays in one bite. It needs only a few ingredients and keeps for two weeks in a tin. Press the dough into a pan, bake and cut into neat squares. Wrap stacks in parchment and twine for a rustic look. Spiced or plain shortbread: which do you like more?

You will need: 1 cup butter softened, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon cardamom, pinch of salt.

How to make it: Beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Mix in the flour, spices and salt. Press into an 8 inch pan and prick with a fork. Bake at 325F for 30 to 35 minutes until pale golden. Cut while warm and cool in the pan.

Build a Basket of Edible Gifts

Cannot decide? Put several homemade treats together in one basket. A jar of granola, a bag of candied nuts, some cookies and a small jar of jam make a gift that feels generous and personal. Line a thrifted basket with a tea towel the person can keep. It is the best way to share edible gifts with a whole family. Which three treats would you put in yours?

You will need: 1 basket or box, a tea towel, 3 to 5 homemade treats from this list, ribbon, gift tags with flavors and dates.

How to make it: Line the basket with the towel. Place tall jars in the back and bags and tins in front. Fill gaps with tissue or pine sprigs. Tie a ribbon on the handle and add a card listing each treat and how long it keeps.