8 Homemade Sweets That Make Awesome Holiday Gifts

As much as we all love giving (and receiving) holiday gifts, shopping for them can get pretty expensive.

This year, save some time—and money—by making some thoughtful homemade goodies. From rhubarb jam to decadent chocolate hazelnut spread, we have ideas to delight everyone on your list.

1. Simple Homemade Jam

Have some leftover blackberries or peaches waiting in your freezer? Consider that the perfect opportunity to make jam! If you really want to wow your friends and family, try this adventurous rhubarb jam recipe.

2. Almond Butter Cups

The usual store-bought tree-shaped peanut butter cups have nothing on our homemade version. An added bonus: They’re vegan and Paleo-friendly!

3. Honey Almond Popcorn Balls

Popcorn balls might be a traditional Halloween treat, but these sweet and crunchy snacks work make perfect gifts during the holidays.

4. Quinoa Crunch Bars

Gluten-free friends will go ga-ga over these dark chocolate bars with puffed quinoa. Just cut them into small squares and package in individual gift bags.

5. Make-Your-Own Vegan Chocolates

This recipe for simple chocolates allows you to customize flavors for anyone on your list. Top them with chopped almonds, add some dried fruit, or go all out with chocolate chips and sprinkles (kiddos love the latter).

6. Chocolate-Covered Dates

Take naturally sweet dates, stuff them with mixed nuts, and dip them in chocolate. Yep, the result is as perfect as it sounds. 

7. Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread

Who wouldn’t love a tub of this stuff to spread all over toast, drizzle over ice cream, or eat by the spoonful? Our upgraded version of Nutella is just divine.

8. Maple Almond Butter

Not feeling the candy? Instead, mix up a batch of this maple almond butter for a decadent (but much less sweet) treat.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont