Happy Holidays, friends! I truly can’t believe that Christmas is just over 2 weeks away! Per usual, I’ve decorated the tree and the house, made gingerbread houses and cookies with the kids, and…haven’t started my Christmas shopping yet. I’m not sure why, but no matter how many times I convince myself that I will complete my holiday shopping before Thanksgiving, it never happens. 

Actually, I know exactly why. I hate shopping. There, I said it. And I especially don’t like to buy a piles of stuff for a list of people who don’t actually need anything! Before you label me a total Scrooge, though, know this: I do love giving gifts. I just prefer the homemade kind. Which is why next week, you’ll find me in my kitchen baking up a storm. Cookies and truffles and granola and all sorts of goodies that I will pack into tins and jars to leave on friend’s front porches, with a card and lots of love. 

This holiday season, I’m thrilled to partner with some amazing bloggers to collectively share our favorite homemade holiday gifts. These beautiful blogs (Most Lovely Things, Classic Casual Home, Cindy Hattersley Design, Sheri Silver, and My Sweet Savannah) are all worth checking out - not just for today’s Homemade Gift post, but for all sorts of inspiration on living well, from interiors to food to travel to design. These ladies often collaborate, and I’m honored to have been included this month, thanks to Annie from Most Lovely Things. Annie and I connected via Instagram awhile ago, and struck up a virtual friendship. I was awed by her kindness a few months ago, when she sent my daughter Evie some essential oil rollers to help her calm her separation anxiety in the early days of kindergarten. So when she asked if I wanted to collaborate with her and some of her blogger friends on a homemade holiday gift post, I enthusiastically said YES!

All that said, here are a few of my favorite homemade holiday treats. These are my go-to gifts for neighbors, friends, teachers, and other special people in our life. I usually enlist my kids to help me bake and package the goodies (they love it), and then we’ll all go drop them off together. The whole process is so much fun - far better than shopping, in my opinion! Ha.

Crunchy Maple Pecan Granola

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I love making a huge batch of this addictive granola and packaging it in mason jars with a ribbon tied around the top. Flavored with cinnamon and sea salt, and loaded with pecans and sunflower seeds, this is my go-to yogurt topper at breakfast, and it also makes an incredible snack mixed with a few dark chocolate chips. 

Dark Chocolate Grand Marnier Truffles

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This is truly one of the easiest recipes of all times. It literally has just 4 ingredients. Once you make the orange-flavored ganache, roll it in any topping you like, from dark cocoa powder to crushed pistachios, and you’ve got a decadent treat everybody will love.

Ginger Spice Cookies

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Soft and chewy, with a crunch of Turbinado sugar on the outside, I adore these cookies. Make sure to take them out of the oven when they are still a bit underdone - they’ll firm up as they cool.

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

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These biscotti, packed with dried cranberries, pistachios, and citrus zest, are just as pretty as they are flavorful. An added bonus: they stay fresh for up to a week, making them an ideal gift.

Rosemary Pecan Shortbread Squares

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If I had to pick just one recipe on this list that was my absolute favorite, it would be be these Rosemary Pecan Shortbread Squares. Imagine buttery salted shortbread topped with a gooey rosemary-pecan pie filling. (Yep, it tastes as good as it sounds!) Cut the bars into tiny squares and dust with powdered sugar - these bite-size treats are guaranteed to be a hit!

Mini Cranberry Orange Tea Cakes

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I love making cakes in mini loaf pans to give as gifts at the holidays, such as this Cranberry Orange Tea Cake or Old-Fashioned Gingerbread. I wrap them well in plastic wrap, tie a big bow around, and voila! Gift-ready!

Lemon Curd

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Finally, I think that a jar of homemade lemon curd would make an excellent present. Tangy and sweet, lemon curd is a delicious topping for cake or simply spread on toast. I love it drizzled in a crêpe stirred into plain yogurt. It’s so versatile and it’s such a nice thing to have on hand. (Keep in mind, it only lasts 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.)

I hope you enjoy making your own holiday gifts this Christmas. I can’t wait to see your creations…tag me if you post any pictures on Instagram so I can see them!

Merry Christmas, everybody!

XO, Anna