50+ Last Minute DIY Christmas Gifts from the Kitchen

These last minute DIY Christmas gift ideas are practically guaranteed to be gobbled up by the recipient! Each of these thoughtful DIY gifts is created in the kitchen and makes for perfect hostess gifts, teacher gifts, or stocking stuffers. There is something for everyone on this list. Plus, grab my go-to crowd-pleasing Italian bread dip mix at the end of this post.

Want to know my secret to last minute DIY Christmas gifts? It all begins in the kitchen! Making unique and heartfelt gifts can easily be done with ingredients you already have on hand.

In fact, I wrote a whole book about gifts that you can whip up right at home in the kitchen. Sugar and Spice: Handmade Gifts from the Kitchen is full of last minute DIY Christmas gifts and I wanted to share a couple of those recipes with you here today!

Your Kitchen: the Perfect Spot to Make Last Minute DIY Christmas Gifts

As hard as I try, every year there is always a last-minute panic before Christmas to finish up shopping. Even if you plan it out and start getting gifts months in advance, there are always last-minute gifts that pop up for neighbors, teachers, postmen, party hosts…you name it!

That’s why it is SO important to have a ton of last minute Christmas gift ideas at the ready. No one likes feeling unprepared but at the same time, it’s hard to have a lot of presents at the ready. That’s exactly why I turn to the kitchen! It is always packed full of ingredients at my disposal and never fails to disappoint in the gift sector. After all, food is universal and something everyone loves and appreciates.

My book, Sugar and Spice, is perfect to have on hand anytime you need a gift ASAP. I wanted to share with you one recipe from each chapter. There are over forty recipes in Sugar and Spice that are easy to make and are basically guaranteed to be loved.

Herbs & Spices

If you have a stocked spice cabinet, chances are you already have most of these ingredients on hand and ready to go in your kitchen. We all know that good spices are the key to making tasty dishes. By creating spice blends and other easy condiments, you’re encouraging your giftee to create their own tasty meals with your help.

In Sugar and Spice, my first chapter is dedicated to the art of herb and spices. I share recipes for walnut garlic scape pesto, rosemary lemon sea salt, herb-infused vinegars, and so many more herbalicious recipes. My first recipe I wanted to share with you is the first one you can find in the book!

Italian Bread Dip Mix

Good quality herbs mixed with oil and balsamic vinegar is the tastiest bread dip out there. This Italian bread dip mix is a dry-ingredient herb mix that stores well until ready to be eaten. Simply combine with olive oil and vinegar, warm up a loaf of bread, and you’re ready to dip.

Trust me, this dip mix is a winner! Grab the recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Love in a Mason Jar

Only good things come in mason jars. They are known for jams and preserves, but they can also be used for a ton of other recipes and gifts. Mason jars are great for last minute DIY Christmas gifts because they are easy to decorate. Throw on some jute twine and a label and you’re good to go!

From roasted heirloom tomato pizza sauce to blood orange and raspberry marmalade, I have a ton of recipes featuring mason jars in Sugar and Spice. For this chapter, I wanted to share with you the perfect combination of salty and sweet.

Olive and Fig Tapenade

This is the perfect party gift for a host, allowing them to enjoy this flavor kick as soon as they open the gift. Super easy to make and even easier to enjoy, your mind will be blown at the range of flavours in one bite. Click here to view the recipe.

Refreshing Sips

With all the food being consumed come holiday season, we’re going to need some refreshing sips to wash it all down. While I love egg nog and cinnamon spiced drinks, I like to have a little variety when it comes to holiday drinks. Drinks are a sure fire way to ensure your last minute DIY Christmas gifts are a hit with whoever receives and enjoys them.

My drink recipes in Sugar and Spice include different syrups to make alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks as well as special recipes just for adults. This recipe, however, can be enjoyed by all.

Ginger-Mint Lemonade

I have always been a fan of ginger, due to its spiciness that most palettes can handle. When mixed with muddled mint and freshly squeezed lemons, you get a fresh, tart, and spicy drink all at once. Visit here to check out the recipe.

Oven-Baked Goodness

What would the kitchen be without an oven? Warm and toasty, some of the sweetest and most savoury food comes from the oven. Christmas baking is a staple between gingerbread and shortbread, but there are a ton of other oven-baked goodness that is waiting to be made.

The baking chapter in Sugar and Spice features some holiday recipes you may not have thought of including cinnamon palmiers, puff pastry lollipops, sweet compound butter, pumpkin apple bread, and more. However, this baked recipe I wanted to share with you is for your four-legged friend.

Squirrely Dog Cookies

Since these cookies make dogs go squirrely, I had fun making them resemble the favorite rodent dogs love to chase. However, you can make them using whatever shape of cookie cutters you have on hand. Dogs will love them regardless! View the recipe here.

‘Tis the Season

Most of these recipes could actually be made and gifted year-round, so I wanted to come up with a few last minute DIY Christmas gifts specifically for the season. In Sugar and Spice, I have a few recipes that you can make to eat, drink, and be merry, starting off with this clever and festive drink.

Christmas Morning Granola

A good Christmas breakfast is all part of the magic of Christmas morning. This Christmas morning granola recipe is healthy and tasty, making the perfect Christmas tradition or a simple last minute gift idea. Find the recipe here. 

10 More Last Minute DIY Christmas Gifts

If you’re still searching for some more last minute DIY Christmas gifts, I’ve got a few more ideas for you. There are forty recipes in Sugar and Spice but here are ten more to get you through the holiday season. All can be made quickly using materials and ingredients that you already have on hand or that are easy to source. The end products are lovely homemade gifts that everyone can appreciate.