Preserved and dried garden goods you can gift for the holidays
We worked so diligently on our gardens all year, and it’s time to share the edible abundance. Giving products from your bounty this holiday season takes thoughtfulness to the next level, and if you didn’t have the best luck in the garden this year, you can always supplement from your local farmers or gardener friends around you. Whether you’re crafty and creative, a great cook or a master herbalist, there’s something on this list for you and your loved ones.
Jars, preserves and ferments
Photo by Markus Spiske on UnsplashNothing says cozy season like a can of homemade soup or cinnamon apples!
- Spiced pears or apples: perfect for bakes, pies and crumbles.
- Apricot or peach jalapeño jelly: a warm kick to pair with cheeses or on toast.
- Butternut squash soup: a hearty (and delicious) meal for the busy person in your life.
- Jalapeño salsa: give the gift of a party in a jar.
- Pasta sauce: a wonderful way to extend the summer taste of tomatoes.
- Beet chutney: a sweet topper to meals or cheese plates.
- Split pea soup: another hearty (and delicious) meal for the busy person in your life.
- Pickles: fermented or canned, your pickle-loving friends will adore these.
- Sauerkraut: a gift for the gut is a thoughtful gift indeed.
- Fermented hot sauce: for the family member who could use a little more spice.
- Strawberry shrub: a vinegar-based cocktail sweetener for the mixologist in your life.
- Kombucha: a bottle of homemade kombucha infused with garden herbs is *chef’s kiss*.
- Pesto: who can beat the taste of pesto pasta? It’s garlicky, basil-y goodness!
- Apple cider vinegar: a great way to use apple cores and scraps.
Tinctures, salves, teas and dried herbs
Photo by Lisa Hobbs on UnsplashPerfect for the budding herbalist who wants to share their knowledge!
- Lemon balm tea: great for mental clarity and anxiousness.
- Mint tea: wonderful to soothe the stomach after a big meal.
- Lavender sachet: a treat to hang in cabinets and closets.
- Dried flower bouquet: give the gift of spring flowers in the middle of winter.
- Dried herb bundle: a mix of oregano, thyme, rosemary and sage is warming and flavourful.
- Calendula, lavender, plantain and yarrow salve: an ideal gift for those with dry hands this winter.
- Valerian tincture: this root makes a wonderful sleep aid for those who might need it.
- Dried soup stock: a wonderful base for the soup lover in your life.
- Motherwort tea or tincture: a uterine tonic for those with cramps, bloating or PMS symptoms.
- Elderberry syrup: a healthy boost to cocktails, sodas and teas.
- Spices: dry and grind up garlic, jalapeño, oregano, cumin and other spices to gift the cook in your family.
- Linen or room spray: infuse lemon balm, lavender and other aromatic herbs to make your loved ones’ homes smell (naturally) divine.
- Fire cider: an infusion to help keep your family and friends healthy this winter season.
Now that you’ve chosen garden gifts for everyone on your list, all you have to do is grab some burlap, lace, string and labels to glam up your homemade gift. You can even add a little recipe or direction on the label to make it extra special. Any garden gift from the heart will be the talk of this year’s Secret Santa festivities!