The gift of homemade vanilla extract
As the days grow shorter and my gardens settle in for their winter break, I find myself shifting my focus to more creative pursuits. This is the time of year when I start thinking about handmade crafts and thoughtful gift giving for the holidays. Now that our kids are grown, we aim to keep holiday gifts purposeful—useful items they'll really enjoy and use all year long. For friends and family, my heart always leans towards handmade gifts that bring a little warmth and personal touch.
Over the years, I've given away all kinds of homemade treasures: warming spices paired with a bottle of wine or cider, fresh wreaths, herbal soaps, nourishing balms and salves, gifts in a jar, homemade ornaments itself, and soothing tea blends. These are the gifts I love best—thoughtful, wearable, and carefully handcrafted. I want to encourage a holiday season that feels less about overconsumption and more about sharing homemade treasures, thrifted seeds, jars of preserved goodness, and locally sourced goods.
When buying gifts, I am mindful to support local businesses in our community. Not only does this help our neighbors thrive, but it's also better for the environment, reducing the need for transportation and the carbon footprint that comes with it.
Homemade vanilla extract is one of my favorite gifts to give, especially around the holidays. It's a simple process, but the results are so rich and delicious, perfect for anyone who loves baking or adding a touch of vanilla warmth to their favorite recipes.
