Gifts in jars

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It was important to me this year to incorporate handmades into my holiday gift giving. Thoughtful presents are the most meaningful and something homemade is always personal and sweet. Add anything that involves food and crafting, and I'm in.

** Spoiler alert... refrain from continuing if you have an inclination you might be receiving one of these lovelies this weekend. **

Bean & lentil soup mix 
For the meat-free in my fam, I opted for a healthy dry soup mix. Layering a variety of beans and lentils, then topping it off with a little packet of spices.

Homemade cranberry sauce 
You'll never find can-shaped cranberry sauce in our house. This homemade option has chopped dried and fresh fruit, as well as pecans. Find the recipe in my mom's book.

Spiced chai concentrate 
The inspiration for these gifts came from my sister-in-laws who love to drink chai. After one sip, you will never go back to bought concentrate. It is so easy and delicious! I can't wait to give these as stocking stuffers. Find the recipe here.

A word to the wise: do not attempt to find mason jars out of season, let alone at Christmas. Yes, I was that crazy person calling retailers and exhausting every option to find a few cases of jars leftover from canning season. I got lucky, but I plan to stock up next summer to avoid the search again.

Did you hand make or create gifts this year?