By: Alex Harmon, ellaslist

I love making my own Christmas gifts (not because I'm tight, Aunt Cathy!) but because I think they make a gift more personable, long-lasting and memorable. Not to mention tasty (after some trial and error, of course). Now that I have kids, I think it's more important than ever to show them that gifts have meaning - and don't just magically appear down the chimney (thanks Santa!). So get your little helping eleves in the kitchen and cook up a storm with these simple, yet delcious, gift ideas you can pour into a jar, decorate with festive ribbons and *spread* your Christmas message.

 

Bacon Jam

Even the biggest Xmas grinches will love this gift! It's got the saltiness of bacon, sweetness from brown sugar and bitterness from coffee. It's a crowd pleaser for sure (even my newly vegan sister in law was salivating over this). Check out this recipe from MyRecipes.com

 

 

Rosé Jelly Spread

Since Rosé is the drink of summer, why not start the summer day with it on your toast? It's made with sweet rosé wine and has notes of cherry, watermelon, and lime. And before you worry about tipping your nan over the limit on her way to Bingo, the wine spread is actually non-alcoholic. You can buy the fancy stuff on Etsy or, as this article suggests, we show you how to make it. 

 

Salted Caramel Spread

Move over Nutella, there's a new eat-straight-from-the-jar spread in town. Salted caramel spread can be made and stored in the fridge for weeks. It will take any dessert to the next level, that's if you don't eat the contents of the jar in one setting! Here's how to make it.

 

Cranberry Honey Butter

This spread is the most festive of all, you'll want to start Christmas morning with this on pancakes, or waffles, or raison toast - on anything, really! If you don't like cranberries, you could use cherries. Either way, with a red ribbon on the jar, it makes the festive season a treat. Here's a great recipe from Taste of Home. 

 

Peanut Butter Snowballs

It might not snow in Sydney at Christmas but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate with snow-themed treats. These snowballs look great in a jar and are so easy to make with kids - no baking required! Here's a simple recipe to follow.

 

Chilli Pepper Chutney

It doesn't have to be all sweetness in a jar, this savoury chutney is the perfect accompaniment to those after dinner cheese boards. It also goes great in sandwiches with any leftover Christmas meat. Here's Jamie Oliver's recipe for cheeky chilli pepper chutney! 

 

Some Festive Tips

 

• Make sure your jams and chutneys last longer by properly sterilising your jars and bottles. 
• Seal them in pretty glass bottles and covering the lids with circles of your favourite Christmas fabric.
• Print out custom labels to add to the jars, complete with recipe ideas and the used by date.
• Tie a ribbon or string around the top of the jars to hang your homemade tags.