Homemade/DIY Vanilla Christmas Gift Ideas
All of these gifts use real vanilla beans, especially Papua New Guinea Planifolia (for smoky depth) or Tahitensis (for floral sweetness). You can mix and match items into a themed gift basket! Hand write a special message and you have special Christmas gifts to share.
Home made Vanilla Extract (Deluxe Triple Fold) - Classic and always loved.
Ingredients:
3 oz vanilla beans per bottle (each vanilla bean has a unique flavor – so many to try!)
8 oz Vodka, bourbon, or rum (your choice)..I prefer Vodka for a pure vanilla flavor
Glass gift bottle/jar
Instructions:
You can split beans or keep them whole and place in the bottle.
Fill with alcohol, seal tightly and gently tip the bottle weekly to mix.
Ready in 6-12 months depending on your preference. Keep the pods to use for syrup, sugar or any of your other favorite recipes!
Vanilla Bean Sugar - Perfect for tea, specialty coffee, baking, or topping toast.
1-2 vanilla beans or 1-2 tsp vanilla powder (depending on your preference)
1 cup granulated white or raw sugar
Mason jar or glass jar with lid
Instructions:
Scrape seeds into sugar and stir; for a stronger flavor and finer sugar, blend in a blender, spice blender or food processer.
Bury pods in the sugar and seal jar.
You can use immediately; for a more robust flavor, let infuse for 1–2 weeks. Shake occasionally to avoid clumping.
Vanilla Coconut Sugar Scrub - Simple spa treat for skin-loving friends.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup sugar (granulated for courser scrub or brown for a finer scrub)
1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
Seeds from 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla powder
Glass gift jar with lid
Instructions:
Mix the vanilla and sugar together then pour in melted coconut oil. It will have a wet sandy texture and will become thicker as it cools. You can add 2-3 drops of vitamin E oil if you like. This scrub is great to use in the shower and creates soft, smooth skin.
Vanilla Bean Coffee Syrup - For coffee lovers or cocktail mixers.
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
Glass bottle with lid
Instructions:
Simmer sugar, water, and vanilla seeds + pod for 5–10 minutes.
Cool, bottle, and refrigerate.
Vanilla Bean Christmas Simmer Pot Kit - A cozy, aromatic experience alternative to candles to make your home smell amazing and bring on cozy Christmas feels.
Ingredients:
1–2 vanilla bean pods (used or fresh)
4-5 Black Pepper Corns
1 Tbsp Black Tea
1-2 Cinnamon sticks
5 Cloves
1 Whole nutmeg
2 star anise
5 whole cardamom pods
Craft bag or gift jar
Mix ingredients in a craft bag or jar with the following instructions - Simmer in a pot of water on the stove or in your crockpot for a wonderful cozy smell – add water every 30-45 minutes.
Vanilla Body Oil - Moisturizing and naturally fragrant.
Ingredients:
½ cup of Jojoba, baby or almond oil
1 vanilla bean (cut and scraped)
Small glass dropper bottle
Instructions:
Place scraped vanilla beans and cut pod into a glass jar; pour carrier oil overtop and seal in the jar. Let steep for 1–2 weeks in a cool place. Shake gently daily. Once it has reached your desired scent intensity, strain through cheesecloth and bottle.
Bonus Idea: Build a Gift Basket
Mix 3–5 of the ideas above into a themed basket:
Tie with twine or ribbon
Add a handwritten vanilla recipe card
Include package(s) of your favorite vanilla beans www.vanillaplanet.com or a Vanilla Planet Gift Card , your favorite Christmas recipes, add a Christmas decoration, a candle, or dried flowers for a special gift for family or friends to enjoy a personal gift with love
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