Gifts from the Garden: Homegrown Holiday Ideas

By: Angela Judd | November 18, 2024

There’s a unique joy in giving handmade and homegrown gifts. People love knowing where their food and products come from, and there’s nothing more special than sharing the organic bounty of your garden. I’m excited to share some thoughtful DIY gift ideas from the garden that will delight your loved ones. Let’s get started!

Loofah Soap

I first made this at a class at Arizona Worm Farm. After seeing how simple it was, my daughter-in-law and I made our own with lavender and loofah from the garden.

Supplies Needed:

Loofah – dried, peeled and washed. I used the inner core from sponges, and saved the outside of the sponge for the loofah scrubbers (below). Learn how to grow loofah in this guide.
Dried lavender or other dried flowers or herbs
Soap molds
Soap base – We used a goat milk base
Essential oil

Instructions: Place the cut-up loofah (the middle of the scrubbers) in the mold and then add the melted soap base. Add dried lavender and a drop of lavender oil. Let it harden and cure for a couple of weeks before using.

Peach Jam and Roselle Jam

There’s nothing quite like homemade jam made from fresh, homegrown fruits. Peach jam and roselle jam are delicious treats that make perfect gifts.

You can find the recipe for roselle jam here. Use your favorite peach jam recipe and follow instructions for properly canning. I also love canning salsa from the garden to give as gifts. Here’s my favorite salsa recipe.

Saved Seeds from the Garden

Sharing seeds is a beautiful way to spread the joy of gardening. Bundle them with a ribbon, and you have a thoughtful and inspiring gift. Learn more about how to save seeds in this guide.

Instructions: Add 1-2 teaspoons of seeds to a paper envelope (these are the ones I use) and tie a few packages together with a ribbon (this is my favorite ribbon). Add a QR code link to the “How to Grow” guides for each crop on my website to make growing easy!

Bay Laurel Wreath

This bay laurel wreath is simple to make and adds a lovely, natural touch to any home. If you are growing bay laurel, this is an easy gift. If you’re not growing it, learn how to grow bay laurel in this guide.

Supplies Needed:

Branches from a bay laurel tree. The amount needed will vary but plan on 15-20 cuttings for a full-looking wreath.
Grapevine wreath. This is the one I used.
Flexible paddle wire.

Instructions: Add the branches to the wreath by slipping the stem side of the branch into the wreath. Use the branches’ natural curves to guide where to place them on the wreath. Then, attach one end of the wire to the wreath and wrap it around the wreath under the leaves to hold the branches in place when they dry. It just took a couple of minutes! You can leave it as is or add more decorations.

I also make bay laurel wreaths on a wire. You can learn more about how to make that type of bay laurel wreath in this guide.

How to Make a Beautiful and Fragrant Bay Leaf Wreath

Loofah Dish Scrubber

Making loofah scrubbers is easy and fun!

Supplies Needed:

Loofah – dried, peeled and washed. Remove the inner core, so you have a flat piece of luffa. Learn how to grow loofah in this guide.
Crochet thread. (This is the one I use.)
Needle. (This is the one I use.)

Instructions: Let loofahs fully develop on the vine. Cut off the end and shake out the seeds when they are dry. Peel off the outer skin. Then cut it open down one of the ridges. Loofahs have a core in the middle where the seeds are; cut out the core where it attaches to the outer sponge. Save that middle part to add to loofah soap (see above), then flatten it out. Soak the sponges in water and vinegar. Then, cut into even parts and sew together around the outside edge. (Your sewing doesn’t need to be perfect, mine wasn’t!) Tie off both ends well to hold it together.

Fruit Basket

If you have citrus in your yard, you often take it for granted. Give fresh citrus to friends and neighbors. Check the local Goodwill or thrift stores for baskets.

Fill a basket with lemons, limes, or calamondins. The same goes for pomegranates—they can be expensive, so share a few with those who will enjoy them. Attach your favorite recipe for lemon curd, key lime pie, or pomegranate jalepeño cream cheese dip.

Herb Bundles – (Bouquet Garni)

These herb bundles, or ‘bouquet garni,’ translated from French as a “garnished bouquet,” are easy to make. Place them directly into soups or stews while cooking. The herbs release their flavors into your cooking, and when you’re ready to serve, you can effortlessly remove the bundle from the pot without the hassle of fishing out individual herbs. Give one with a favorite recipe as a gift, and include more ingredients to make it extra special.

Supplies Needed:

Fresh herbs. Traditional versions include parsley, thyme, and bay leaves, but you can customize it with herbs like rosemary or oregano to suit your recipe.
Cheesecloth bags. (These are the ones I use.)

Instructions: Gather fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Place the desired amount in each bag. Use within a month or so for the best flavor.

Wildflower Seed Packets

Sharing wildflower seeds is a gift that keeps on giving. I gave these to many of my neighbors last year, and it was fun to see the wildflowers sprouting around the neighborhood. Get complete instructions and download the free printable for wildflower gifts here.

Supplies Needed: I used cosmos, California poppy, Shirley poppy, larkspur, and cornflower (bachelor button) seeds in my mix.

Instructions: Add ½ to 1 cup of sand or vermiculite as filler. Add one teaspoon of each type of seed into the filler. If you purchased a seed mixture, include 4–5 teaspoons in each bag.

Herbal Teas

Mix your favorite combinations and put them in these jars (love the attached spoon!). Then, give them some reusable tea bags or a steeping mug to enjoy their homegrown organic tea.

Roselle Citrus Tea

A refreshing blend of roselle, lemon verbena leaves, stevia, lemongrass, and lemon peel. More information about roselle citrus tea.

Chamomile Tea

Remember all that chamomile we harvested? It’s time to share it! Learn more in this chamomile growing guide.

Calming Tea Blend

A soothing mix of lemon balm, lemon verbena, tulsi, chamomile, calendula, stevia leaf, and citrus wheels.

Dehydrated or Freeze Dried Herbs

Freeze-drying or dehydrating herbs preserves the garden’s fresh flavor. Add some to jars and share organically grown herbs as a gift. Learn more about how to freeze dry herbs in this guide.

Celery Salt

This simple yet flavorful seasoning captures the fresh essence of celery, allowing you to enhance your favorite dishes anytime. Share this fresh flavor with others. Learn how to make celery salt in this guide.

Gifts from the Garden Assembly Ideas

I like to add personal touches like handwritten notes or labels. Combine different items into a cohesive gift set by creating gift baskets. Use burlap or jute from the garden to wrap your gifts. Use what you have.

Now you know some of the gifts from the garden I’m giving this year. What gifts are you giving from your garden this year? I’d love to hear your ideas!