Homemade holiday gifts often take the form of fresh-from-the-kitchen treats like cookies and candy. They’re lovely, of course. But why not create gifts that promote health and taste great? Here are some of our favorite ideas:

1. Local honey sampler

Purchase a variety of homegrown honeys — blackberry, wildflower, and the like — in bulk at your local health food store, then package in decorative jars, along with a little honey pot and dipper. To learn more about honey, check out our complete guide here.

2. Potted Kitchen Herbs

The summer growing season is over, but a windowsill garden of cooking herbs can keep your cooking (and your spirits) a little brighter. Plant a few different varieties in small pots and include a recipe or two for each herb. Choose woody herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. They’re perennials and will most likely last longer.

3. Spiced nuts

It’s incredibly easy to make a savory nut mix, which you can cook in large batches and package in decorative tins. Beat two large egg whites with 1/2 cup sugar until foamy, but not yet firm. Add 2 teaspoons each of cinnamon, ginger, and salt plus 1 teaspoon of chili powder, then stir in 5 cups nuts of your choice (we love pecans and almonds). Spread nuts on a large baking sheet and cook at 300° for 15 minutes. Stir nuts on sheet, reduce heat to 250°, and bake 10 minutes more. Let cool fully before packing.

4. A Chocolate Tasting

Treat someone to a gourmet sampler by packaging several varieties of dark chocolate bars in a basket, along with complementary treats, such as fruits or fair trade coffee beans. Try choosing single-origin chocolates from places like Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Madagascar, etc., and encourage the recipient to try and identify the different flavors in each, from molasses to citrus to tobacco.

5. Pomegranate-Lime Drink Mixers

Here’s another tasty source of antioxidants: a pomegranate infusion that you can serve with sparkling water or in cocktails. In a medium pot, simmer 1/2 cup water, fresh zest from one lime, and 1/2 cup sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Cool, then add 2 1/2 cups of pomegranate juice and refrigerate overnight. Strain and pour into a decorative bottle with a pretty label. The juice must be kept refrigerated and will keep for two weeks.

6. Personalized Tea Blends

Purchase whole dried herbs in bulk (better yet, grow and dry your own) and mix them to make custom teas. Some suggestions: Three parts dried rose hips to one part dried lavender blossoms; equal parts chamomile and mint; or two parts lemon verbena to one part thyme and tarragon. Package the tea in small containers and present with a reusable infuser.

7. Nut butters

If you own a food processor, you can make your own natural nut butters. First, roast the nuts at 300° until golden brown. Pulse nuts in the food processor until finely ground, then let the machine run, stopping to scrape down the sides periodically, until the mixture is very creamy. This can take up to 15 minutes. When you have the texture you want, add a bit of honey and salt to taste. Package in small jars and give them with a loaf of artisan bread and some good jam. Keep refrigerated for up to four weeks.

8. Homemade Snack Mix

Try our tasty recipe for Curry Snack Mix or Thai Chili Nuts and Puffs for an everyday treat that’s special enough for gifting.

9. Fragrant Salt Scrub

Think of this as gourmet food for your skin. Our Scented Salt Scrub will help promote a healthy glow even in the most winter-weary skin. For extra moisture, add equal parts coconut oil (available in natural foods stores) to the salt mixture.

10. Olive Oils

Good gourmet and natural food stores sell several varieties of olive oil in bulk — everything from peppery Tuscan to citrus-infused blends. Choose several, preferably in different shades of yellow and green, and pour them into matching glass bottles.