• Giving a homemade gift jar or basket shows you care.John Foxx/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Homemade gifts are welcomed everywhere as being more personal and thoughtful than store-bought presents. Whether you are creating a gift for Christmas or any other special event, a gift jar or basket tailored just for that special person shows that you have taken the time to make something that they will enjoy. Just don't tell them how easy it really is.
  
  

Homemade Goodies

• Homemade jam and fresh baked bread makes a great gift used on Christmas morning.Bread with blackberry jam image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
  
  The words "just like grandma used to make" can be heard throughout the holidays when you give gift jars and baskets filled with homemade goodies. Make homemade jam or jelly and place in a basket filled with homemade bread and breakfast muffins for a "morning after" gift basket. Fill gift jars or boxes with a variety of different cookies that are special to your family and friends. Give them separately or place them in a basket with some specialty coffee and a couple of mugs. If canning is your specialty, place a selection of this seasons canned goods in a basket with some fresh fruit and vegetables. Planning ahead when canning will allow you to decorate and label your jars as you finish processing them.
  
  

Layered Recipe Jars

• Chicken soup in a jar is great for Christmas or as a get well gift.soup image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
  
  Many recipes lend themselves to decorative creations when they have been layered in glass jars. From soup to cookies it is easy to layer the ingredients in a pleasing pattern that will impress. Simply assemble the dry ingredients for any recipe, then gently place them in the jar using a funnel or spoon. Place heavier ingredients on the bottom so that each item maintains the layered look and make sure you completely fill the jar. Print the recipe on a gift tag, cut a circle from some festive cloth and place over the cover. Tie the gift tag on the jar with some ribbon and your gift is ready to be made with only one or two extra ingredients needed.
  
  

Baskets Abound

• Gift baskets make a statement whether under a Christmas tree or on a gift table. When creating your gift basket, personalize to that special person by filling it with things they love. For example, a coffee lover will adore a basket filled with gourmet coffees, a gift jar filled with homemade mocha mix, some great mugs and a book or two by a favorite author. Movie lovers will jump for joy when seeing a basket filled with homemade chocolate, some microwave popcorn and a gift certifcate for movie rentals. Someone who loves to knit or crochet will love a basket or canvas bag filled with yarn and some special knitting needles or crochet hooks. Tailor your basket to the person it's for and you will guarantee the perfect gift.