Homemade Vanilla Extract – Christmas Gift Idea

You are going to want to try this, trust me it’s the best!

Struggling to find gifts to give to neighbors or friends this holiday season?  Need a gift that won’t break the bank?  Then you need to make this homemade vanilla extract!

Homemade Vanilla Christmas Gift Idea

It’s the perfect gift that can be enjoyed all year long and you won’t believe how easy it is to make! 

Make Homemade Vanilla Extract this holiday season, it’s an easy and affordable Christmas gift idea for everyone on your list.  

I made homemade vanilla with some friends for the first time last year and handed it out as gifts to our teachers, neighbors, and my husband’s co-workers.  It was a simple, yet thoughtful gift that anyone can use and enjoy throughout the year.  So I decided to make more this year!

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Pure Vanilla extract consists of only two things: vodka and vanilla beans.  Yep, that’s it.  I promise, check the back of the label on the vanilla in your cupboard.  

And that’s the beauty of making your own, you can make as little or as much as you want.  All you have to do is adjust the number of beans and the amount of vodka.  The standard ratio is 2 vanilla beans to every 4 ounces of vodka.

To make homemade vanilla extract you will need:

• Vodka, the quality of vodka doesn’t matter…the cheap stuff will work.
• Madagascar vanilla beans
• 4 oz glass bottles
• Free Vanilla Extract Labels

What Kind of Vanilla Beans Should I Use

Vanilla beans can be a little expensive, but you don’t want to skimp on the quality here.  There are lots of varieties out there but my favorite is the Mexican Vanilla Bean or the Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean, but pick your favorite and go for it!  When your beans arrive they should be fragrant, plump, and oily, that is the sign of a good bean.

First, cut the beans in half lengthwise and then cut them in half again.  You’ll get two halves from one bean pod.  If you are making 4 oz of homemade vanilla extract you will need 2 vanilla beans (or 4 cut sections.)

Next, place the beans in a jar with a lid.

Then, pour in the vodka until the vanilla beans are covered.

Your vanilla will need to “cure” for at least 6-8 weeks before using.  Store the Vanilla in a dark place and about once a week, shake the bottle for 10 seconds to mix it up.  Then put it back and wait until it’s reached its peak before using it!

When I originally made this Christmas gift I poured my vanilla into a pretty bottle and tied a black and gold tag I made with my Cricut Explore to the bottle with a black and white striped ribbon.  

In the last few years I have been putting the vanilla extract into these bottles and putting these custom labels on them.

I think that this Homemade Vanilla Extract is a simple, pretty, and practical Christmas gift that your friends and family will love.

 
I have teamed up with 29 incredibly talented and creative bloggers to share some fun neighbor gift ideas. Make sure to check out all the ideas below and visit everyone’s blogs for more details.

 Our Thrifty Ideas – Soda Tags Neighbor Gift

Dessert Now Dinner Later – Muddy Buddy Popcorn

Pretty Providence – Treat Pops

Blooming Homestead – Cookie Decorating Kit

Yesterday on Tuesday – Cookie Mix

The Happy Scraps – Homemade treat packaging

Over The Big Moon – Pepper Jelly

Just Us Four – Paleo Pumpkin Granola w/ Tag 

Wait Til Your Father Gets Home – Rudolph Ornament

Happiness Is Homemade – Holiday Cookie Dough Tag

Cupcake Diaries – Twizzlers Holiday Tag

One Artsy Mama – Crochet Gift Card Pouch

Reasons to Skip the Housework – Hot Cocoa Set

Made to Be a Mama – Dishes Gift Set

Let’s Eat Grandpa – Easy-Sew Two-Hand Casserole Pot Holder

 Dukes and Duchesses – Home for the Holidays Cocoa Gift

See Vanessa Craft – Cinnamon Vanilla Sugar Scrub

Carissa Miss – For Your Mistletoes

Occasionally Crafty – Salsa Neighbor Gift

 Simply Designing – Mulling Spices

Domestically Speaking – Cinnamon Crumble Apple Pie + Printable

Creations By Kara – Christmas Bread Wrapper

Frog Prince Paperie – Luminary Kit

Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke – The Gift of Dishes

 Giggles Galore – Homemade Vanilla

One Krieger Chick – Playdough in a Jar

Food Folks and Fun – DIY Coasters Gift Set

My Craftily Ever After – Printable Neighbor Gift Bags

Rae Gun Ramblings – Neighbor Gift Treat

What are you giving friends and family for Christmas this year?