Homemade Gift Idea: Vanilla Extract

I was inspired by the homemade gift series on The Simple Dollar to make Homemade Vanilla Extract. I often make homemade gifts for Christmas (or other occasions) for family, friends and neighbors.

I started a few months ago with 3 bottles of Vodka. I bought some Vanilla Beans online. I put 3-4 vanilla beans in each bottle of Vodka and shook the bottle up once a week.

I didn't have any great jars for bottling the vanilla but once again i found the answer in the comments of the blog I linked to above: baby food jars!  I belong to a local moms group and asked if anyone had some baby food jars they were done with.  I got about 20 or so.

Now on to decorating!   Decorating is not my specialty, I just don't have the interest or the patience for it.  I would love to see your designs though.  I have a great appreciation for creative people. Post them in the comments or link to a photo!  

I cut up some decorative papper and put strips around the jar with a glue stick. Then I used some Holiday labels I found online to make a circle for the top of the lid that says "Merry Christmas" or the like.

So far the recipients have really enjoyed the vanilla and the great thing is that the life of the vanilla can be extended by adding more Vodka to the bottle as you use some up (cut up vanilla beans were included in each jar so more vanilla flavor will continue to leech out into the Vodka).

What is your favorite homemade gift? Let me know in the comments below.

Lori Thayer is passionate about finding ways to optimize life, from nutrition to exercise, savingmoney and improving relationships. She is excited to share these tips and tricks with others. Start optimizing your life with her FREE article "5 Easy Habits To Improve Your Health".  Sign up now in the upper right corner of this page.