I love giving Christmas gifts that people can actually use. For the past few years, I’ve made an Italian seasoning blend and given it to my family. Everyone has told me it’s the best Italian seasoning they’ve tried, and they always ask me to make it again for Christmas. Homemade gifts feel special. When you make something by hand, it shows you care, and people notice the extra effort. Giving something I made lets my loved ones know I was thinking of them, and I enjoy adding that personal touch. So this year, I decided to make a few more seasoning blends to go along with my Italian Seasoning.
I’ve really enjoyed making my own seasoning salts using herbs from my garden. It’s amazing how simple ingredients like salt, herbs, and spices can become a thoughtful gift. Add a custom label, a bit of ribbon, and a few tips for using the blend, and it looks just like something you’d find in a specialty store.
If you have friends or family who like to cook, grill, smoke meat, or try new flavors, homemade seasoning blends make a great gift. They’re budget-friendly, easy to customize, and look nice in glass spice jars. You can make several blends in just one afternoon, which is handy if you’re making gifts for a group.
Here are 15 homemade seasoning blends and meat rubs, from everyday basics to bold BBQ flavors. Each recipe includes measurements, tips for using it, and an easy way to package it as a gift.
Homemade Herb Salts and Everyday Seasonings
These blends are perfect for anyone who likes to add more flavor to their meals. They’re also a good option for people who don’t have a grill or smoker.
Garden to Table Italian Herb Salt
I enjoy using dried herbs from my garden to make this Italian herb salt. It’s delicious on roasted vegetables, potatoes, pasta, chicken, and even homemade bread.
Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons fine-grain pink Himalayan salt
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Directions: Crush any large herb pieces, then combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and transfer to a clean, dry spice jar.
Gift presentation: Package in a clear glass spice jar with a label that reads “Garden to Table Italian Salt.” Add a small tag suggesting it be mixed with olive oil for bread dipping.
Garden Greens Seasoning Salt
This blend combines the savory flavors of green onion, chives, garlic scapes, and dill. It’s a tasty way to brighten up potatoes, eggs, vegetables, and creamy dips.
Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons fine-grain salt
– 1 teaspoon dried green onion
– 1 teaspoon dried chives
– 1 teaspoon dried garlic scapes
– 1 teaspoon dried dill
Directions: Make sure all herbs are completely dehydrated. Crush or grind them to a consistent texture, then combine with the salt.
Gift presentation: Use a small glass shaker with a green botanical label. Pair it with the Italian Herb Salt for a garden-inspired seasoning gift set.
Garlic Herb All-Purpose Seasoning
Almost every kitchen can use a good garlic herb seasoning. This blend is great on chicken, potatoes, vegetables, and even homemade croutons.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon dried parsley
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
Directions: Combine all ingredients, breaking up any large herb pieces. Store in an airtight spice jar.
Gift presentation: Package with a handwritten suggestion to toss vegetables with olive oil and seasoning before roasting.
Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Homemade lemon pepper seasoning is bright, citrusy, and a bit peppery. It’s a great way to add flavor to chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, and potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons dried lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
Directions: Use completely dehydrated lemon zest that is crisp and free of moisture. Grind or crush to your preferred texture, then combine with the remaining ingredients.
Gift presentation: A clear glass jar with a yellow and white label makes this blend look fresh and inviting.
Homemade All-Purpose Seasoned Salt
A good all-purpose seasoning is a must for any home cook. This blend adds savory flavor to burgers, fries, roasted vegetables, casseroles, and more.
Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons fine sea salt
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Directions: Combine all ingredients and mix until the color is uniform. Transfer to an airtight shaker.
Gift presentation: Label it “Everyday Seasoned Salt” and include a tag with a few favorite uses.
Homemade BBQ Rubs and Meat Seasonings
If you have someone in your life who enjoys grilling, smoking meat, or cooking outdoors, homemade dry rubs are a thoughtful gift. They’re easy to make in large batches, and you can adjust them for different meats and flavors.
Sweet and Smoky BBQ Rub
This classic BBQ rub blends sweet, smoky, and warm flavors. It’s great on ribs, chicken, and pork.
Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 2 teaspoons black pepper
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions: Combine all ingredients, breaking up any brown sugar clumps. Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight jar.
Best for: Pork ribs, pulled pork, chicken thighs, and grilled vegetables.
Gift presentation: Package in a wide-mouth spice jar with a rustic label. Include a note suggesting the rub be applied generously before grilling or smoking.
Bold Steakhouse Dry Rub
Steak doesn’t need fancy seasoning, but a bold mix of garlic, pepper, and herbs can make it even better.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
Directions: Combine the ingredients and mix well. For a more uniform texture, lightly crush the rosemary before adding it.
Best for: Steaks, burgers, beef roasts, and grilled mushrooms.
Gift presentation: Pair a jar of steakhouse rub with a meat thermometer or grilling utensil for a practical Christmas gift.
Sweet and Spicy Pork Rub
This blend is sweet enough for pork, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions: Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Best for: Pork chops, pork tenderloin, ribs, and pulled pork.
Gift presentation: Label the jar “Sweet Heat Pork Rub” and pair it with a silicone basting brush.
Savory Chicken and Poultry Rub
This herb-filled blend adds great flavor to chicken and turkey without hiding the taste of the meat.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
– 1 tablespoon dried sage
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 2 teaspoons kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
Directions: Crush the larger herbs and combine with the remaining ingredients.
Best for: Roasted chicken, turkey, chicken breasts, and grilled poultry.
Gift presentation: Package with a recipe card for roasted chicken or holiday turkey.
Smoky Coffee Dry Rub
Coffee might sound like an unusual ingredient for a meat rub, but its rich, roasted flavor pairs well with beef and smoky spices. This blend is a fun choice for anyone who likes to experiment on the grill or try new things.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons finely ground dark roast coffee
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons kosher salt
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Directions: Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Use finely ground coffee rather than brewed coffee.
Best for: Steaks, brisket, beef roasts, and burgers.
Gift presentation: Package in a dark glass spice jar with a label reading “Smoky Coffee Steak Rub.” Add a small tag explaining that coffee adds depth and richness to grilled beef.
Specialty Seasoning Blends
These blends are perfect for anyone who likes to try new things in the kitchen. They’re also great for making your own versions of popular store-bought seasonings.
Everything Bagel Seasoning
Everything bagel seasoning is a pantry favorite for a reason. It’s delicious on much more than just bagels!
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
– 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
Directions: Combine all ingredients and mix well.
Best for: Bagels, avocado toast, cream cheese, roasted vegetables, and homemade bread.
Gift presentation: Package in a clear glass shaker so the colorful mixture is visible. Pair it with a package of bagel chips or crackers.
Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Homemade ranch seasoning is very versatile. You can use it for ranch dip, on potatoes, or to add flavor to chicken and popcorn.
Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons dried parsley
– 2 tablespoons dried dill
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 2 teaspoons dried chives
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
Directions: Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Store in an airtight jar.
Best for: Ranch-style dips, roasted potatoes, chicken, and popcorn.
Gift presentation: Include a recipe card explaining how to combine the seasoning with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a simple dip.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Instead of buying packets, make your own taco seasoning with ingredients you probably already have at home. You can easily adjust this blend to match how spicy your family likes it.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions: Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight spice jar.
Best for: Ground beef, chicken tacos, taco soup, burrito bowls, and fajita-style vegetables.
Gift presentation: Package in a spice jar with a small recipe card for taco night.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
If you like bold, savory flavors with a bit of heat, Cajun seasoning is a great spice to keep around.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– 2 teaspoons black pepper
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
Directions: Combine all ingredients and mix well.
Best for: Chicken, shrimp, roasted potatoes, rice dishes, and grilled vegetables.
Gift presentation: Label the jar “Louisiana-Inspired Cajun Seasoning” and pair it with a favorite recipe.
Homemade Chili Seasoning
A jar of homemade chili seasoning makes it easy to cook up a pot of chili. It’s a thoughtful gift for busy families or anyone who loves hearty comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions: Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
Best for: Beef chili, turkey chili, bean chili, and chili-inspired casseroles.
Gift presentation: Include a handwritten chili recipe and package the seasoning with a wooden spoon or small kitchen towel.
How to Package Homemade Seasoning Blends for Christmas Gifts
One of the best things about homemade seasoning blends is how easy they are to package nicely. With the right container and label, a simple spice blend can look like a gourmet product.
Here are a few of my favorite packaging ideas: Glass spice jars: Clear jars show off the different colors and textures of the seasonings. Matching jars also look beautiful arranged together in a gift box. Metal spice tins: These are especially nice for BBQ rubs and seasoning collections. Kraft gift boxes: Arrange three or four jars in a small box with shredded paper filler for a ready-to-give gift. Personalized labels: Include the seasoning name, ingredients, preparation date, and any relevant allergen information. For example, some blends may contain common allergens like sesame seeds (found in Everything Bagel Seasoning), mustard, or celery. To make gifts suitable for everyone, consider offering allergen-friendly swaps, such as using sunflower seeds instead of sesame, omitting mustard, or checking labels for hidden allergens. You can also note on the label if a blend is free from top allergens. Recipe cards: Include a favorite recipe or a few ideas for using each seasoning.
If you’re making several gifts, buying spice jars, labels, and packaging supplies in bulk can help save money.
Homemade Seasoning Gift Set Ideas
Instead of giving just one jar, try putting together a themed collection.
The Backyard BBQ Collection: Sweet and Smoky BBQ Rub, Bold Steakhouse Rub, and Sweet and Spicy Pork Rub. The Everyday Kitchen Collection: Italian Herb Salt, Garlic Herb Seasoning, and All-Purpose Seasoned Salt. The Grill Master’s Collection: Smoky Coffee Dry Rub, Steakhouse Rub, and Savory Poultry Rub. The Flavor Explorer Collection: Cajun Seasoning, Taco Seasoning, and Everything Bagel Seasoning. The Garden-Inspired Collection: Garden Greens Seasoning Salt, Italian Herb Salt, and Lemon Pepper Seasoning.
Place three matching jars in a decorative box, add a custom gift tag, and you’ll have a beautiful homemade Christmas gift that costs much less than store-bought seasoning sets.
Gift Idea: Dinner in a Basket
Here’s a fun idea I love: Take one of your homemade seasoning blends and turn it into a whole meal in a basket. Just pick a favorite recipe and fill a basket with everything someone would need to make dinner. For taco night, you could pair your homemade taco seasoning with taco shells, salsa, black beans, shredded cheese—basically all the taco fixings. Or, put together a chili night basket with your chili seasoning, some canned beans, diced tomatoes, and a box of cornbread mix. Pop everything into a reusable basket or a metal tub, add a festive kitchen towel, and tuck in a handwritten recipe card. It’s an easy, thoughtful gift that works for just about anyone—busy families, college students, newlyweds, or anyone who loves a shortcut to dinner.
Tips for Making and Storing Homemade Seasonings
Before you start making batches for Christmas gifts, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind. If you want to make gifts for several people, it’s easy to multiply any seasoning recipe. Just use the same ratios and increase each ingredient by the same amount. Mixing larger batches at once saves time and makes sure each jar tastes the same.
Use completely dried ingredients. Any herbs, garlic, onion, or citrus zest you dehydrate yourself should be fully dry before mixing. Make sure all herbs are completely dehydrated. If you’re starting with fresh herbs, you can use a dehydrator, or you can air-dry them by tying small bundles and hanging them in a warm, dry place for about a week, or spread them out on a baking sheet and dry in the oven on the lowest setting for a few hours. Once herbs are fully dry and crisp, crush or grind them to a consistent texture, then combine with the salt.
Start with fresh spices. Spices that have been sitting in your cabinet for years won’t have the same flavor as fresh ones.
Use clean, completely dry containers. Moisture can cause clumping and spoilage.
Label every blend. Include ingredients, preparation date, and storage instructions.
Store in a cool, dry place. Keep seasoning blends away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
Use clean, dry measuring spoons. Avoid introducing moisture into the jars.
For the best flavor, I recommend making your gift batches close to Christmas and letting people know to use them within about three months. Most homemade seasoning blends stay fresh for 3 to 6 months if stored in a cool, dry place in airtight containers. Blends with dried herbs and salt last the longest, while those with brown sugar or fresh citrus zest are best used within 2 to 3 months, since sugar can clump and zest can lose its flavor. No matter the blend, always check for changes in color, clumping, loss of aroma, moisture, or any odd smells. If you see mold, moisture inside the jar, or the spices smell off, it’s best to throw them away.
Homemade seasonings make thoughtful and practical Christmas gifts. You don’t have to spend much to give a gift someone will love. Sometimes, a few simple ingredients, a nice jar, and a little creativity are all it takes. I especially like homemade seasoning blends because they’re so easy to personalize. Make mild blends for everyday meals, bold rubs for grill lovers, or herb salts with ingredients from your own garden.
Whether you’re filling stockings, making gifts for neighbors, or putting together a gourmet seasoning set for a family cook, these homemade blends are affordable, useful, and fun to make. And who knows? You might end up keeping a few jars for your own kitchen too!
Hello, my name is Laurie. My family and I live near the Oregon coast. When we aren’t at work, in school, or on the volleyball court, we enjoy traveling, cheering for our favorite sports teams, playing outdoors, and checking off items on our bucket list. We are lucky in that both sets of our parents, as well as our siblings and their families, live within an hour of us. We get together often to help one another out, celebrate milestones, and go on adventures together.
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